It’s almost summer and time to pack up your classroom.  If you are anything like me you may be tempted to just shove everything behind a cabinet door and deal with it in the fall.  Yes?  No?  Regardless of how neat and organized you are, there are some things you can do now that will help you be more successful in the fall.  Trust me, you will want to read through this list.  It will save you and your sanity in the busy back to school season!

I want to thank the amazing teachers in my Facebook group who compiled this list of helpful tips and tricks to help teachers easy into the fall with success!  Before you forget, make sure to pin this post to your Pinterest board so you can reference it in the future!

1. Make Copies

I make all my copies now and organize them! I also make a list of things I want to do over the summer and bring home all my materials home for that, I usually pick 2-3 spaces that I need to clean out and organize and do that now. I also go through all things I have of students and shred!  -Ashley

2. Order School Supplies

Look through the school supplies catalog and fill out the order form for things I will need at the beginning of the school year.  -Caroline

3. Label Cabinets

I label my cabinets with a sticky note on the backside/inside of the door. It helps remind me where I put everything when I return.  -Lauren

4. Declutter

This week I’ve been reflecting on the year. One of my goals for this summer is to declutter. If I didn’t use it this year – throw it! I also will have 8 more students for next year so I’m seeing how I can squeeze more work areas in. I need to replace a huge bookcase – bookshelves on one side, book display on the other so it can’t be against a wall. I can’t see students who choose to read behind it. That created some problems during Daily 5 so I want to replace it with a regular bookcase – hoping for some Target gift cards!  -Barb

5. Label Boxes

Someone suggested using distinctive duct tape when packing boxes. The tape stands out when you are trying to identify your boxes. Ten classroom moves in 18 years and I just learned that trick.  -Kelly

6. Organize Books

I have 1000+ books, so I reorganize them first filing all the books that I have pulled for the students use. Then I try to organize everything as I pack up. Then the last day, since I am always the last one to leave I start throwing things in drawers and boxes.  -Janet

Download Library & Book Bin Labels below!

7. Prep Back to School Bulletin Boards

I make all my bulletin boards for back to school and then cover them with black trash bags or newspaper for the summer. Then when I start back in the fall I just uncover the boards and they are done.  -Jennifer

Check out our Math & ELA bulletin board packs below!

8. Prep Folders

I go ahead and set up my classwork and take home folders with labels. I also make copies and get the forms that need to go home the first day of school into the take home folders. All I have to do is add the students’ names once I get my class list. Now this does require me to buy the folders ahead of time, but spending that 10-15 dollars really saves my sanity during the back to school madness.  -Amy

9. Organize and Label Tubs

I sort and put things in tubs and then label the tubs, so they are ready to go in the fall.  -Cindy

I make an August box. All if the things I will need right away, things that I take off of the walls in June and need to put back up in August.  -Kim

Get all things classroom labels below!

10. Create Fall To Do List

I have a “to do list” saved on my computer. I change it as needed. I have a list for every major event like Back to School Night, Open House, etc…  -Mandy

11. Summer To Do Box

I make a summer to do box…for those rainy days..cutting Toothy, name tags, etc to do a bit at a time.  -Mary

12. End of Year Student Jobs

Make end of year class jobs for students. They are very capable to do many jobs: organizing, checking markers, cleaning and wiping down everything, checking books, etc. Bonus: they enjoy helping!  -Nicki

13. Take Pictures

Take pictures of how everything was before you leave if you want to easily put it all back. Also leave a picture or drawn out map for custodians so they can put the furniture back the way you want it.  -Anna

14. Use Scholastic Boxes

I save Scholastic book boxes and only use them to box up books. They stand out and I can very easily find them.  -Benetta

15. Assemble Read Aloud Book Packs

I will put packs together in big zip locks with the read aloud the graphic organizer and anything else along with conversation starters on note cards.  -Jane

16. Prep Name Tags

I get all name tags, lunch count markers, names on popsicle sticks, names on workbooks, pencil wars, first day home letters all done now. I may have a few to change, but it’s so nice having it all done!  -Jodi

Download student desk nameplates

17. Wrap Bookshelves

If you are allowed to leave things on book shelves or if you have bins you are worried about things falling out, buy a huge roll of Saran Wrap at Sams or Costco and wrap everything with it. It holds it all in nicely as it is moved around by custodians and you just cut it off when you go back.  -Anna

18. Assemble Math Tool Kits

I make next year’s math tool kits with all the manipulatives they will need. My students help me count their manipulatives and we replace any that are missing and collect extra. I give them each a new bag and laminated copies of all the work mats and 120s charts we use through the year. This year the kids also include a note from themselves that starts with “what you should know about Ms. Leath’s class.”  -Dawn

Try printable math manipulatives!

19. Send Parent Surveys

Send home a parent survey about how they thought the year went and constructive feedback on anything that would be a good idea for improvement for the next school year.  Also I start a list of school supplies that I will need to restock on when school starts back in the fall so that way I can look for deals all summer long.  -Taira
Download your FREE End of the Year Parent Survey HERE

20. Note Things to Do Differently

I have been making notes all year of things I would like to do differently. I have also gotten into the habit of making 2 sets of copies, one for now and one for next year. In our district we have to go to the PDC to make copies, so I’m learning to consolidate trips!  -Barb

21. Make a Fall Folder

I make a folder of everything I’m taking off the walls that I’d like to put up next year. That folder goes on top in my first desk drawer. When I come back in the fall, I have it all ready to go!  -Nikki

Again, I want to thank the amazing teachers in my Facebook group who compiled this list of helpful tips and tricks to help teachers easy into the fall with success!

22. Get the Classroom Set Up Pack!

Hit the easy button and get your hands on our Classroom Set Up Pack! EVERYTHING you’ll possibly need to start the next school year off on the right foot.

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More End of the Year Resources

If you are looking for some End of the Year activities to do with kids, I have some linked below that you may find helpful!

End of the Year Awards

Memory Book

Camp Read-a-Lot

End of the Year Parent Survey