Summer Recharge: Tips for Relaxation and Back-to-School Prep

Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.
— William Butler Yeats

While the fun in the sun and lazy days of summer lie before us, it's the perfect time to take a deep breath, relax, and recharge. Whether you’re basking in the sun with a good book, exploring new hobbies, or enjoying extra time with family and friends, this season is essential for rejuvenating our spirits. My favorite summer activities are swinging on my adult swing set and spending time in my outdoor sanctuary with Maximus, my bearded dragon, and my new grand puppy, Tank, and time by, in, or on the WATER!! Just being by the water gives me a mental boost. Search out a creek, stream, river, pool, or ocean!

Tips for Relaxing During Summer

How do you relax? What are you filling your summer with? Here are a few ideas to take away your stress and hold off the looming thoughts of Fall and your return to school…

  1. Unplug and Unwind: Take a break from screens. Try a digital detox for a day or two and immerse yourself in nature, a captivating novel, or a creative project. I love repurposing old items into something new!

  2. Mindfulness and Meditation: Incorporate mindfulness practices into your routine. Even a few minutes daily can significantly reduce stress and improve mental clarity.

  3. Pursue a Passion: Engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. Whether painting, gardening, or cooking, engaging in what you love can be incredibly fulfilling.

  4. Stay Active: Keep your body moving with swimming, hiking, or yoga. Physical activity not only boosts your mood but also helps maintain energy levels. My favs are walking and kayaking!  

Even while enjoying summer fun, I have been teaching classes on inquiry and the science of reading while working on my new curriculum debut for the “first 21/22 days of school and beyond” at the end of July. As educators, we never turn off school thoughts ultimately; we see something and think, “That would be great for my classroom!” We continually gain new knowledge and enhance our teaching methods as our students matter to us, and we are dedicated to them and their success. 

Preparing for the New School Year

As we inch closer to the start of the school year, it’s also a great time to start thinking about how to make those first days back both smooth and exciting.  Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  1. Reflect and Set Goals: Take some time to reflect on the previous school year. What worked well? What could be improved? 

  2. Plan Engaging Activities: Consider incorporating icebreakers and team-building activities into your first days. 

  3. Classroom Setup: Consider arranging your space to foster collaboration and engagement.

  4. Curriculum Development: Incorporate new ideas, resources, and technologies to enhance learning and make lessons more interactive.

Building Relationships and Class Community

As we all know… The first days of school are crucial for establishing a positive classroom culture. Here are some strategies to help build solid relationships and a cohesive class community:

  1. Get to Know Your Students: Learn about your students’ interests, strengths, and backgrounds. 

  2. Create a Safe and Inclusive Environment: Encourage students to share their thoughts and opinions and model active listening and empathy.

  3. Collaborative Norms: Establish classroom norms together with your students. 

*Check out my “The First 21/22 Days of School and Beyond” curriculum.

Final Thoughts

As you enjoy these remaining summer days, remember that taking care of yourself is as important as preparing for the school year. A well-rested and enthusiastic teacher sets the tone for a vibrant and successful classroom.

I’m excited to embark on this journey with you and look forward to sharing ideas and collaborating throughout the year. Here’s to a fantastic summer and an even more amazing school year!

All my best, 

Jessica

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