Here we are again.  In the blink of an eye another school year comes to an end.  This is one of the best times of year to help out your future self.  I know, I’m exhausted too, and the last thing I really want to do is prepare anything for next year. But just hear me out.  You’ll be thanking yourself come August.

Tip #1: Don’t Be Afraid to Purge

I’m a saver.  I can find a reason to save ANYTHING.  Those empty glue bottles—they can be refilled (I tell myself). Let’s be honest. They will never be refilled.  Those old workbooks are only collecting dust—but I might use them one day right? WRONG. This year, I’m making the choice to de-clutter my classroom BEFORE I leave for summer.  Coming back in August will be so much easier knowing that I have only things I need and less of things I never use. Will you help out your future self by purging the un-necessary and embracing a minimalist attitude?

Tip #2: Reflect

What went well this year?  What would you want to do differently?  At the end of each year, it is so important to take time to reflect on the past school year while it’s still fresh on your mind.  Was their a unit that you want to teach at a different time point? Was a their a classroom management strategy that worked awesome and you want to remember for next year?  To keep track of my thoughts I create a Google Doc that I can easily update these last few days of school and refer back to again next year.  However you choose to reflect, be sure to do so before your brain is officially on summer break! 

Tip #3: Plan Ahead and Get that First Unit READY to GO!

When we get back in August, we have meetings, professional development, and limited time to work in our rooms.  So before I leave for summer, I always plan out my first unit for the next school year. It’s super easy to upload all of the resources I need into a folder in my Google Drive so that it’s all ready to be printed, copied, and organized in August.  This is the biggest time saver for me! In August, I don’t have to stress about planning a unit, but instead can focus on getting my classroom first day of school ready. Need ideas for your first unit? Check out my Biology Bonanza and Lab Safety QR Code Scavenger Hunt!  These are fun activities that help to break the ice all while getting students up and moving.  I always have these planned for the first week of school!

So there you have it, my top 3 things that I do as I wrap another school year.  What are your favorite end of the year tips that help you prepare for the next year?