If you couldn’t tell from my last post, I am entering full summer mode (and I think you should be, too)! But, between all the PD, live events, outdoor activities, and much needed rest, the summer months fill up fast. When planning your summer schedule, make sure to include these ten things in your to-do list for summer break!
1. Celebrate your wins.
The first must-do on our to-do list for summer break is to take a step back and reflect on all the amazing accomplishments you’ve accrued this past year. Even something as seemingly small as not spilling your coffee in the hallway that one frazzled day is worth celebrating. Take note of the amazing things you do and have done (because, yes, there are plenty. I guarantee it!)
2. Unplug and unwind.
During summer break, it can be all-too-easy to flip on the TV or browse your favorite app for hours, but that may not be the best way to relax. You’re in front of a screen so often during the school year, which makes summer the ideal time to unplug and take advantage of some anti-tech time. At TCEA, we love tech! But we also know that it has a time and place. Let your mind (and your eyes) rest!
3.Explore a new hobby.
And what are you to do without the added screen time, you ask? It’s time to pick up that hobby you’ve been wanting to try! Whether you’re interested in building something from scratch, participating in a local club, or spending some time outdoors, the summer holiday provides the time and flexibility to try something new.
4. Read for pleasure.
If you’re anything like me, all it takes to jump back into reading is a series I can really sink my teeth into (figuratively, of course. Please don’t bite the books…). Summer is the perfect time to find a new novel or nonfiction work and go to town! Not a reader? There’s a book for you out there, I promise. Try entering the following prompt into your favorite AI tool for a list of personalized recommendations!
“Recommend five popular nonfiction/fiction books for someone interested in <LIST YOUR INTERESTS HERE>.”
5. Connect with colleagues.
Summertime provides an opportunity to touch base with your colleagues in a low-stress environment, where you can commiserate, celebrate, and collaborate to your hearts content. No one knows what you go through during the school year as well as the educators working alongside you, so make sure to foster those connections. You may even leave feeling refreshed and better understood!
6. Attend professional development.
PD may be an obvious summer to do, what with various requirements floating around. But with 70+ at-your-pace courses, a handful of certifications, and a comprehensive resource library, I’d be remiss not to mention professional development in a TCEA blog!
Looking for ways to fulfill your summer PD requirements? Check out our summer PD roundup!
7. Go on vacay or have a staycay.
Your vacation doesn’t even have to be elaborate. Find an option that fits your needs, whether it be a trip away, a night in a hotel (preferably with a fluffy robe and room service!), or even a blow up pool and a cold drink in your yard! The important bit is that you’re taking intentional time for yourself.
P.S. The blow-up tanning pools available online are SO comfy. I highly recommend picking one up!
8. Be mindful.
Whether you’re implementing a daily meditation practice or just trying to be more mindful of your emotions as they pop up, practicing mindfulness will help you rest and recover, plus prepare for the year ahead.
9. Finish a creative project.
Ok, I might be calling myself out here with this one, but summer provides the break needed to pick back up on that creative project you’ve been meaning to finish. I am a pro at starting crochet projects. Finishing them? Not so much. Learn from my mistakes and take up that hobby you once loved, again. It will feel so fulfilling once you can step back and admire your work!
10. Start planning for next year!
Now, before you write me off entirely, your entire summer should not consist of round-the-clock planning. But, next year will be here before you know it. Putting time for planning on your to-do list for summer break ensures that your creative educator-brain-juices are flowing, allowing you to enter the new year feeling comfortable and confident.
What’s on your to-do list for summer break? Let us know in the comments below!