Whether you are just starting your summer break or still have a month to go, like me, it’s time to get set up for next year in Spanish class! Even though there are a lot of “end of year” tasks that must be completed, it’s so helpful to take some time to get yourself set up for a smooth start next year. Here are a few ideas that will get you started!
First Thing To Do To Get Set Up For Next Year
One of the first things you can do to get set up for next year is to ask a current student if they will be your student aide next year. I have a whole post on what student aides can help you do here, but you’re looking for a responsible student who you had a good relationship with or who might really benefit from some extra connection.
Arranging this agreement now can help your new year start off much more smoothly! Assign the tasks like classroom decorating, laminating, cutting things out and even copying to a student aide. These are the things that take a long time, but don’t require a college degree or deep knowledge of content. I’ve even asked if they would like to come in to help me set up my room a few days before school starts. Having a helper to get them done is worth it!
Tip 2
This tip to get set up for next year is a bigger lift. I like to do this when I need a break from correcting exams. First, I archive all of the “classes” I have on the various platforms I use. For example, I archive my Google Classrooms. Other places where I have platforms include Edpuzzle, GoGuardian, Snorkl, WeWillWrite and probably more!
Then, if I know my teaching assignments for next year, I at least set up the Google classrooms for next year. If I don’t have the time or energy to do more with Google Classroom this year, no big deal! But some years, I do have the time or need the distraction, and the next section will tell you what to do next!
Get Set Up For Next Year: Tip 3
Another thing you can do now to get set up for next year is to print or find all the documents you are required to give at the beginning of every new school year. Does your district require you to give a syllabus and a grading policy? Those are things you can find now, and even copy now, to save for the beginning of the year.
Going back to Google Classroom, there are multiple documents I keep there for the whole year. I start a heading called “Things You’ll Need All Year” and I put the syllabus, course description, grading policy, retake policy, how to install the international keyboard so students can type accents, and even a document with class codes, in case we get new students during the year. Of course, this can be done at the beginning of a new year, but sometimes I have the time/energy to get it set up before I leave for summer!
Check out this bundle of things I use every year! It includes parent/family communications, new student onboarding and several other things I at the beginning of each new year. Sometimes standing at the copier while these things get run off is just what I need to get out of my chair when I’ve been correcting exams for a long time! And when school starts, I’m SO thankful to myself that I have these ready to go!
Last Idea To Get Set Up For Next Year
I feel like this is a sensitive topic….. because so many of us have barely survived this school year. We are in desperate need of a break, so suggesting making lesson plans might not be popular…..
However. Hear me out. I am hoping that this year, I will have the time and energy to do this before I leave for summer. Why? Well, this year, I have a lot of students who will end the year with an A. At my school, all students with an A for the year do not have to take the final exam (regardless of age/grade). For me, this means that I will have far fewer exams to correct than I did last year. And that means I’ll have more time and possibly more brain power to do other things.
If you’ve been teaching a while, you may have noticed that the first few weeks of school require the same things each year. I have created my “first weeks of school” lesson plans for each course I teach, and I tweak them a little each year. But there are some staples that I always do or use. When the current school year allows, I love to get set up for next year by creating those plans and even copying or posting things in Google Classroom.
I can honestly say that on the years when I am able to do this, I have NEVER been bored at the beginning of a new year! There are always so many things to do!! But it feels so good to spend less summer time in my classroom getting lesson plans done, and feeling less chaotic on those first days back.
Here are my first weeks of school lesson plans for Spanish 2 and Spanish 3. They’re on sale this week! And check below for other resources and blog posts that may help you finish this year strong!
Resources
Spanish/English All About My Teacher Fill in the Blank End of Year Activity
Spanish Back to School Survival Pack for Middle and High School
Spanish Slang & Texting Bundle! Fun Resources!
First Weeks of School Lesson plans for Spanish 2
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