Elementary School Garden

You did it, teacher friend. You survived the field days, the glitter explosions, the mystery puddles, and the 47 questions about whether they really have to keep reading over the summer. And now? The school bags are zipped. The laminator is cooling down. The classroom plants are… well, let’s hope they’re not crispy. It's officially summer break —that magical season where we reclaim our time and rediscover ourselves . So if you’re like me—equal parts exhilarated and exhausted—you’re probably wondering what to do now that you can finally finish a cup of coffee while it’s still warm. 🌞 Well, pour that iced tea, throw on your favorite floppy sunhat, and dig into this list of the Top 10 Things Teachers Should Absolutely Do During the First Week of Summer Break . 1. Sleep Like a Sunflower Face the light, and sleep for 12 hours straight . Teachers are chronically under-rested. No one sets 17 alarms to make it to the beach.  I enjoy extra sleep the first week of summer. Your ...

How to Survive (and Actually Enjoy) the Last Weeks of Fourth Grade Solutions for a Smooth, Meaningful, and Fun Finish Ah, June. The sun is shining, the countdown is on, and your fourth graders’ energy is... through the roof. 😅 Let’s be honest — these last few weeks can be some of the most challenging of the year: Focus flies out the window. Behaviors bubble up. Routines unravel. You still want to finish strong — but how? If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone! I used to dread this time of year until I shifted my approach. Now, I think of it as a chance to celebrate, reflect, and set students up for success — all while maintaining calm and structure. Here’s my go-to game plan to help you survive (and actually ENJOY) the end of fourth grade — without losing your mind. Problem #1: "My students are bouncing off the walls!" Solution: A June Countdown Calendar to Channel Their Excitement Kids are going to be excited — why not build that into your clas...