Depending on where you live you are either at the tail end of your school year, or getting really close. The end of the year brings it’s own challenges just like the beginning of the year.
Instead of setting the classroom up, you’re taking it apart.
Instead of establishing routine, you are allowing for a little more elbow room.
Depending on your level, you’re preparing for exams, or enjoying some pre-movingupgraduation time.
When things come to an end, as all things do, what does that mean to you?
Is it a time to reflect or a time to be relieved?
Is it a time to renew and finish what you started or a time to skate through the last few moments?
Is it a time to strengthen your processes within the classroom or a time to let it all go?
Reflection is a necessary part of what a good educator does. Whether a lesson bombed or was successful requires reflection. Looking at the progress, or lack of progress, in a group of students means regular reflection. Examining the way to change your approach going into the next year requires deep reflection.
You want the relief of the end of the year, but don’t cheat yourself of the reflection. There is growth on the other side. Relief will feel all the more better after reflection.
Finishing what you started brings with it all of the feelings of accomplishment that make education a rewarding profession. Communicate with your students about the culimination of the year. Look at what loose ends are still around in the class, whether it’s work, following up with a family, or aligning with colleagues.
It feels good to blow off some responsibility from time to time. Responsibilities will still be there. Take the time and finish what you started in as many facets of your educational life as you can.
Building on strength is the twin of improving weaknesses. There are things you do well. There might even be a lot of things you do well. Celebrate those victories, and polish those strengths. It will make improving your weaknesses easier in the long run.
It’s easy to find what’s wrong. Reflect and take time to see what you do well. When you find those things, look at how to make them permeate other parts of your day. The weaknesses might just improve without much of a push.
The end of the year- you wanted it to happen in January, or maybe this was the year you wish didn’t end right now. No matter what, endings bring time for reflection, finishing, and improvements. Take the time for yourself, and see the reward when you get back next school year.
