End of Year Classroom Management
As the school year winds down, it's no surprise that students are buzzing with excitement or even a touch of end-of-year jitters. While this energy can be infectious, it can also present some unique behavioral challenges in the classroom. But don't worry, I've got you covered! In this article, we'll tackle three common end-of-year behaviors and share some strategies to keep the learning vibes positive right up to the last bell. Let's get started!
Increased talking, restlessness, and excitability
With the days getting warmer and summer break visible on the horizon, you may find that your students are more fidgety, talkative, constantly have the giggles, and just have a harder time staying seated. Do you blame them? As teachers, we feel it too, only we have developed the skills to keep it contained…most of the time!
To help address these increased behaviors, the most important thing to do is to stick to your established routines and schedules to provide a sense of stability. Still reinforce your expectations for behavior. If you begin to slack on this part, the behaviors will continue to increase and be harder to reign in when you’ve had enough.
However, give your students some slack in other areas. They need that outlet for all of that excitement. So, plan MORE opportunities for them fulfill their need for movement and conversation. You could simply set a timer for x amount of time as a brain break, allowing them to play a game, create with pattern blocks, etc. Better yet, you could also plan collaborative projects and activities which are perfect for this time of year.
Increased emotions
Yep, this time of year is an emotional rollercoaster for many students. Students may experience a range of emotions, including excitement, sadness, or anxiety, about the end of the school year. As a result, we see mood swings or even conflicts among peers occur more frequently.
To help prepare students for the end of the year, review expectations regarding their behaviors but also address any concerns or anxieties students may have. Encourage students to share their feelings as well as accomplishments from the year, which will solidify your supportive classroom community. The more we can provide opportunities for students to reflect, will only help students prepare for their upcoming transition.
Also as mentioned, peer conflict can also result from increased emotions. Our students have spent so much time together over the course of the year and with heighted emotions, we may run into a bit of student drama. One of the most proactive methods with this is to be more strategic with your student grouping. Perhaps you need to rearrange your seating arrangement, rotate groups more often, avoid specific pairings, etc. When problems do arise, mediate the situation quickly and make adjustments as needed.
Lack of motivation
Students daydreaming? Not wanting to work on their assignments? Vacation being right around the corner can make a bit tricky to keep them focused on their tasks and class activities.
This is where your creative planning really comes into action. The rest of the year cannot be all fun and games, we still have learning targets to reach. During this time, be very intentional with what must be done and make it very clear to your students. Again, it’s those expectations that we hold our students to. Still, plan engaging and interactive lessons that capture interest and increase student motivation. In addition, incorporate end of year projects or activities that are both fun and educational.
As the school year comes to a close, navigating increased excitability, heightened emotions, and occasional dips in motivation can be so challenging. By understanding these end-of-year behaviors and implementing proactive strategies, you can maintain a positive learning environment. Here's to ending the year on a high note!
