By this point in the summer holidays, if you haven’t already gone into school to sort out your classroom, you are probably gearing up to do just that. Here are my tips for getting it all done as quickly and painlessly as possible, so that you can go back to enjoying the last days of summer.
1. Time it right
Some people like to do a few hours here and there throughout the holidays, but I’m a great advocate of allocating a full day and blitzing it all in one go.
The question is: which day do you go in?
If you’re a parent, you’ll have to pick from two options.
Option A: Time it for when you know your kids will be elsewhere. Consider the day some well-earned respite from being surrounded by children 24/7. Bring snacks and milk for tea.
Option B: Pick a day when the whole family can help out. Is your partner good at DIY? If they’re not, there’s never been a better time for them to learn. Meanwhile, the kids can be set onto multiple tasks of sorting and sharpening, in between scaling the early years equipment. Bring a picnic and a DVD.
Of course, those of you without children can mosey in at your own leisure.
2. Create a relaxed space
The classroom climate should obviously be conducive to learning, but don’t go overboard. Have resources accessible and clearly labelled. Throw out anything you haven’t used in 12 months. De-clutter. It’s good for the soul.
When putting up your displays, follow the agreed policies; you know there’ll be a learning walk within a fortnight. However, the classroom should also be a place you feel relaxed, comfortable and can retain some of your own identity. To cut down on labour, use a resources site to find banners, but add your own bits too.
During your setting-up day, I highly recommend treating your classroom as a dance studio-cum-karaoke bar. Turn up the volume, dance and sing along to a playlist that’ll get you motivated. Work on your floss as you get jobs done. Or, for the less outgoing, stick on a box set or audio book.
3. Set up places that will bring everyone back to baseline
Teaching takes a huge amount of emotional and physical energy. There will be days when you find it hard to keep your cool - and the children are just the same. So, create spaces where it’s safe to feel this way.
In key stage 1, create a “chillout” area filled with mesmerising fiddle toys where the darlings can go to calm down. For KS2, make the book area inviting; add a mindfulness colouring book and pot of crayons.
And what about things to help you keep your cool? If you’re lucky enough to have a stock cupboard, try concealing a motivational poster or emergency packet of biscuits inside. At the very least, have a picture of something that makes you smile - something not too serious that will remind you that you are an adult and things could be worse.
Tiffany Noden is a former primary teacher from Lincolnshire who is currently studying for a MA in education.
