As the end of the academic year approaches, you might be finding it hard to keep your cool in the classroom - both physically and emotionally.
These simple common sense tricks are easy to do. But we sometimes forget the simple stuff when we’re exhausted by end of term, kids are tired and you feel like filling your water bottle with gin. Simple, obvious but practical and effective, here’s Victoria with your top six easy-to-do heatwave hacks In this post, Victoria Maitland shares seven of her best tips to help you make it to the end of the term without boiling over.
Hot and bothered in the classroom
The temperature is rising, but not just on the barometer. The end of the school year can feel like a race, an avalanche (of lava in this case!) and a hotbed of stifled expression as so much work descends.
A friend of mine describes this weather as ‘riotous’ where there’s always something brewing and it doesn’t take much to tip people over the edge. Tempers fray and that’s okay. If you’re feeling slightly more tense than usual, there are likely several reasons for it at this point and that doesn’t make you a bad teacher or person.
Treat yourself with kindness and try to see others in the same way. Here are some nuggets to help.
Three practical ways to work in the heat
- Switch off those screens – computers chuck out a vast amount of heat and screen concentration diminishes dramatically. It’s a bit of a cliché but can you teach a lesson outside? Inspired poetry? Bug hunt? Build a weathervane?
- Give the class a break, everyone can struggle at this time of year and if you’re not in one of the exam frenzy years, then do take some time out to reduce that speed of learning. We aren’t used to, or really equipped for, hot weather in this country so it’s okay to create special circumstances.
- Water – water with ice, with fruit, with squash anything – just water and be sure to encourage the kids to drink at the same pace. Our brains need it.
Three helpful tips to keep your mind cool
- Take a deep breath and count to 6 before you respond to someone. Our ability to snap is significantly closer to the surface and this gives your brain time to process more information. Furthermore, 6 seconds won’t feel very long to the other person at all.
- Give others the benefit of the doubt. Mostly, people are good and don’t intentionally set out to be difficult. People are more liable to mistakes when they are under pressure or uncomfortable, and establishing a team mentality can help get you through.
- Make sure to practise rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation in the evenings to give you the energy to do it all again tomorrow! You need to be rested to get those classes revved up and inspired!
And one for luck!
This one changed my life about 5 years ago when no fan in the universe was powerful enough to combat that June heatwave:
- Take your hot water bottle, fill it with water and freeze it. Then use a cover and sleep with it on your lower back/between your knees/on your face, as required. Instant sleeping heat relief!
For more support with building resilience in your classroom, why not check out our FLIP-IT workshop and see if you can help your children keep calm and carry on - at any time of year!
