3 Surprisingly Simple Ways to Bring Calm Back to Your Classroom This Spring

Spring is a weird time in schools.

Everyone’s energy is off.
Kids are either bouncing off the walls or checked out entirely.
You’re one more rainy day away from considering witness protection.

But don’t worry—we’ve got you.

Here are 3 super simple, research-backed ways to reset your classroom vibe and your sanity.

1. The Lemon Trick 🍋
Cut a lemon and leave it on your desk. That’s it.
Why? Lemon scent has been shown to improve focus, reduce stress, and even improve memory recall. It’s natural aromatherapy—no diffuser or essential oil required. Bonus: it smells like you just cleaned your whole room (even if you didn’t).

2. The Two-Minute Tidy
Set a timer for 2 minutes at the end of the day. Let students race to reset the classroom.
Not only does it cut down your cleanup time, but it also gives students a sense of ownership and closure to their day.

3. Nature Breaks
Can’t go outside? Bring it in. Play nature sounds. Let kids draw plants or animals.
Better yet: have them teach you something about their favorite creature. The shift in focus can calm the room and re-engage brains running on half battery.

🎁 Bonus Idea: Create a “calm corner” with a plant, stress ball, or quiet activity. Doesn’t need to be Pinterest-perfect. Just intentional.

Spring doesn’t have to be survival mode.
Sometimes, it just takes a lemon and a little shift in energy.

You’ve got this.