Spring Fever in the Classroom

Ana Jereb Author

Why the Season Feels Different (and What You Can Do)

Spring is a season of transition, bringing a noticeable shift in energy for both teachers and students. Some students become restless and distracted, while others seem more tired than usual. Teachers, too, may feel fatigued or find classroom management more challenging. Research has shown that resisting natural shifts in energy often leads to frustration—accepting and working with them allows for greater flexibility and success.

How Spring Affects Students and Teachers

Students:

• Increased movement and excitement, making it harder to stay seated and focused
• More social interactions, leading to chatter and occasional disruptions
• Some students may struggle with motivation as attention drifts toward outdoor activities and upcoming breaks

Teachers:

• Fatigue due to seasonal transitions and the cumulative workload of the academic year
• Difficulty managing shifts in student energy and engagement
• A mix of frustration and exhaustion from trying to maintain structure and productivity

Environmental Factors:

• Longer daylight hours can affect sleep patterns for both students and teachers
• Warmer weather may increase students’ desire to be active
• Allergies and seasonal changes can impact energy levels and concentration

Action Steps for Teachers

1. Accept, Don’t Fight It

• Observe patterns in student behavior rather than reacting emotionally.
  • Use post-its to track student energy and focus levels over a week to notice trends.
  • Keep a small reminder note (on your desk or planner) with an affirmation like “This is temporary; students are adapting, just like I am.”
• Reflect on how your students’ behavior has evolved since the start of the academic year.
• Instead of expecting the same level of attention in every lesson, build flexibility into your planning.

2. Adjust Your Classroom Approach

• Incorporate movement:
  • For kids: Try quick stretches, Simon Says, standing brainstorming sessions, or walking dictations.
  • For adults: Use quick partner walks around the classroom, standing discussions, or even mindfulness exercises like controlled breathing.
• If outdoor lessons aren’t possible:
  • Rearrange the classroom setup—allow students to switch seats or work in different parts of the room.
  • Use role-play or interactive activities that allow movement without leaving the space.
  • Play soft background music and allow students to shift their posture during longer tasks.
• Change seating arrangements:
  • Let students rotate seats weekly to break monotony and refresh engagement.
  • Create breakout zones (if possible) where students can work in pairs or small groups.

3. Lower Your Own Stress Load

• Simplify lesson planning: Stick to essential learning outcomes and avoid overloading lessons with complex activities.
• Minimize administrative overload: Set clear boundaries for grading, emails, and lesson prep to avoid burnout.
• Use energy-efficient strategies: If you notice students struggling in the afternoon, plan for lighter tasks or more collaborative work.
• Prioritize self-care: Whether it's ensuring proper hydration, taking short walks between classes, or having a moment of quiet before a lesson, small acts of self-care make a big difference.

SLA Connection

Stephen Krashen’s Affective Filter Hypothesis suggests that when students are overly excited, unfocused, or stressed, their ability to absorb language is impacted. Springtime shifts in energy can make learning more challenging, but the right strategies can help:

• Use shorter, high-energy tasks to maintain engagement.
• Incorporate movement-based activities that align with language learning objectives.
• Introduce novelty and variety in lesson formats to capture student attention.

Teacher Wellbeing Focus

Instead of working against the seasonal energy shift, adjust classroom expectations to reflect the reality of spring fever. By conserving energy rather than overcompensating, teachers can maintain balance and avoid burnout. Here are some concrete ways to do this:

• Plan for seasonal dips in energy: If you know certain times of the day or week are harder, schedule easier or more engaging lessons then.
• Create a ‘Spring Wellbeing Check-in’: Take five minutes at the start or end of the day to reflect—What’s draining your energy? What’s working well? What one small adjustment could help tomorrow feel smoother?
• Batch prep materials: Reduce daily stress by preparing key resources (like discussion prompts or worksheets) in advance so you’re not scrambling last minute.
• Use support systems: If possible, collaborate with colleagues, swap ideas, or share the workload to reduce the mental load.
• Find a small daily ritual to ground yourself—whether it’s enjoying a favorite tea, stretching before class, or setting an intention for the day, small acts of consistency can help counterbalance seasonal chaos.

Spring fever is a passing phase—one that can be navigated with ease when approached with the right mindset and practical strategies.