It’s almost that time of year again. The time when the winter drag turns into the spring sprint. For me, the weeks before spring break are always packed with assessments, standardized tests, and whether you love them or not, field trips.
So what is the best way to prep for the break? Are there strategies or ways to improve the experience before break or after you get back? That’s what we are here to talk about!
What do I do before break?
That’s the question we’ve all been asking— what do I need to do before break so that I can actually enjoy my break? For me, I need to be sure there are no loose ends going into a break otherwise I will only focus on those unfinished tasks. Therefore, I need a checklist of tasks that need to be done before spring break starts.
Standardized Testing
Spring is the time for warmth, happiness, and standardized tests. Growing up, standardized tests always gave me anxiety and that remains true today. The way in which I feel prepared and ready for proctoring the standardized tests is to make sure I’ve completed the training ahead of time, have a schedule of testing periods, and make sure my students understand the procedures for the testing period.
Additionally, I like to make sure my students have a snack or breakfast provided to them before the tests. Since my school tends to not do this, I always plan to buy and distribute the nutritious foods to my students.
Wrapping up Assessments
My biggest fear about breaks is always the loss of momentum when teaching a unit or module. Due to this, I always plan out my assessments thoughtfully so that all of my students can complete the final assessment before break to the best of their ability. Some students leave super early for spring break and some students need more than a class period to complete a test. With these factors, it’s always safe to assume that you may need a couple buffer days before the actual break.
My break doesn’t officially start until a Friday afternoon. So, as a buffer, my unit assessment will occur either on Tuesday or Wednesday so that even if a student if leaving a couple days early, they can still complete the assessment to the best of their ability.
Field Trips
Field trips… When done correctly, they can be the most magical thing. When done incorrectly… well we have all been on a field trip where it may not have gone so well. The best way to feel prepared for a field trip is to actually prepare for a field trip.
Make those rosters, make a solid itinerary, make sure students understand the expectations and procedures for the field trip. Most importantly, have a teacher buddy that’ll make the field trip that much better!
Planning for After Break
The most reassuring feeling is having a set-in-stone plan for when you come back from break. Knowing what you are teaching and what activities you will do makes break that much more enjoyable! No need to have those Sunday scaries or worry about finding a last minute lesson plan for Monday.
What do I do during break?
Relax! This is your time to breathe, kick back, and enjoy every second of break.
What do I do after break?
Harvest the fruits of your labor! You have a lesson plan all set for your first day (maybe even week) of school— that work before break pays off!
Welcome to the Spring Sprint! You only have a few more months until the end of the school year. I don’t know about you, but this year has flown by, had its ups and downs, but I wouldn’t change it for anything.
If you are looking for resources for your classroom, check out my TPT store!
Have a fantastic few weeks before spring break!
-Mr. Tim.
Teaching with Mr. Tim 