5 Tips to Finish Up the Year Strong!

It's almost over! Since we moved last summer, this year seems like it's just a continuation of last year! Needless to say, I'm ready for a break. We are ALL ready for a break! Which is why I wanted to write a quick post on how we can finish up the year strong. This is to help you AND hold myself accountable for practicing what I preach. 😉
The order of these tips might be different for you, choose what works best based on where you are now. If you have any tips that work for you, please share in the comments or tag me on your favorite social media platforms.  I love getting ideas from my like-minded educators! 
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1. Pace Yourself

Your to-do list can get really long at the end of the year, so make sure to pace yourself.
Prioritize your list and put them on your calendar so you aren't running around like a crazy person the last week of school. You want to enjoy the excitement of the promise of summer with your students and coworkers, not just focusing on what I like to call the end of the year scavenger hunt. 

Tools that can help you prioritize your to-do list: 

• Google Keep     This is my favorite technology tool for organizing and project management!
• Todoist  I don't use this one personally, but I know a lot of people who swear by it! 
• Franklin Covey prioritizing strategy  I used Franklin Covey planners for years before switching to a Passion Planner. I still love and use the strategies I learned from this planning system. 
• The Pomodoro Technique​  This one is more about scheduling your actual time, not just the to-do list. If you can't focus for long periods of time, this one is for you! ​

2. Start Organizing Your Files

If you are leaving your district, you have to try Google Takeout so you can keep those files you've worked so hard on throughout the year(s).  *Find out more about it here. 
If you are a desktop saver (no judgement), I suggest creating a folder on your desktop called something like "Desktop items 20-21" so you can drag the entire folder into your personal Google Drive or onto a flash drive. I like to go through the files first and trash what I don't need, but if you don't have time right now, at least you know where it is even after you have to turn in your laptop or move to a new school.  

3. Create a Summer Wishlist

We all need something to look forward to right now! I like to create a personal and professional summer bucket list and add to as things pop into my head while dreaming about those no alarm days of summer!
I'm a PD geek, so I also like to make a list of trainings or certifications I'd like to participate in to make the next year better.  I'm finishing up year 23, and I still love learning new things!

Bucket List Tracker Ideas:

• Google Keep List - just add check boxes to a Google Keep note (mentioned above) so you can enjoy the satisfaction of check them off when you are done.
• Bullet Journal -prefect for paper and pen lovers! Check out the article linked here to learn more about this planner/journal way to track the important things in your life. 
• Sketchnote -Check out Carrie Baughcum's video to get an idea of what Sketchnoting is if this is new to you.  Again, if you love to embrace your creative side when planning, you'lll love this! 

Summer PD Ideas: 

• Google Meet Master Class - This is my first Teachable course that I created for Kasey Bell (Shake Up Learning) as a part of her Training Team. If you are new to using Google Meet, this would be a great self-paced training for you! You can find the podcast  about Google Meet  here if you want to check it out. 
• Badges! I don't know why I love earning badges, but this site caught my eye on Twitter, so it's on my summer learning list (FREE).  #BadgEdTech 
• 📚 BOOKS! I have some audio books I want to listen to from  my GoodReads list . If you use track your books to read here too, I'd love to connect! My short stack of PD books include (two practical, one passion topic): 

4. Reflect

I reflect personally and professionally every month using the pages in my Passion Planner. What I love about this, is looking back to see the different stages of my life. Want to give it a try, download a copy of those reflection pages for free here. 

Here are some of my favorite quotes on Reflection that might inspire you to give it a try.
"The unexamined life is not worth living." ~Socrates
"We do not learn from experience... we learn from reflecting on experience." ~John Dewey
Need ideas on becoming a reflective teacher? Check out this blog post. 

5. Make Self-Care a Priority

You are tired, all educators are tired. It's been a long year that might seem like it will never end, but like all things, it will.  We have to take time to take care of ourselves to stay healthy and productive as we finish up the year. Here are some of the tips that have helped me, maybe they will help you too.
If you want more tips, I highly suggest Dan Tricarico's The Zen Teacher and Sanctuaries.  

• Make time for things you WANT to do, not just things you HAVE to do. 
• Say No!
• 5 S's: Silence, Stillness, Subtraction, Space, Slowing Down - if you can't do all of them - try to pick one. (from Dan Tricarico's Sanctuaries)
• Turn the news off! If it stresses you out, it's as easy as a click of the remote to remove that stress.  If it's super important, chances are you will hear about it.
• ​Make time for exercise. I know, it's what everyone says, but even going for a quick walk can reduce your stress level.  
• Music - Create an upbeat playlist to play when you are tired or feeling stressed.  It's hard to be stressed when listening to songs like Shake It Off (admit it, you like it too). 😜

What's Next? 

Summer PD for me! I will take a break here and there, but I'm a PD geek and I love using summer to brainstorm ideas. I don't know about you, but I don't have the mental capacity during the school year to really let me imagination go.  I'm also going to spend time with friends and family, as well as going on our (postponed from last summer) trip to Nicaragua. I can't wait!
You'll see some pool or beachside #booksnaps soon!

I wish you all the best of luck with the end of the year and I hope you will take some time for yourself so you feel refreshed when you walk back into the school building next Fall! ~Pam 

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