At any given time, there are approximately 7,392 things on my to-do lists. During the back to school and end of the year craziness, that number triples exponentially. Having planning lists for the classroom during the craziest of times is pretty much essential for surviving the back to school rush.
My lists don’t start during pre-planning or teacher prep days (ha, what are those?) though.
I start making lists in the spring as school is winding down.
I find this helps me stay focused when there’s too much going on.
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How to Survive the Back to School Rush
Step 1: Make Lists
Yep, I said lists. Plural.
Surviving the back to school rush is allllll about listing, and prioritizing. And maybe even delegating.
Possible lists:
- Post-Planning
- Pre-Planning
- Things to Print/Buy/Make/Clean/Organize/Find Out
- Ideas for Next Year
The good news is that I have these lists (and more) ready for you in my Ultimate Classroom Planning Lists download.
Step 2: Prioritize
Not everything is going to be finished before the first day of school. There’s just too much to do, and not enough time.
But, it’s ok. Not everything needs to be done before the first day of school.
First, decide what things can be done before the current school year finishes.
Like making copies for next year.
Now, don’t make copies for the entire school year. But things you know you’ll need for the first week or two of school, I’d recommend copying and then placing in your back to school box.
Then, decide what must be done before open house/meet the teacher.
Finally, decide what must be done before the first day of school.
Everything else can wait.
Step 3: Back to School Box
One of the best things I ever did was make a back to school box. It might be the key to surviving the back to school rush.
A back-to-school box is a box filled with the essentials. It’s the very first box I open up when I head back to my classroom to begin setting up. They’re the things that I know I will need almost immediately.
It’s nice to know I don’t have to wonder where I my hot glue gun, or stapler might be located.
Plus, having sharpened pencils ready to go, is a life saver! Who in the world wants to sharpen pencils frantically the morning of the first day of school? Been there. Made that mistake. Never again.
A few things that I have in the back to school box:
- sharpened pencils
- pencil sharpener
- stapler and staples
- hot glue gun and glue refills
- pens
- permanent markers
- tape
- scissors
- copies for the first week of school
- open house copies/materials
- 1 pack of copy paper
- lysol wipes
- duster
- paper towels
Step 4: Hope for the Best
At this point, there’s really nothing else you can do.
Not everything is going to done, and not everything will be perfect. And you know what? It’s ok.
Because you’re ready.
You can do this!
Think of all those smiles who can’t wait to meet you!
You Might Also Like:
- Preparing for Open House/Meet the Teacher
- Books to Build a Community of Learners
- Is an Erin Condren Planner Really Worth the Money?
- 10 Must Read Books for Elementary Teachers
- Supplies Every Teacher Actually Needs
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