You’re cleaning up your classroom. You’re taking down bulletin boards. You’re taking down anchor charts. You’re removing decorations. You’re packing away books. Right now, you have the momentum, time, and energy to purge.
You do not need everything in your classroom. Some of the things you own are destroyed, and cannot be repaired. Some of things you own will not suit your next assignment. Some of the things you own are already outdated. Some of the things, well, you just didn’t use and don’t see yourself using in the future.
Take a step back. Look carefully at what is in front of you. What do you really need?
Consider the following:
- Making a box for new teachers next year.
- Giving things to other teachers in your building.
- Giving things to students.
- Donating to a local library or summer program.
- Throwing things away.
It is better to give things away than let them collect dust. If you haven’t used it in a couple of years, give it to someone that can use it.
It is better to give things away than throw them in the trash. Kids want those anchor charts they made with you. Those incomplete marker sets can mean the world to your students. It’s okay to give your students some things to take home.
It is better to make space in your room for new things than to find yourself cluttered, taking things home, or opening a storage unit.
Right now, as you wrap up the year, look closely and carefully, and purge.