What I Do at the End of the School Year to Make August Less Stressful
If you're anything like me, the beginning of the school year can feel overwhelming.
There are schedules to learn, students to meet, assessments to give, and a classroom to set up. Years ago, I used to come in a week early and spend long days trying to get everything ready before students arrived.
I stopped doing that a long time ago.
Now, during the last two weeks of school, I try to prepare a few things for the following year. It makes a huge difference. When August/ September arrives, I can focus on my students instead of scrambling to get organized.
Disclaimer: In this blog, the terms ESL students (English as a Second Language), ELLs (English Language Learners), and ML (Multilingual Learners) are used interchangeably. While “Multilingual Learners” is becoming the more widely accepted term, “ESL students” and “English Language Learners” are still commonly used in various contexts. My aim is to be inclusive and clear to all readers, regardless of the terminology they are familiar with.
1. I Prepare My ESL Writing Folders
One of the first things I do is get my ESL writing folders and notebooks ready.
I print my ABC Picture Word Wall and glue it on the back of the folder. Then I attach writing folder labels and a 5Ws chart to the front.
Inside the folder, I include several pages from my picture dictionary resource. I usually choose pages that students need right away:
- School vocabulary
- Feelings and emotions
- Back-to-school vocabulary
- Fall vocabulary
Once class lists are finalized, all I have to do is write student names on the folders and they're ready to go.
Picture dictionaries have been a game changer for my newcomers and multilingual learners. Instead of searching through multiple resources, students have essential vocabulary in one easy-to-use place.
I use them during writing, speaking activities, content lessons, centers, and small groups. Students become more independent because they can find words and visuals on their own. They also help build confidence, especially for newcomers who may not yet have the language needed to participate fully.
Whether you teach newcomers or students with mixed proficiency levels, having vocabulary organized and accessible makes a huge difference. Grab this free resource from my picture dictionary here! Our writing folders grow bigger as the year progresses.
2. I Prepare Bilingual Glossaries and Newcomer Materials
Before leaving for summer, I print these free bilingual glossaries from steinhardt.nyu.edu for the content areas and grade levels used in my school. Click here to get these bilingual glossaries for free here.
In September, I simply make copies and give them to classroom teachers who have multilingual learners.
These glossaries are perfect for those MLLs who have strong literacy skills in their L1. These bilingual glossaries are an excellent free tool for supporting English Language Learners (ELLs/MLLs). Organized by subject area, they help students understand academic vocabulary, strengthen comprehension, and access grade-level content in both English and their home language. Available in multiple languages, they can be downloaded, printed, and used by educators and families to support learning and test preparation.
3. ESL Newcomer Welcome Kit
I also print copies of my ESL Newcomer Welcome Kit and leave them in the office. That way, when new students register throughout the year, office staff already have materials ready to distribute to families.
This saves everyone time. The welcome kit includes important school information, helpful phrases, visuals, and essential vocabulary students need during their first days of school.
Starting a new school can be stressful for both students and families. Having these materials ready helps newcomers feel more comfortable and confident from day one.
4. Back to School Night ESL Door Sign and Welcome Posters
I also print my Back-to-School Night signs and posters, slip them into plastic sleeves, and store them away until August. It only takes a few minutes now, but it saves me so much time and stress later.
Getting everything ready ahead of time makes a huge difference because, as we all know, the beginning of the school year is hectic—everyone is rushing to make copies, printers run out of ink or toner, and supplies seem to disappear when you need them most. Having these materials prepared and organized lets me focus on what matters most: welcoming my students and families. Read more about 5 Tips for Setting Up Your ESL Classroom for the First Week of School.
3. I Plan Community-Building Activities
The first weeks of school are about more than assessments and schedules.
I want to get to know my students. One of my favorite activities is creating an ESL All About Me Class Quilt.
Each student completes a quilt square by sharing information about themselves, their interests, favorite foods, hobbies, languages, and cultural backgrounds. We then combine all the squares into one large classroom quilt.
Students love seeing how their individual pieces come together to create something bigger.
The project helps students learn about each other, celebrate their cultures, and build connections from the very beginning. As new students arrive throughout the year, they can add their own quilt squares, making the project an ongoing symbol of our classroom community.
A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way
I know many teachers prefer to prepare everything in August, and that's okay. For me, spending a little time during those final weeks of school has made the start of the year much less stressful.
When I walk into my classroom in September, my writing folders are ready, newcomer materials are organized, and my first-week community-building activities are already planned.
That means I can spend less time worrying about paperwork and more time focusing on what matters most—getting to know my students and helping them feel welcome.
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