Almost there...the days after spring break

Teachers need ideas to deal with the downhill run to the end of the year. What do you do after testing? How can you keep your sanity?

As any veteran teacher will tell you, certain times of the school year present unique challenges. The beginning of the year is nerve-racking for everyone and downright terrifying for the new teacher. Then, just as you're getting in the groove, the Halloween/Thanksgiving/Winter Holiday season arrives. Non-stop candy, excitement and activity can stall you in your tracks. Perhaps you revive after the holiday and get down to business again, only to hit that long, dry spell before spring break. Then, after break, a few, maybe four, weeks until testing. In most states testing begins in early May and usually wraps up within a week or two. In some high schools, AP tests can be in early May and state tests a few weeks later.

What do you do after those tests? Some ideas may be to pull together a more "fun" unit that excites you. Maybe some film reviews, a poetry contest, a re-enactment of a historical scene, a cool science experiment that maybe didn't quite fit into testing can work now. Take the kiddos outside and have them write Walden-esque journals. Step outside your usual self and see what happens! If you have any great ideas -let me know, and I'll publish them here! Great job! You are almost there!