Whew.
Who is ready for a good, long summer break after that school year? Is anyone else filled with worries about your students after such a rough spring? Maybe miss them because you weren’t able to say your goodbye’s before you left? Scenarios of next year play out in your head about your past students and how they will do advancing to the next grade, as well as your future students and how you will handle the lapse in the curriculum.
*deep breath*
I know it’s worrisome, but we did it. We all made it through. Now, it’s time to relax. I know, it can be hard, but here’s some ideas of how you can (somewhat) take your mind off of school for a time and enjoy your summer break.
Read a book! No, not your math curriculum book. A book of your choosing that is fun. If you want an easy, fast read with some juicy drama, try The Selection Series by Kiera Cass. It’ll give you a few days of distraction because you’ll be so sucked in it’ll be all you can think about!
Visit the beach, the lake, the pool, and get in the water! Swim with your kids, your nieces, and nephews, your grandkids, whomever it may be!
Go hiking, or go for walks around your neighborhood.
Check-in on other teacher friends. Laugh about the fun times you had with your students, both in the classroom and on Zoom!
Pick up some new (or old) hobbies like sewing, crafting, biking, sailing, or building.
Start or work on your Twitter or Instagram, or any other social media!
Read teacher memes to keep you laughing.
Take a stroll on a local scooter or bike share, but bring the Clorox wipes!!
Summer can make or break teachers. We can think and plan, never giving ourselves a break, hoping to make next year less stressful, but it can also do the opposite by not giving us the time we need to check out. This summer especially, given the current circumstances.
Take a breather. Take some time. Enjoy your summer! Stay safe and wash your hands!