10 Things Every Teacher Should Do This Summer
Summer is nearly here, which means a well-earned break from marking, early mornings and short lunch breaks – yippee! And while it’s important to get prepared for the new school year, it’s just as important to ensure you enter that classroom feeling refreshed, energized and ready to mold some minds. So sleep-in, head to the beach or visit the spa and you’ll feel ready to take on another school year.
1. Declutter Your Home Office
It's time to bid farewell to the piles of papers, forgotten lesson plans, and random knick-knacks that have been cluttering your living room, bedroom and who knows where else. Roll up your sleeves, put on some lively music, and prepare for a mass clean up. You’ll find yourself feeling much more relaxed once you’ve binned those old papers.
2. Have a Lie-in
Forget about early alarms, rush hour traffic and living off coffee. The summer break is the perfect time to indulge in some guilt-free sleep-ins. Press snooze, catch up on those much-needed Zs and recharge your energy for the upcoming school year.
3. Enjoy a New Book
Pick up that book you've been eyeing up for months or explore a new genre. Let your imagination soar as you delve into captivating stories, inspiring non-fiction, or perhaps even indulge in some guilty pleasure reading. Find a nice spot outside on a sunny day, or create a cozy reading nook in your home and lose yourself in the pages of a good book.
4. Reflect on Your Past School Year
Grab a cool beverage, find a cozy spot, and take a moment to reflect on the rollercoaster ride of the past school year. Celebrate your successes, and learn from any challenges. Think about what went well and what you’re going to bring with you into the next school year.
5. Invest in Some New Technology for School
Make the prospect of the new school year a little more exciting by investing in some new technology for your classroom. Whether it’s a new organization app to help you keep track of your lesson planning, a fun new tool such as Boom Writer to get your class enthused to collaborate on a book project, or something to make math more exciting. Whatever you choose, you’ll make your lessons much more engaging for both you and your students.
6. Plan Some Creative Lessons
While you want (and need) to enjoy the summer break, getting ahead of yourself will allow you to avoid that last minute, back-to-school panic. Spend a bit of time planning engaging lessons for the upcoming school year that get you excited to return to teaching. Let your creativity flow as you brainstorm innovative teaching strategies, incorporate hands-on activities, and explore new approaches to make learning a blast.
7. Set Up the New Classroom
Channel your inner interior designer and transform your classroom into a magical learning haven that both you and your students will enjoy. From arranging desks to decorating bulletin boards, infuse your classroom with creativity and inspiration for both you and your students. Trust us, it will be much nicer returning to work to a clean, refreshed space!
8. Go on a Digital Detox
Step away from the screens and embark on a digital detox. Avoid the temptation of work emails and group chats and mute notifications, stow away the laptops, and rediscover the joy of being present in the moment. Engage in real-life connections and give your eyes and mind a well-deserved break.
9. Engage in Self-Care
Pamper yourself and prioritize self-care this summer. Whether it's indulging in a spa day, taking up a new hobby, going for long walks in nature, or spending quality time with loved ones, recharge your batteries and nurture your well-being. Once you’re back in that classroom, you’ll be so thankful you took time out to relax.
10. Do Something Just For You
During the school year, you’ll often find yourself too busy to truly engage in your hobbies and fun activities that are just for you. Luckily, the summer break is the perfect time to change that. Embrace selfishness, whether that’s taking time away from your home to attend an art or exercise class, or having dinner with a friend, you’ll be thankful you did.
Looking for more teacher tips, tricks and advice? Take a look at our blog for more inspiration!