Spring Break offers scheduled time off from the hustle and bustle – and, yes, stress – of the school days. It doesn’t mean that you don’t love your students and the excitement that only being in a classroom brings. But everyone needs a break! The trick is using that time away to refresh for the short weeks that feel more like a long haul until the final bell sounds for summer. How do you avoid those post-Spring Break blues in the final weeks of the school year?
Why the spring break to summer stretch can feel so long
The spring break to summer stretch can be brutal. So many important things – hello, testing! – are packed into that time period. Those weeks also deliver teacher fatigue and dwindling student focus. It’s essential to focus on classroom activities that you and your students enjoy so that you can immerse yourself in the learning process. If there was ever a time for engaging lessons, this is it.
10 simple ways to keep students engaged until summer
Good news! It is possible to keep students engaged and learning until that bell rings. At this point in the year, you know your students so well. You know what works and what doesn’t. Lean into that knowledge, and plan for surviving and thriving.
1. Refresh classroom routines
Keep the basic classroom routine consistent. Students will behave better if they know classroom expectations are still in place. Revisit classroom norms to make small changes to make things seem fresh, like new seating arrangements or check-in methods.
2. Incorporate more hands-on learning
Students love active learning, so give them more—as long as their behavior choices show they can handle it. Science experiments, project-based learning, and interactive lessons can be incorporated into any subject. Virtual resources like Gizmos can also boost engagement.
3. Make review fun with games and challenges
Gamified learning tools can be used beyond traditional lessons to focus on test prep and review. Already using Reflex and/or Frax? Take it up a notch with some friendly rivalry between classes with Reflex Competitions for math fluency or Frax Competitions for fractions.
4. Lean into student-led learning
How about turning the students into teachers? Ask them to prepare presentations about topics of special interest to them—a great way to practice research and communication skills. Students can also take ownership through group projects and peer tutoring.
5. Take learning outdoors when possible
Taking advantage of fresh air can increase focus. Schedule time for outdoor independent reading, science observations, and journaling.
6. Connect lessons to real-world applications
Students are always looking to make authentic connections. Keep students interested by showing them the ways STEM is relevant to careers through a Virtual Career Day. Try a Gizmos STEM Case to engage students in finding solutions to real-world problems, just like real-life STEM professionals.
7. Build in movement and brain breaks
Build in time for short activities to keep students alert. Stand up and stretch. Play a quick round of Silent Ball or Heads Up. Turn on a song for a dance party. Then, take a few deep breaths to refocus.
8. Focus on social-emotional learning (SEL)
Teachers aren’t the only ones feeling stress. Students feel it, too. While some are excited about the upcoming summer months, others dread it. Acknowledge their feelings and incorporate check-ins. Morning greetings or writing prompts offer good opportunities.
9. Let creativity lead the way
End-of-year classroom activities are often more open-ended and creative than others. Countdown to the end and keep learning fun through Alphabet Days with a special activity based on the letter of the day. Use digital content creation for next year’s students to learn about what to expect in the class. Write a thank you note to a favorite teacher or staff member.
10. Celebrate small wins and progress
Acknowledging growth keeps students motivated for the final stretch. Make a Graffiti Wall from bulletin board paper and ask students to write moments that made them proud over the school year.
Don’t forget teacher self-care during the final stretch
The end of the school year is tough. Some years can be more difficult than others. Teachers feel exhausted even in the good moments. Prioritizing your well-being can help you finish strong. It’s not a bad thing to look forward to summer. Sure, you’ll be working on lesson plans and professional development. You should also be planning for some well-earned rest and relaxation.
Set realistic expectations
You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Lean on engaging, low-prep activities or digital tools that you count on for high-quality lessons and that students love to use. Remember to give yourself grace if everything doesn’t go perfectly. Revamp the lesson and try again!
Take brain breaks alongside students
Don’t let the kids have all the fun. Join them in the quick brain breaks, deep breathing exercises, or outdoor moments. A refreshed mind helps you stay energized and present.
Lean on your support system
Sometimes, a look from the teacher across the hall is all you need. No one understands teacher survival tips like another teacher! Connect with each other for encouragement and idea-sharing. And don’t forget those student helpers who love to assist with jobs around the class. Delegate tasks when possible.
Plan small moments of joy
Little things mean a lot! Treat yourself – you deserve it! Bring in a favorite coffee or snack, play music in class, walk the halls during your planning time with another teacher, or set aside a few quiet minutes for yourself during lunch.
Keep learning fun with ExploreLearning STEM solutions
ExploreLearning understands what it takes for teachers and students to have serious fun in the classroom. With our digital solutions, students learn that success in math and science is possible. Our research-driven tools deliver engaging, entertaining experiences that teachers and students actually WANT to participate in. It’s how we make sure that everyone has the opportunity to progress in STEM from the beginning of the year all the way to the end.
Take the pressure off and let ExploreLearning products do the work instead! Closing out the school year while keeping the content going has never been easier!
