Summer’s almost here and that means fun in the sun and free time on your hands! Kids aren’t the only ones who get 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 can do a number on one’s stamina after the whole year is through. So what are you planning to do to recharge?
Here are some ideas of how to get your groove back over summer break:
1. Relax
You’ve worked hard all school year long. Take some time for yourself to catch up on sleep, read, binge watch your favorite tv show, do yoga, or whatever is relaxing to you.
2. Travel
See the world, the US, or just another corner of your state. Take day trips around town. Enjoy the world around you and retain something neat to share with your students when school starts again.
3. Learn a new skill
You can learn how to play an instrument during the break and bang out a song by the end of it. You can learn to make jewelry and sport some on the first day of school. Lifelong learning is important and it is something you are instilling in the kids. 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 you spent creating lesson plans, researching tools, grading papers, and other tasks, even off days felt 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 that would be great for field trips like visiting the nation’s capital, subject-specific museums, and interactive destinations. Think about what your curriculum will cover and what might be helpful to engage students. Then let your inner kid come out and 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 you students with your newfound bilingual status.
8. Write notes about the previous school year
It’s good to, once you have stepped away from the frenzy for a little while, reflect on what happened the year before. This collection of notes will serve as your runbook in years to come.
9. Make a promise board
This will help you to organize your thoughts for the coming year and redefine your “why”. Approach this exercise in a thoughtful manner and you will 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, watch fireflies light up the sky. Enjoy!
Summer will be here before you know it!
