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.
![How To Take The Headache Out Of Changing Grades Desk with crumpled papers and notepad reading, "How To Take The Headache Out Of Changing Grades."](https://mrsbeattiesclassroom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Changing20Grades.png)
Purge
Get rid of:
- outdated memos and communication from administration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 that 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 carefully read the author’s Terms Of Use. It is unlawful to print copies of most resources with the intent to resell hard copies or to distribute the digital files.
If you’ve got papers that you just 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
When you’re 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
Get To Know The Curriculum
The Teachers Pay Teachers website has thousands of fantastic resources available at the click of your mouse. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need some specific suggestions!
Find A Support Network
Get To Know Your New Students
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.
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My Back To School Scoot game is a fun way to get to know each other! |
I also send home a parent questionnaire each year so I can better understand my students from their perspective. You can grab a free copy of this in both PDF and Google Digital versions right here:
Don’t Stress!
I’ve shared some of my favorite ways to look after my own 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: