Tidy Up for the Summer: Tips for Wrapping Up the Year

As the final days of school approach, it’s time to shift into reflection and wrap-up mode. After a year filled with learning, laughter, and likely a few unexpected curveballs, organizing your classroom for the summer might feel overwhelming. But with a little planning and a few smart strategies, you can head into break feeling accomplished—and set yourself up for a smoother start next fall.

Here are some practical, teacher-tested tips to help you close out the school year with less stress and more satisfaction.

1. Declutter Before You Pack

Before you start boxing things up, take a moment to purge items you no longer need. That stack of dried-out markers? Recycle them. Old lesson materials you haven’t used in years? Donate or toss them. You’ll thank yourself when unpacking next year feels lighter—literally and mentally.

Tip: Keep a "Maybe" bin for items you’re unsure about. Revisit it next school year after you’ve had some distance.

2. Label with Next Year in Mind

When packing up supplies, think ahead. Label boxes clearly by content (e.g., “Math Manipulatives – Grade 4”) and use consistent systems like color coding or number categories. If you store things off-site or in a shared room, add your name and room number.

Bonus: Include a list of what's in each box taped to the outside—no mystery unpacking next fall!

3. Organize and Reflect on Lesson Plans

Now’s a great time to tidy up your instructional materials. Sort your plans and resources by subject or month, and store them in labeled folders or online drives.

Ask yourself:

• What lessons were a hit?

• What didn’t go as planned—and why?

• What ideas or activities would you like to try next year?

These notes will be gold when you start planning again after break.

4. Streamline Final Assessments

Make a simple checklist for final grading and reporting. Schedule blocks of time to focus on just one task at a time—grading, entering scores, preparing report cards—to stay organized.

If students are present, consider giving them meaningful responsibilities like organizing their portfolios or writing end-of-year reflections while you tackle grading.

5. Celebrate Students’ Growth

Before your students head out for summer, take a moment to celebrate their progress. Even a small act—like handing out personalized notes, certificates, or superlatives—can go a long way in showing students that their efforts were seen and valued.

Ideas:

• Host a “Classroom Awards” day with fun categories

• Create a “Year in Review” slideshow

• Encourage students to write kind notes to each other

6. Create Smooth Transitions

Think of your future self—or the next teacher. A short summary of each student’s strengths, challenges, or needs can be incredibly helpful.

Consider including:

• IEP and support notes

• Behavior plans or accommodations

• Grouping suggestions for next year

Even a few quick notes can help ensure students hit the ground running in the fall.

7. Make It a Team Effort

The final days of school offer a great opportunity to involve students in cleaning and organizing. Many students enjoy helping take down bulletin boards, sorting supplies, and prepping the room for summer.

Tip: Turn on some music, assign zones, and turn cleanup into a team activity.

8. Give Yourself Grace

You’ve done an incredible job this year—and it’s OK if everything isn’t perfectly packed and polished. The goal is progress, not perfection. Celebrate your wins, big and small, and allow yourself to transition into summer knowing you gave it your all.