Teaching in March can be a challenging time of year for an intensive needs classroom. The initial excitement of the new school year has worn off, the holiday break is a distant memory, and summer vacation is still too far away to be a motivating factor. But fear not, there are ways to make the most of this transitional month and keep your students engaged and motivated. Here are a few tips for teaching in March and keeping both staff and students engaged:

Get Creative with Lesson Plans

By March, students can become restless and disengaged from the tasks that they need to complete. . This is the perfect time to introduce creative and interactive lesson plans that get them excited about learning again. I love doing projects where we can explore the community that we live in, and the students can participate or complete a project that shows their parents what they have learned throughout the year. 

Take Advantage of Spring Weather

If you have 8th graders like I do, I like to schedule a walking tour of the high school to get them ready for the next step. I also have the students plan a community field-trip event. Being in nature can help students feel more relaxed and focused, and it’s a great way to break up the monotony of the classroom.

Plan Fun Activities

To lighten the mood, plan fun activities that give everyone in your classroom a chance to unwind and have fun. This might include a classroom party, movie day, or game tournament. Remember, sometimes a little bit of fun can go a long way in keeping everyone motivated and engaged.

Practice Self-Care

As a teacher, it’s important to take care of yourself so that you can be at your best for your students. This means taking breaks, practicing self-care routines, and finding ways to recharge your batteries. You might consider incorporating mindfulness practices, such as meditation or yoga, into your daily routine, or simply taking a few minutes to step outside and breathe in the fresh air.

Teaching in March can be challenging, but with a little creativity, planning, and self-care, you can make the most of this transitional time and keep your students engaged and motivated.

Remember, spring break and summer break is just around the corner, and with a little bit of effort, you and your students can make the most of the time you have left together. Let’s end this year strong. 

How are you going to keep your students and staff in your classroom engaged? I would love to hear your thoughts. If you want to know more about how I do PBL with students with intensive needs email me at [email protected].