Changing grades is a HUGE job. Whether you’ve been through it in the past and are about to head down that road again, or it is a first-time event for you, I’ve got some tips and tricks to make the process a little easier.
Purge
When changing grades (or just changing classrooms), my number one goal is to get rid of the things I’ve held on to over the years and rarely used.
Get rid of:
- outdated memos and communication from the administration
- student data that you are no longer required to save
- old units or handouts that you haven’t used in a year or more
- cracked or broken storage containers
- torn or crumpled posters or other decor items you won’t need
- damaged books from your classroom library
- duplicate files or papers that you can’t live without – keep one master copy
- old and unusable art or student supplies
Consider donating usable resources you won’t need in your new grade to a new teacher in your area.
Note: If you choose to sell or give away any resources you’ve purchased on Teachers Pay Teachers, be sure to read the author’s Terms Of Use carefully. It is unlawful to print copies of most resources with the intent to resell the hard copies or to distribute the digital files.
If you’ve got papers you can’t part with, consider converting them to digital files, which take up no physical space! Check out my tips in this blog post:
Pack Up Systematically
Pack up each section of your classroom into categorized boxes or bins and label them! This makes it easy to find the things you need when you get to your new space.
When moving your things into the new space, try to have an idea of how you’ll set up the room before beginning to unpack, then unload your boxes into the general area where they’ll be needed. This eliminates the extra step of having to move them around within the new room after everything has been unloaded.
Pack up each section of your classroom into categorized boxes or bins and label them!
I’ve got tons of other great organizational tips in this blog post:
Batch-Process Tasks
I sometimes struggle with seeing one job through to completion when faced with a huge task like moving classrooms. I pick away at one job and then get pulled away to another before completing the first. #icallitmultitasking
When packing and unpacking your classrooms, try not to do this! Don’t bounce around from one task to another without a plan. Make yourself a to-do list and complete each item in one go.
Consider batching when:
- sorting your classroom library
- organizing your professional resources
- preparing decor items and decorating your new space
- cleaning
- filing important papers and resources
Make yourself a to-do list and complete each item in one go.
Whether you’re getting organized for changing grades or just trying to get your day-to-day tasks in order, grab yourself a free To-Do List right here:
Get Your Library In Order
In my classroom, the library is the most important part of our space. One of my highest priorities is teaching my students a love of reading. When changing grades, we sometimes start from scratch to build this essential area.
Grab a pile of suggestions for how to build your classroom library in this blog post:
Get To Know The Curriculum
Once your physical classroom is ready, you’ll need to start with your new curriculum or subject standards. Look for the “Big Ideas” and opportunities to integrate subjects into your lessons. Visit your school’s teacher resource center and familiarize yourself with the resources available before the new school year begins or as soon as possible.
I have hundreds of resources on TPT (US$) and here on my website (CA$). Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need some specific suggestions!
Find A Support Network
Whether you’re in a large school with an entire grade team to work with or a tiny school where you’re the only teacher of your grade, there are people out there to support you as you learn the ropes in your new classroom.
One valuable place to find inspiration and ask questions is Facebook. I’m active on my Facebook page daily, and I am happy to collaborate with you!
Get To Know Your New Students
Before you rush out and buy all the great goodies you find on TPT, be sure to spend some time getting to know your new students. You don’t need to dive into the curriculum immediately.
Learn your students’ talents, strengths, needs, and interests before you begin to plan your program. Use these things to create an engaging classroom environment.
I love to use games at the beginning of the year and spend a lot of time talking with my students to get to know them. My Back To School Scoot game is a fun way to get to know each other! Click the image below to grab it on TPT.
I also send home a parent questionnaire each year to better understand my students’ perspectives. You can grab a free copy of this in both PDF and Google Digital versions right here:
Don’t Stress!
Finally, be sure to take care of yourself! You’re no good to anybody if you’re unwell from putting too much pressure on yourself. Be sure to find time for yourself, your family, and your friends, and don’t allow yourself to become overwhelmed or consumed by your new job.
I’ve shared some of my favorite ways to look after my well-being in this blog post, written for the end of the year but perfectly applicable to any time:
Changing grades doesn’t have to be overwhelming or all-consuming. Take a deep breath, start with a list, and let’s rock it. I’m right there with you.
If you found this post helpful, I know you will love what I’ve shared in these posts as well:
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