A summer break for teachers? What’s that? We all know that starting off the new school year well is tied to planning and preparing over the summer. Having an amazing summer planning guide is key to help you do that planning with ease. Then we can enjoy the rest of our summer without the stress of the impending first day of school. Planning in the summer may not be your idea of fun, but it is necessary to keep you sane as the new school year approaches.
Summertime Planning to Make Next Year Easier
Summertime planning is not just about mapping out your curriculum or planning each unit in detail. It’s about creating planning mindset that will help you start off the school year without stress. By pre-planning your classroom climate, organizing your management goals, setting your expectations, and creating a basic curriculum map, you will create the foundation that will make your start to the year a breeze. Okay, maybe not a breeze, but you get the idea!
In addition to planning your classroom basics, you will want to decide on your classroom atmosphere. This is different than the climate you set in your classroom. It is the mood you create for you and your students to help encourage a willingness to learn and a level of positivity for you! Use your summer to start looking for ideas that will ensure an engaging and fun learning environment. Not only will students have a more enticing setting to learn your content, but you will have a more inspiring setting in which you can teach to your fullest potential.
Now, it’s time! Jump into some curriculum planning. You don’t have to take days or weeks to do this. I will admit, though, that I did spend a dedicated week each summer to plan my first quarter out. It kept me from extreme anxiety as each school year started.
Here’s where I can help you a bit. I’ve been writing blog posts for a long while now. My goal has always been to help you have the best teaching experience possible. So, here’s my roundup of posts that will address everything you need to use the least amount of summer break for the greatest impact!
Getting a Head Start
Quickly Packing for Summer Break
Planning Your Classroom Climate
Creating an Interactive Classroom
Planning Your Back to School Shopping List
School Supplies: Back to School Items You Need
Planning Your Classroom Decor
6 Resources for Setting Up Your Classroom
Planning Your Curriculum
Tired of Playing Catch-Up? Here’s How to Fix It
Academic Vocabulary for Secondary Social Studies
Planning Your Individual Units
Simple Teaching Strategies for Every Classroom
How to Set Up an Interactive Notebook
I know the last thing you want to think about is working during your summer break. But, if you start in the very first week after the last school year ends, the rest of the summer is yours! There will be no stress, no anxiety, and none of those nightmares where you end up on the first day of school with nothing prepared!
Happy Planning!
