OSU LogoIs spring fever real or is it an “old teachers’ tale?” According to research, spring fever is a real phenomenon that happens to all people when the sunshine and warm temperatures of spring arrives. Spring fever not only impacts our students, but it also affects faculty, staff, and even the lunch ladies. Science has shown that transformation in weather influences the biological, physical and psychological changes occurring in the body. I always thought spring fever was an excuse for students to be lazy, restless, and just looking for a way to get out of working! Spring fever is real and we need to prepare differently to control the fever. 

  • Model the behavior and attitudes we want our students to exhibit in the classrooms. This can be very difficult because spring fever can hit us too. Nevertheless, this isn’t the time for students to see us lose our zip or lower our standards.  Stay focused and don’t throw your high standards out the window. Now is the time we have to work harder to keep our students focused and on track. As they become more restless, we must be well organized and help our students do the same.
  • Take advantage of the outdoors, land lab, greenhouse and the agricultural mechanics laboratory. As agriculture teachers, we have a unique opportunity to make our lessons come to life through the many venues that agriculture has to offer. Extend learning beyond the classroom walls, but we must also teach rigorous, relevant lessons. The change of environment can do wonders to ward off the fever.
  • Pick up the pace. Now is the time to implement crisp, sharp transitions in our lessons. Keep students actively engaged in lessons and don’t give them the opportunity to slow down or become too laid-back and incoherent. Now is a good time to make changes. Spring is a good time to look at where we are and then where we want to be. Change is a good thing. It helps to re-focus our students and keep them on their toes.
Spring fever is a real occurrence that is both chemical and emotional, and can make a big impact on learning as well as our relationships with students. It is easy to become frustrated with students during the fever. We must remember that the fever will break, but relationships with students can be harmed or destroyed due to our aggravation with their symptoms. Positive feedback can help reduce the spring fever distractions that students face. The last few weeks of school should be ones of high productivity and high satisfaction for students as well as teachers. Best wishes as you complete your school year and that you end on the highest note.