The post The Teacher’s Guide for a Balanced Summer Break appeared first on Shake Up Learning.
As the school year winds down, it’s crucial to find a balance between resting, being productive, and preparing for the upcoming school year.
It’s easy to say that those personal projects you’ve been putting off will all be completed during your summer break, but the reality is that your time is limited.
Prioritize the important tasks, and especially the rest you need!
But don’t let the summer get away from you and leave you feeling overwhelmed all over again in August.
Plan to maximize your time and get the most out of your much-needed summer break!
The Teacher’s Guide for a Balanced Summer Break
5 Essential Tips to Balance Rest, Productivity, and Professional Growth This Summer
Here are five practical tips to help you make the most of your summer:
1. Rest and Reset
Summer is the perfect time to take a step back and recharge your batteries. After a demanding school year, your body and mind need rest to recover and rejuvenate.
Rest isn’t just about sleeping more; it’s about engaging in activities that refresh your spirit. This can include spending quality time with loved ones, diving into a good book, exploring nature, or simply enjoying some quiet time. The goal is to disconnect from the stresses of teaching and allow yourself to fully relax.
Suggested Activities:
Hobbies: Reconnect with hobbies that you love but haven’t had time for, such as gardening, painting, or cooking.
Nature Trips: Spend time outdoors, whether it’s a hike, a picnic, or a visit to the beach. Nature has a soothing effect and can significantly reduce stress.
Quiet Time: After escaping the chaos of the school day, find time for quiet activities–spiritual activities, prayer, reading, meditation, or whatever you enjoy.
Suggested Resources:
10 Bible Verses for Career Burnout
What I’m Reading in 2024
2. Reflect on the Past School Year
Reflecting on your experiences over the past year is a crucial step toward professional growth. It allows you to identify what worked, what didn’t, and what can be improved.
Take a structured approach to reflection. Consider journaling your thoughts or discussing them with a colleague. Reflect on specific lessons, student interactions, and your own teaching methods. This process can reveal patterns and insights that aren’t immediately obvious in the day-to-day hustle.
Suggested Activities:
Journaling: Write about your experiences, focusing on significant events, successes, and challenges. Prompt yourself with questions like, “What was my most successful lesson and why?” or “What did I struggle with the most this year?”
Peer Discussions: Schedule a reflective session with a fellow teacher. Share experiences and gather different perspectives.
Surveys and Feedback: Review feedback from students and parents. Surveys conducted at the end of the year can provide valuable insights.
Suggested Resource: 6 Tips for Making Reflection a Consistent Habit
3. Plan Your Professional Development
Planning your professional development (PD) for the summer can ensure that you’re not only resting but also growing as an educator.
Identify areas where you want to improve or new skills you want to acquire. Consider both short-term courses that offer immediate benefits and longer-term learning that will pay off in the future. Setting clear, SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) will help keep you focused and motivated.
There are so many options! Be sure to check the suggested resources for some great online summits and conferences I’m attending!
Suggested Activities:
Course Selection: Choose courses that align with your career goals. Platforms like Shake Up Learning offer a variety of PD courses that can help you integrate technology into your teaching.
Learning Schedule: Create a realistic learning schedule. Dedicate specific times for PD to ensure consistency and avoid burnout. Enroll in the FREE Summer Learning Series to learn what you want, when you want!
Webinars and Workshops: Participate in live webinars and workshops to stay updated on the latest educational trends and techniques. Or try utilizing YouTube for a great selection of professional learning options.
Suggested Resources:
FREE Summer Learning Series
ALL-ACCESS PD Pass
Simply Coaching Summit
Middle School ELA Summit
AI Academy (This is an elite opportunity! Mention Shake Up Learning to save up to $500)
Shake Up Learning YouTube Channel
4. Utilize Free and Paid Resources
There is a wealth of online resources available to enhance your professional development, many of which are free or low-cost.
Exploring a mix of free and paid resources can provide a comprehensive learning experience. Free resources can offer quick tips and ideas, while paid courses can provide in-depth training and certification. Balance both to maximize your growth without breaking the bank.
Suggested Activities:
Free Bundle: Download the Ultimate Choice Board Bundle, which includes eBooks, video presentations, and templates.
Educational Blogs and Podcasts: Read educational blogs and listen to podcasts regularly. These can provide ongoing learning and keep you updated on new trends and strategies. (Listen to the Shake Up Learning Show wherever you get your podcasts.)
Suggested Resources: Explore tons of free downloads from Shake Up Learning here.
5. Plan for the Upcoming School Year
As you wrap up your summer learning, it’s essential to plan how you will implement new strategies and ideas in your classroom.
This phase involves synthesizing what you’ve learned and creating actionable plans for the upcoming school year. Consider developing new lesson plans, setting new classroom routines, or integrating new tech tools into your lessons. Reflection and planning should be ongoing processes that help you continuously improve.
Suggested Activities:
Action Plan: Develop an action plan for the new school year. Outline specific changes you want to implement and how you will measure their effectiveness.
Goal Setting: Based on your summer learning and reflections, set new goals that align with your overall teaching objectives.
Preparation: Start preparing your classroom and resources. Create lesson plans, gather materials, and set up your classroom environment to reflect the new strategies you plan to implement.
Suggested Resources:
Do you love teacher planners?
Check out Teach 4 the Heart’s new Pray&Plan Teacher Planners.
The Erin Condren Teacher Planner is an all-time fave!
Teacher Appreciation Sale (ends May 31)
To support your summer learning, I’m excited to offer 50% off all Shake Up Learning courses, including the All-Access PD Pass!
The All-Access Pass gives you unlimited access to all courses, credit certificates, and special bonuses, plus exclusive access to our entire Summer Learning Series. This is the only way to earn credit for the series and get the most out of your summer learning experience.
Why the All-Access Pass?
Comprehensive Topics: Access every course, master class, workshop, podcast PD, and more, covering a wide range of topics.
Professional Growth: Earn credit certificates to enhance your resume.
Exclusive Content: Receive special bonuses and insider resources available only to All-Access Pass members.
Summer Learning Series
This summer, we’re launching a brand-new series designed to equip you with fresh ideas and strategies for the upcoming school year. The series will cover innovative teaching methods, tech integration, and more. As an All-Access Pass holder, you’ll have exclusive access to this content and the opportunity to earn credit certificates.
Don’t miss out! Take advantage of this limited-time offer before it ends on May 31st. Invest in yourself and your professional growth this summer.
Ready to level up your teaching? Join the All-Access PD Pass today and unlock endless learning possibilities!
Happy Summer!
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The post The Teacher’s Guide for a Balanced Summer Break appeared first on Shake Up Learning.
The post The Teacher’s Guide for a Balanced Summer Break appeared first on Shake Up Learning.
As the school year winds down, it’s crucial to find a balance between resting, being productive, and preparing for the upcoming school year. It’s easy to say that those personal projects you’ve been putting off will all be completed during your summer break, but the reality is that your time is limited. Prioritize the importantContinue Reading
The post The Teacher’s Guide for a Balanced Summer Break appeared first on Shake Up Learning. Professional Development Shake Up Learning
