Originally published June 6, 2023; updated June 4, 2024
Ah, summer break! The time when teachers can finally take a well-deserved break from the hustle and bustle of the school year. But before you know it, summer will be over and the new school year will be starting. So, to make the most of your remaining summer days, here are 10 things every teacher should do before the summer is over:
Reflect on the previous school year
Take some time to reflect on the past school year. What worked well? Anything that didn’t? What can you improve on? Make a list of goals for the upcoming year based on your reflections. What do you want to accomplish? What new strategies do you want to try? Consider what changes you can make to better support your students and yourself. Reflecting on your teaching practices can help you become a better teacher in the future.
Set boundaries for work-life balance
As much as we love teaching, it’s important to have a life outside of work. Before the summer ends, take some time to establish boundaries for your work-life balance. Maybe it’s setting a specific time when you stop checking emails or grading papers, or maybe it’s setting aside one day a week for some fun activities. Whatever it is, make sure you’re prioritizing your mental health and well-being, and don’t forget to enjoy the sunshine while it lasts!
Take care of yourself
Summer is the perfect time to catch up on some much-needed self-care after a hectic school year. Take some time to relax and rejuvenate by doing things that make you happy, such as reading a book, going for a walk, or indulging in a spa day. Eat healthy and exercise regularly to keep your mind and body in shape. Remember that taking care of yourself is not selfish, it’s essential for your well-being, and you deserve it!
Attend professional development opportunities
Summer is also a great time to attend professional development opportunities that pique your interest and further your career. Attend a conference or workshop, explore online courses or webinars, and connect with other educators to learn from their experiences. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new, whether it’s learning a new teaching strategy or exploring a new technology tool. These experiences can help reinvigorate your teaching and inspire new ideas for the upcoming school year. So, grab your notebook and pen, and get ready to soak up some knowledge!
Connect with colleagues
Connecting with colleagues is an important way to stay up-to-date on what’s going on in your school and build relationships with other educators. It can also be a great way to swap tips and tricks for teaching and classroom management. Whether you grab coffee, attend a professional development session together, or just chat in the hallway, take some time to connect with your fellow teachers before summer is over. Who knows, you may even make some new friends along the way!
Get to know your students
Before the school year starts, take some time to get to know your students. This can include reviewing their academic records, learning about their interests and hobbies, and reaching out to parents. Consider sending out a questionnaire before the school year starts to gather information about their interests and learning styles. Use this information to plan activities that will engage and motivate your students. Knowing your students can help you create meaningful lessons and build strong relationships with them.
Plan a back-to-school activity
As summer starts to wind down, it’s a great time to start thinking about how to make that back-to-school transition smoother for everyone involved. Plan a fun and engaging activity that helps your students feel excited to come back to school. This can be something as simple as a team-building game or a scavenger hunt that helps students get to know each other better. Not only will this help students feel more connected to each other and the school, but it will also show that you are enthusiastic about the upcoming year. Plus, who doesn’t love a good game or two?
Clean and organize your classroom
Before the school year starts, take some time to clean and organize your classroom. Make sure everything is in its proper place and that your students will be able to find what they need easily. Consider setting up a classroom library and making a cozy reading corner. This will help you start the year off on the right foot and create a positive learning environment for your students.
Plan your first week of lessons
Plan out your first week of lessons before the school year starts. Think about how you will introduce yourself, your classroom, and your expectations to your students. Plan engaging activities that will help you get to know your students and build a positive classroom culture. This will help you feel prepared and organized for the first week of school and help your students feel comfortable and welcome in your classroom.
Enjoy the rest of your summer
Last but not least, enjoy the rest of your summer! Take some time to do the things you love, whether that’s reading a book, traveling, or just relaxing at home. You deserve it after a long and challenging school year.
Need some ideas? Here are some suggestions for fun ways to relax over the summer:
- Go on a road trip: Take a break from your daily routine and hit the open road! Plan a road trip with your friends or family and explore new places. Don’t forget to pack snacks and music for the ride.
- Attend a music festival: Summer is the season for music festivals, so grab some tickets and enjoy the atmosphere. From indie to country to EDM, there’s a festival for every music lover.
- Host a BBQ or potluck: Gather your friends or family for a fun outdoor BBQ or potluck. You can cook up some delicious food, play games, and enjoy the summer sun.
- Go to a theme park: Spend a day at a theme park and ride all the thrilling rides. Whether you love roller coasters or water rides, there’s something for everyone at a theme park.
- Visit a beach or lake: Nothing says summer like a day at the beach or lake. Pack a picnic, bring some sunscreen, and enjoy some fun in the sun.
- Have a movie marathon: When the weather gets too hot, stay indoors and have a movie marathon. Pick a theme or a favorite movie series, grab some snacks, and enjoy a day of relaxation.
- Learn a new skill: Summer is a great time to learn a new skill or hobby. Take a cooking class, learn a new language, or try your hand at painting.
- Attend a sports game: Whether it’s baseball, soccer, or football, attending a sports game is a great way to spend a summer day. Grab some tickets and cheer on your favorite team.
- Go camping: Spend a few days in the great outdoors, exploring nature and bonding over campfires and s’mores.
- Take a day trip: Check out a nearby city or town you’ve always wanted to visit. Try new foods, visit local attractions, and take lots of photos to remember the day.
- Grow a garden: Start a garden or take care of houseplants. Gardening can be a great way to unwind and connect with nature. Plus, it’s rewarding to see your hard work pay off when your plants grow and bloom.
