Two Months to Go!

Oh-oh, that time of year is here again! The time when winter, a guest that has long over-stayed her welcome, finally leaves town. The flowers come out, the weather turns warm, and the world seems to burst with colour and excitement. What could be better for the boosting ones spirit?

The only problem, of course, is that it seems to take the students’ minds off school and throw them into pre-summer-holiday mode. They slack off, have trouble concentrating, and complain about any assignment we give them. This is only in May. . . in June the task of teaching becomes even more difficult.

There are several ways to deal with this. One of the best things I have found is to schedule the entire school year well ahead of time. Make sure you have all the major assignments delivered and completed before May. Save the less demanding, less tedious work for the end of the year. This is the best time to take class trips to places the students have learned about during the school year. It is also a good time to read a novel to the class or put on a theatrical production.

This doesn’t really solve the problem of keeping the children focused during the last two months. Perhaps some incentives would help. Tell the students that a year end trip depends on their behavior and work ethic during the next few weeks. Explain to them that if they do not work, they will not bring home As and Bs. My child’s teacher makes everyone put their heads down on their desks if the class gets out of hand.

This time of year is excellent for sports; something our children really need more of these days. Make sure you do a wide variety of activities because not everyone love baseball. Try doing these activities during the cooler part of the day, because the heat in the early afternoon can cause heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and heat cramps.

There are always a couple of scorching hot days to deal with. When the mercury rises above 30 degrees Celcius, it may be best to have a laid back day. Very few students can concentrate during such intense heat. Head to an air-conditioned library and have a reading period, go take a lesson outside in the shade, or just ask the students what they want to do. Try to stay on schedule as much as possible and reward the students with popsicles.

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