Spring is in the air! As one starts to notice the new bright green buds bursting out on the barren tree branches, something starts to stir within us… the desire to spring clean! Yes, the flowers are blooming, and our vigour is returning – announcing the perfect time to freshen up our classroom and our mind. Let’s start with the mind.
2 Easy ways to spring clean your mind
That space between our ears can become incredibly cluttered and turn into a battlefield. How would you like order and calm to return to your mind so that you can think with greater clarity and give off those positive vibes? Here are just 2 ways to help you achieve just that.
1. Dispel those negative thoughts
We all know that life is not a bed of roses; nonetheless, we do not need to be the ones planting the weeds. Be intentional about changing those negative thoughts that limit you and drag you down and you will find that over time, being positive will become a habit. Change “No, I can’t” to “Yes, I can”.
2. Develop an attitude of gratitude
Life’s challenges and failures can often smother and make us forget all the awesome and successful things in our lives and the blessings we enjoy. Make a list of all the things you are grateful and thankful for and add to it daily. Dispense with criticism and you will find your mood lift and start to soar.
4 Tips to spring clean your classroom
So, now that you’re in the right mood, it’s time to bust out those cleaning supplies and add a new shine to your classroom.
1. De-clutter is first
This is the place to start and you need to be ruthless. There are only 3 piles: trash, keep, or give away. Get rid of those things that no longer serve your class; someone else will be able to use them. Toss out stationery that is dried out, broken, crumpled, torn, outdated or hasn’t been used in a loooong time. Don’t forget that classroom plant that looks like it has seen better days! If it ain’t gonna revive, replace it with a new one. Remember to include your own workspace in this de-clutter session! Go through your desk drawers and cupboard and clear out the old.
2. Organise what is left
Now you don’t need to become that “over-organised teacher” but things do need to be neatly organised and clearly labelled. Have a place for everything so that you are not running around like a chicken without a head trying to find that important “something” which you know you put “somewhere”.
Spend some time also evaluating your classroom furniture. Is there furniture that you no longer use or is broken or just plain old? Maybe you can revive an item with a paint job or a good clean. However, before you start painting furniture your favourite colour, make sure you get permission first if the items do not belong to you!
3. Clean from top to bottom
I know you have been itching to clean and NOW is the time to get stuck in. This is also the perfect time to get your learners involved. Put on some music and get a bit of a vibe going. Throw open the windows and doors and allow the stale air out and the fresh air in.
Start from the ceiling and work to the floor. Dust and wipe EVERYTHING including the walls. Make each learner in charge of cleaning their own desk and chair and maybe throw in some sweets to reward their efforts. Use disinfectant wipes to get rid of all those lingering winter germs and bring a sparkle back to your classroom.
4. Create a new look
To complete your spring cleaning, consider rearranging the desks and furniture, if your classroom lends itself to this. Your learners will be surprised and will wonder what you have up your sleeve! Adorn your lovely clean walls with your learners’ latest work and posters that correlate to your current lessons. To add the final touch, treat yourself and splash out on some new class décor or teaching resources from the Teacha! online store.
Spring cleaning does take effort, but it is totally worth it. Do bear in mind that the clutter and dirt did not appear overnight so it may take some time to work through your cleaning schedule. Do not try and do it all in one day; that might very well put you off ever doing it again.
Once the job is done, your classroom will look great and you will feel invigorated for the next leg of the school year.
