Beat the Spring Slump in Your Classroom
Teacher bestie, I see you. I know you're feeling exhausted, a little burnt out, and just trying to make it to spring break in one piece. The good news? You’re not alone, and I’ve got you covered! Here are five essential strategies to help you power through the spring slump and keep both you and your students engaged and thriving.
Tighten Up Those Routines and Procedures
I’m holding your hand as I say this—yes, it’s time to refocus on your routines and procedures. The middle of the school year can bring a little chaos, and students (and let’s be honest, teachers too) start to loosen up on expectations. Now is the time to reinforce those classroom procedures to make your days smoother and less exhausting. Sharpen them up, review them, and stay consistent so you can go home at the end of the day feeling accomplished instead of drained.
Plan Something Fun to Look Forward To
If you’re dragging through the days, chances are your students are too. A little spark of excitement can make a huge difference! Plan something fun that still ties into your curriculum—a class game, an interactive group activity, or even an outdoor academic scavenger hunt if the weather is nice. Giving your students (and yourself) something enjoyable to anticipate will help break up the monotony and keep engagement high.
Avoid Power Struggles Like a Pro
Students pushing boundaries? Acting out? Trying to bait you into an argument? Don’t take the bait. One of the biggest energy drainers for teachers is getting sucked into power struggles. Instead, stay cool, calm, and neutral. Set clear expectations, enforce consequences calmly, and remind yourself that engaging in a struggle only adds unnecessary stress to your day. Master the art of the neutral response and watch your energy (and sanity) stay intact.
Give Yourself and Your Students Brain Breaks
News flash: Brain breaks aren’t just for little kids. No matter the grade level, everyone benefits from short mental resets throughout the day. Whether it’s a quick movement break, a mindfulness exercise, or a fun class discussion, giving yourself and your students a moment to recharge can work wonders. Don’t underestimate the power of stepping away from the grind for a few minutes—it’ll make the whole day run more smoothly.
Prioritize YOURSELF
This is the most important tip of all: Take care of YOU. Teachers are notorious for putting everyone else first, but burnout is real. Whether it’s leaving work at contract time, setting boundaries, or taking a mental health day when needed, find ways to nurture yourself. Do something that brings you joy—read a book, take a walk, binge your favorite show. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so make sure you’re filling yours.
Final Thoughts
The spring slump is real, but you don’t have to let it take over your classroom (or your well-being). By tightening up routines, incorporating fun activities, avoiding unnecessary stress, taking brain breaks, and prioritizing self-care, you’ll not only survive this part of the year but actually enjoy it. You’ve got this!
