You have made it, or almost made it, to the end of the school year. So many thoughts are racing through your mind as you start to think about the next group of students you will teach. But before you go into full-fledged teacher mode, take our top five tips to get ready for next school year to heart.
1. Relax
You have been going like the Energizer Bunny for nine months. Your work week has probably topped 50-60 hours during this span. It is OK to take a break for yourself. Teacher burn-out is a real thing, and the last thing you want to do to yourself is not be re-energized for next school year. So, however you find the best way to relax, do it. If it is binge watching shows on Netflix or your DVR, reading a book, gardening, or just sleeping in, now is the time for YOU.
2. Re-acquaint yourself with your family
You have spent more waking hours with your students for the last nine months then you have with your family. It is time to spend quality time together. It doesn't have to be an expensive vacation, it can just simply be taking bike rides together, going to local parks, having a picnic lunch, playing board games, or renting movies. But your kids and probably spouse have missed you. One of the greatest gifts of being a teacher is time you have in the summer. Take advantage of it, because those kids grow up fast!
3. Connect with friends
Not only have you not spent quality time with your family, but I bet your friends have been doing tons of fun things without you during the school year. Now is the time to re-connect and plan some fun activities to do together. Whatever your interests are, pencil in time on that blank summer calendar right now. Friends help you take your mind off of school, and are a great outlet to relieve stress. We personally like to golf and play cards with our friends and it is great to not even think about school when we are doing it.
4. Plan a get together with colleagues
You have just spent nine months with your co-workers and they have become like family to you. Make sure to plan at least one event during the summer to stay connected with each other. Take in a concert in the park, go to a movie, get a pedicure/manicure, meet at a local establishment, or simply get together at someone's house. You want to keep your bond strong, and we are sure there are going to be some laughs too!
5. Begin to plan
Now, we don't mean the day after the last day of school. But we aren't kidding anyone, we know that you will be thinking about the next school year quite a bit. Whether you are tech savvy or still old school paper and pencil, jot notes as the summer goes by about things you may do differently or fun ideas you may want to try with your students.
Below are a few resources for the upper elementary teacher to start the year off on the right foot.
Get to know your students with this FREE back to school interest inventory. This is a great way to know your students beyond the data that the previous grade level shared with you. It will also help during the school year to incorporate their interests into your lessons.
Establishing routines is essential the first few weeks of school. We have a great resource that features eleven different rules and procedures that will help students learn routines for: sharpening pencils, lining up, hallway expectations, independent work and so much more. Getting these routines in place will save you tons of teaching time during the school year. You can find it by clicking here.
If you are looking for the complete package we have a Back to School Super Bundle that has reading, writing, student engagement, and getting to know you activities, plus so much more, click here.
Remember to take time for yourself this summer. You deserve it!