Why Is June the Perfect Time to Prep for Next School Year?

As the school year slowly winds down, June often feels like the time to finally exhale. But before you pack up and check out, take a moment to consider this: June prep matters, and a few hours of preparation now can save you days of added stress in August. Your future self will thank you—profusely.

Get Efficient Now, Breathe Later

I don’t know about you, but I feel like June is both flying by and moving as slowly as a snail at the same time. Tuesdays feel like they should be Fridays, and yet, we are only in session for a couple days this month. Tired as you may be, June is the perfect time to reflect on your practice. Think about what worked, what didn’t, and how to improve. Use this time to plan smarter, not harder. Even just organizing your files or jotting down next year’s ideas while they’re still sharp can make a huge difference.

Set a Goal: The First Two Weeks

Early on, I learned that the most important days of classroom management were the first two weeks of school. Why? Because students are still in the “honeymoon phase”. In the midst of those chaotic first days of school, students are more likely to pay attention, focus, and be extra observant as they learn the boundaries of their new classrooms. Take advantage and plan your first two weeks now—syllabus, icebreakers like our About Me Countdown, classroom procedures, and intro lessons.

Our team spends the first week teaching expectations, mindfulness practices and coping skills (hello, "Road to Resilience" Coping Skills Inventory), and conducting behavior lessons as we review expectations. Looking for some activities to reinforce your classroom expectations? Check out this editable classroom expectations cut and paste sorting activity. Having this ready frees you up in August to focus on building relationships and setting the tone, instead of scrambling for a lesson plan and standing in line at the copier.

Print While the Copier Is Yours

Speaking of the copier: June is when it’s still humming quietly, not groaning under pressure. Print your back-to-school packets, bulletin board pieces, parent letters, and emergency sub plans now. No lines. No panic. In the next school year, I'm currently scheduled to teach 6 different content classes, both core and elective courses. Prepping and printing the first 2-4 weeks means that I am prepared to support students transitioning to my room and our routine as well as any other new changes that my school is implementing for the year, without sacrificing my academic content or adding extra hours of work to my already packed schedule.

A Love Note to Your Future Self

When August arrives and you're knee-deep in seating charts, PD meetings, and open house prep, your June self will feel like a superhero. A calm, forward-thinking legend who thought ahead and made the transition easier.

So while summer is calling, consider carving out a little time now to prep before you close your classroom doors. Need some help finding that time because you still have students? Try out our social emotional learning movie bundle that works with ANY movie choice! You’ll be glad you did. Future you is already smiling.

Want more back-to-school prep tips? Let us know at hello@survivinginsecondary.com. We’d love to hear from you!