Oh my gosh you guys, we made it. Another year of teaching under our belts. I don't know about you, but I need a break more than I need oxygen right now (yes my ELA friends...I know this is hyperbolic!!)
If you are anything like me, you have grand plans! I hope you have much fun in the sun time planned and lots of quality family time too. Most people don't believe it, but teachers are sometimes more neglectful of their families than others. We spend so much time nurturing between the hours of eight and five that we just don't have anything left for those we actually live with and have the duty of nurturing without compensation.
That being said, now is the time to organize your back to school plan for next year. I know you literally want to throw darts at me right now for daring to say those three words...BACK TO SCHOOL! It's only the beginning of June you say. Let me catch my breath you say. Get thee behind me Satan you say. But I'm serious! I firmly believe that having a solid plan now will make your summer more carefree and make back to school a little more tolerable. So here is my challenge:
1. Right now, write down ten things you want to get done professionally before you go back to work in August. Does your curriculum need revised? Are there anchor charts you have been meaning to get done and have just never gotten around to? Is there a website or digital tool you keep meaning to check out? Whatever your ten things might be, write them down. Seriously, do it now!
2. Now, do one thing on your list each week between now and back to school. Set aside time to make it happen. Wake up early one day each week while the kids are still asleep. Make yourself a nice cup of coffee and knock it out. Or, send the kids to the park with dad or grandma and use that time to be productive.
3. After you complete each item, reward yourself. Get a pedicure. Go see a movie you have been wanting to see. Download that frivolous romance novel you have been wanting to read.
Having a week or two at work before students return to the classroom doesn't mean every second should be filled with you working like a madman (or woman). This year you will not be that teacher who is at the school until 8:00 at night the week before school starts. You will be the one leaving at 4:00 because you did a little bit each week during the summer. And, because you have been thinking about work a little each week, the transition from yoga pants to work clothes, from Netflix to the classroom, might not be quite as painful!
