First, is your Google Drive "Driving" you crazy? If you are a G-Suite classroom, your Drive has probably been getting a bit cluttered. I start the year off great but by December, it is time to clean up a bit. It feels so good to get the Drive organized so you can actually find things again. Here are three easy ways to get started and get that Google Drive under control.
Next, take some of those little things off your plate in January by giving the students more leadership roles. They are ready! Have iPads or other technology in the classroom? Create a student tech team that can rotate each month. Let the students be in charge of powering off and charging the devices, or assisting their classmates. Give them the opportunity to be peer helpers or experts in the classroom. Have a few students who are high flyers and don't need the mini-lesson in math? Let them create, set up, and run a station during the workshop.
Don't forget about YOU! Add a brain break during the day that will benefit both you and your students. Use yoga, meditation, or visualization to calm or re-energize throughout the day. There are many apps and websites out there to guide you. Here are a few of my favorites:
Finally, just browsing Pinterest while drinking a cup of hot chocolate is relaxing to me. Sometimes, I find some great ideas and get super excited to try them with students after the break. The most important thing is that you come back relaxed, excited, and ready to teach!
Enjoy your break and see you in 2020!
