What's That You Say? It's Only Five More Days!

If you are in education, you may feel like you are running on a treadmill that is going too fast while facing backward and underwater, but somehow, it's also on fire. If this is how you feel, don't fret because the most glorious time of year is finally upon us. That's right, folks, I'm talking about the week before Thanksgiving break. We have made it through the first grading period and part of another, fall parent/teacher conferences—those pointless in-services where someone has attempted to convince us that finding time for ourselves is crucial to maintaining our mental health. We have been subjected to months of grueling paperwork, staff meetings, and data analysis intended to develop a plan to help a fraction of the underachieving student population. So, in the grand scheme of things, what's another week, right?

Pat yourself on the back because you deserve it.

Despite these challenges and the endless tasks that seem to consume our days, there is a glimmer of hope in the midst of it all. In just five short but also long days, we will have a Thanksgiving break, which offers a much-needed respite and a chance to recharge and spend quality time with loved ones. It's time to reflect on our accomplishments, no matter how small.

Here are a few things you can try this week to make it to Thanksgiving break.

Find your song!

You know, the one that inspires you or reminds you that everything you are doing right now is enough. One of my favorites is an oldie but goodie, "Garden Party" by Rick Nelson. "You can't please everyone, but you've got to please yourself." I will be listening to that song and repeating that phrase over and over this week.

Reuse, Repurpose, and Recycle!

Allow yourself a break from planning new things constantly. Reuse things that have worked. It's okay to repeat and review. Have your students play partner games. Play place-value bingo. Give them a couple worksheets you printed but never got to. Let your students have extra time doing a preferred activity (or have them earn it!), like time on devices or reading with a partner. Use the time to catch up on some grading or organizing.

Connect with your team or teacher bestie!

Misery loves company. Often, the most difficult seasons bring us closer together. Go out to dinner with your colleagues. Buy matching shirts to flaunt on dress-down Fridays. Send a ridiculous amount of group texts gripping or celebrating about anything and everything: school and family. Get your troubles off your chest and laugh. Bring a special treat for lunch. ANYTHING to show your school family you care and commiserate with the ones who understand the most. Remember, you are not alone!

Have some fun!

Match your student's excitement. Stop fighting it and join in. #ifyoucantbeatum Plan FUN, engage in activities and try to forget why you are losing your mind. Start a new whole-class incentive. Have the reward be a movie, and make sure they earn it. Plan it for the day before Thanksgiving break, and then everyone wins.

Whatever you do these next five days, DO NOT beat yourself up and feel guilty for how you think you should be feeling or what you should be doing. Don't feel like dressing up? That's fine! Want to order dinner instead of cooking that homemade meal? No one is keeping score. Need to take a mental health day? Your students will survive whether there is a substitute or not. If that's what you need, do it!

It's easy to focus so much on the little moments and allow them to stress us out. Zoom out. In the grand scheme of things, these decisions you make to ensure you care for yourself matter more than anything else. You are a teacher, and it is Tough with a capital T. But you will have everything to be thankful for this Thanksgiving break.