Schooooooool’s out for summer! Schooooooool’s out forever…just kidding.
This song plays in my head on every year’s last day of school. Teacher mama this summer is flying by! Before you know it, it will be time to head back to the classroom. Summer is the time when teachers finally get the chance to relax, recharge, and remember to leave work in the classroom. If you are anything like me, however, I am physically unable to turn off my brain completely for the summer. I’m constantly thinking of ways to improve my teaching and classroom environment, new activities to try, and what I need to do to become a better educator. Here is a list of things you can do to help you prep for the next school year, while also enjoying your time off.
1. Read a book (preferably by the pool or at the beach) – with the science of reading becoming a major focus for schools and school districts (as it should be), there is so much to learn about and reflect on within your teaching practice. Summer is the perfect time to unwind with a good book that will also help you grow in your profession. Some popular titles that you may choose from are, Shifting the Balance, by Jan Miller Burkins and Kari Yates, Speech to Print, by Louisa Moatts (currently reading), and A Fresh Look at Phonics, Grades K-2: Common Causes of Failure and 7 Ingredients for Success by Wiley Blevins (next on my reading list).
2. Pinterest ideas for freshening up your classroom decor. I’m changing classrooms this year so this one is more personal to me. Although my color scheme will stay the same, I love looking on Pinterest to see what other teachers have done in their classrooms that I can incorporate into mine.
3. Journaling – reflecting is one of the best things an educator can do for their practice. Summer break is the perfect time to reflect on the previous year. What things worked well? What things would you like to change? Write it in your journal while it is still fresh in your mind and then implement those changes when you return from break.
4. Team bonding – If you’re anything like me, once the school year starts, there is little time for play. Building team relationships is so important for effective collaboration. Take a day to play with your grade-level team and strengthen those bonds. Go wine tasting together, take a fun cocktail-making class, go out to brunch, go dancing, anything that will promote fun interactions with your team.
5. Back to School Night – spice up your presentation for or create something new for back-to-school night. Check out websites like canva.com and slidesmania.com to see what fun new templates you can use to add interest to your tried and true presentation to your parents.
Although there are a ton of ways to prepare for the next school year, remember that this is your time and do not let work consume you. Spend some time with your family and friends, sleep in, relax, and know that you deserve this time to regroup and recharge. So whether you have a month, a week, or just a few days left, enjoy the rest of your break!
