Finish Strong

Can you believe the school year is almost over? I don't know about you, but for me it seems like it started just yesterday.
This is the time of year when a million thoughts and ideas can race through a teacher's brain at a million miles an hour. We can also find ourselves low on energy, and maybe even slightly on edge.
Looking for some ideas to finish this school year strong?

Here are three of my favorite tips for ending the school year on a positive note. 

As teachers, we pour so much of our energy and passion into others that we sometimes forget to take care of ourselves. Sometimes we get to school before the sun comes up and don't leave until after the sun goes down.

 Don't feel guilty for not bringing lesson plans and papers home with you! Leave it at school and take some time for yourself. Why not try a Target run or a relaxing pedicure after school one day? Go home and actually have time to make dinner and watch your favorite shows without worry about emails, testing, and grades due. Treat yo self!

When we take time to renew our energy we're then able to be at our best for students.

What's the one activity you've been wanting to try with your class? Have you put it off for a year or two? Are you worried what others might think when you step outside the box? Take a leap of faith and do it anyway! I promise it'll give you a fresh boost of enthusiasm that we need during this point in the year.

If you haven't already, start building your own Personal Learning Network. Connect with other teachers in your district and globally who share a common passion for what we do. Find your tribe that you can share frustrations accomplishments with. Remember you become who you surround yourself with. Are you surrounding yourself with people who will drain your energy, or around people who will lift you up when needed? If your looking for more ways to build a PLN through social media check out my post on Twitter tips and tricks for teachers. 

Enjoy what's left of your week, and have a great weekend!