Summer means fun in the sun and free time on your hands! Kids aren’t the only ones excited about the idea of long summer days and nothing in particular to do. Working with kids is one of the most rewarding jobs a person can have, but it’s important for teachers to refresh both body and mind after the school year. So what are you planning to do to recharge? Here are 10 ideas to consider when you start planning your summer vacation!
1. Relax
You’ve worked hard all school year long. Take time for some extra rest, read, binge-watch your favorite TV show, do yoga, or whatever relaxes you. Remind yourself that you’ve earned this time, and it’s necessary to help you be your best for students in the fall.
2. Travel
See the world, the country, or just another corner of your state. Take day trips around town and visit shops you’ve always wanted to see and restaurants you’ve always wanted to try. Enjoy the world around you and retain something neat to share with your students when school starts again.
3. Learn a new skill
Learning a new skill is always rewarding. Pick up a musical instrument during the break and bang out a song by the end. Learn to make jewelry and sport some on the first day of school. Lifelong learning is important and something you are instilling in your students. Embody it.
4. Visit family and friends
This is likely something you didn’t do much of during the school year. With all the time spent creating lesson plans, researching tools, grading papers, and other tasks, even off days can feel like work days. Take some time to unwind with the ones you love. It will recharge your batteries like nothing else.
5. Do something daring
Go skydiving. Or bungee jumping. Or whitewater rafting. Step outside your comfort zone and have an adventure. Your soul will thank you.
6. Visit places with field trips in mind
Who says work and play don’t mix? Scout areas for future field trips, like visiting the nation’s capital, subject-specific museums, and interactive destinations. Think about what your curriculum covers to help with planning your summer vacation destinations. Find the places you know will help you engage students, then let your inner kid come out to play and try it out yourself!
7. Learn a language
In a couple of months, you can learn enough to speak a few phrases. Wow your students with your newfound bilingual status. Online services like Duolingo are free, or you can dive a little deeper with Rosetta Stone.
8. Write notes about the previous school year
Once you’ve stepped away from the frenzy for a little while, it’s helpful to reflect on what happened the year before. This collection of notes will serve as your runbook in years to come.
9. Make a vision board
Create a vision board to help organize your thoughts and goals for the coming year and redefine your “why.” Approach this exercise thoughtfully, and you’ll be surprised by how valuable it will be.
10. Have fun!
You are out of school — enjoy it! Go to the beach, go hiking, roast marshmallows and grill shish kebob in the backyard, and watch fireflies light up the sky. Planning your summer vacation keeps you focused on achieving what you need to reenergize before back to school, but don’t forget to sprinkle in some spontaneity. Take this time for you; we know you’ve earned it!
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