Almost at the finish line...yet so far

By Paola Valladares

Research shows that one of the most exhausting times in a teacher’s year is right now, that stretch when you can see the light at the end of the tunnel, but it still feels miles away. Students are restless, teachers are tired, and everyone is ready for a break. So, what can we do? Here are some ideas to make the final weeks of the semester both meaningful and productive without burning out.

1. Revisit and Reflect on Goals

Make a list of the learning goals you’ve already taught or the skills your students are expected to master. Then, plan 2–3 review or reflection days spread out across your regular classes (not back-to-back). Provide students with a clear guide or checklist so they know exactly what their review should produce in order to earn credit.

For example, if one of your goals was speaking in the past tense, you might have students:

• Talk with a partner about their last weekend.

• Write a short description of their worst day ever.

• Read a short article and highlight new vocabulary words.

Keep it structured but creative—it’s a great way to reinforce learning in a low-stress way.

2. Cultural Projects

If your schedule allows, dedicate a few days to hands-on, culturally meaningful projects. These can reignite student engagement and create lasting memories. Some ideas include:

• Shark Tank Challenge: Have students pitch an idea to solve a real problem in a Latin American country.

• Piñatas: Research their history and cultural significance, then create them while staying in the target language.

• Guatemalan Sawdust Carpets (Alfombras de Aserrín): A colorful and easy collaborative activity—especially if your school has access to a construction or art class.

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3. Fix-It Fridays

Life happens—students get sick, travel, play sports, or simply fall behind. I started scheduling two Fix-It Fridays per semester, and they’ve become some of our most productive days. Students use this time to catch up on missing work, track what they completed, and log how long each task took. It’s all about accountability and giving them a structured opportunity to recover without penalty.

4. Movie Reflections

There are so many excellent cultural films that spark discussion and empathy. Create a guided viewing sheet with comprehension and reflection questions. I recommend watching 10–15 minutes at a time and pausing for students to answer. Need movie ideas? Send me an email! I’ve got plenty of recommendations!

Remember…

The exhaustion you’re feeling is shared by the entire community; it’s communal tiredness, not personal failure. Keep doing your best, lean on your creativity, and remember: the light at the end of the tunnel is closer than it looks. You’ve got this!