Montessori Classroom - Tips for End of the Year Preparation

The end of the year in a Montessori classroom is always a flurry of excitement! We teachers come to realize there just isn't enough time left to do what we want to do in the final weeks of the year. There are always more lessons to give, more research to be done, more books to read, more games to play and more songs to sing. In this busy time, it is important for the Montessori teacher to be as organized (if not more so) than ever before. It’s a time to reflect upon the upcoming school year and what needs to be done over the summer. Here are some ideas to help make the end-of-the-year transition just a bit smoother.

Montessori Classroom - Tips for End of the Year Preparation

1. Arrange classroom visits for rising students. Matriculating students are excited to see and spend time in their new Montessori classroom. This gives them the opportunity to get a feel for what their “new” classroom will be like in the fall.
2. Student graduation and gifts. Hold a small graduation ceremony to celebrate the accomplishments of the Montessori students who are moving on. A small teacher gift (I usually give a book) is one that will be cherished by your students.
3. Summer work & reading lists. Summer is a time to practice those skills that are not yet automatic. For Montessori elementary students, this may mean practicing their math facts or reading aloud. It’s a good idea to have a list of recommended reading (level appropriate) and ideas for practicing skills you’d like them to work on over the summer.
4. Cumulative/Permanent Records. This is a critical time to gather all the information from observations, Montessori lessons given, work records and turn them into a formal written report of student progress. These should be completed and given to the administration before you leave for the summer.
5. Organize student files. It’s time to clean out your file cabinet. Pass on matriculating students’ files to next year’s Montessori teacher. Create new files for incoming students.
6. Place work orders for classroom repairs. Need the walls painted or the floors waxed? If you put your request in before you leave, you increase your chances of the work being completed before you return.
7. Place orders for new Montessori materials. By placing your order early, your new materials will be there, waiting to be unpacked when you return to school.
8. Decide what materials need to be created for next year. Montessori teachers are always creating more materials for their students. With the time off during the summer, it provides an opportunity to make these materials in a relaxed atmosphere. Make a list of what needs to be done for next year, gather the materials you’ll need, and make a plan to work on it little by little over the summer.
9. Most importantly, leave your Montessori classroom in the order in which you wish to return to next year. It should be neat, tidy, and “prepared” for any summer visitors, which may include prospective parents.

For more information on this topic and other related Montessori classroom management topics, consider purchasing NAMC’s Montessori 6-12 Classroom Guide.

 As much as possible, NAMC’s web blog reflects the Montessori curriculum as provided in its teacher training programs. We realize and respect that Montessori schools are unique and may vary their schedules and offerings in accordance with the needs of their individual communities. We hope that our readers will find our articles useful and inspiring as a contribution to the global Montessori community.