Elementary School Garden

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...

Where ideas bloom, laughter grows, and every teacher is welcome! Hey there, teacher friend! I’m Jennifer Jasewicz , a fourth grade teacher who’s been playing in the dirt—I mean, classroom —for 18 years. I created Elementary School Garden as a space to grow, share, and sprinkle a little sunshine into your teacher life. Whether you’re a seasoned educator or freshly planted, I’m so glad you’ve found your way to this little patch of the internet . I believe teaching is a lot like gardening: 🌱 You plant the seeds of knowledge. 🌦 You water them with encouragement. ☀️ And with a little light (and maybe some classroom chaos), students blossom in ways you never imagined! Here, I’ll be sharing lesson plans, time-saving tips, printable resources, and bursts of inspiration— all rooted in joy and growth. I hope to save you time, spark your creativity, and maybe even make you chuckle after a long day of wrangling wildflowers (also known as 9-year-olds). Some fun facts as we get to know each ...