True
confession: I can be a bit of a procrastinator. I’m forever putting off those
bigger jobs – like reshuffling my classroom – until summertime. And by then,
I’m left with a pretty daunting list. But as anxious as I am to take advantage
of those eight precious weeks, I’ve learned that it’s just as important to simply
enjoy the professional perk we call summer vacation.
We
teachers are lucky to get one, and it’s for good reason: While we may no longer
need the time off to sow and harvest crops, we do need it to nurture ourselves.
Teaching is all consuming. The fact that a term like “teacher burnout” exists
is indication of just how much this job can take out of us. And that’s why,
first in my series on 10 Things To Do This Summer To Make Next Year Easier is
this:
It’s vital
that we teachers take time in the summer for things that we enjoy doing – not
necessarily the things we have to do. That means taking naps in the middle of
the day, if the mood strikes. Pick up that series you’ve been meaning to read,
and plow through! Tend to your garden, take a trip, pamper yourself with a
massage – whatever floats your boat.
Here are
some more specific ideas:
--- Look into
organizations that offer teacher discounts, such as parks, museums and zoos,
and then take advantage of those.
--- Trade in
your teaching hat for a student’s. If you’ve always had a hankering to learn
how to knit, or cook, or speak Arabic, now’s your chance! Many municipalities
as well as nonprofit organizations offer affordable classes over the summer
months. Honing those other parts of your brain will make you a more
well-rounded human and a better teacher.
--- Surround
yourself with nature. We spend 10 months of the year within the confines of our
classroom. The warm weather months offer us a rare opportunity to get outside. Find
a hiking trail. Get on your bike. Join a softball league. Think of it as recess
for teachers.
--- Hang out
with your family (if you find that relaxing!). During the school year, we’re
moms and dads to our students. Sometimes, our actual children (and spouses,
partners, parents, etc.) can feel a bit neglected. Take some time to revel in
your kids, your pets, whomever you define as family, without the pressure of
having to get through that pile of grading.
--- Reconnect
with friends. You probably spend more time with your colleagues than your
friends outside of school; or maybe your colleagues have become your closest
friends. But chances are, your conversations have been limited to the
inevitable ups and downs of the workplace. Summer is a great time to hang out
with your teacher buddies or other friends (or both, together!) and talk about
something other than the broken copy machine.
Ready? Get
set. Go – and get some rest. Check back soon for the next installment of 10
Things To Do This Summer To Make Next Year Easier!
Happy Summer!
Mary Beth
P.S. Check out how I'm following my own advice...
Happy Summer!
Mary Beth
P.S. Check out how I'm following my own advice...
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