The final
school bell rings. Overstuffed backpacks and shouts of
jubilation reverberate throughout hallways as United States
schools release for summer vacation. Starbucks gift cards and
handwritten thank you notes from learners-- that would melt any teacher's
heart-- are packed up. Good-byes are said. It's June and summer vacation
has officially begun for teachers and learners alike.
Tip #1: Celebrate
without guilt.
Give yourself permission to let out a whoop! at
the top of your lungs. There is no shame in feeling a sense of jubilation
for having time away from your classroom. It's okay to admit that you are
happy...no elated...to be out for summer!
Think about it. You
don't have to turn in lesson plans and you can eat lunch for longer than thirty
minutes. Your food will actually have time to digest! If for a minute
you start to feel guilty remind yourself that your learners are just as
happy (if not happier) than you are to have the summer off. Celebrating will
help relieve that pent up ball-of-stress and help get your summer started on
the right foot (or paw).
Warning: the rush of
adrenaline you initially feel is similar to a sugar-high. Be prepared
to hit a slump within the ensuing days. This is normal and in no way implies
that you need medical attention. This is a good time to pull out a Starbucks
gift card and order a Triple Grande latte to give you a caffeine boost.
Tip #2. Take an
excursion.
As badly as you wanted
to be a Publishers Clearing House Winner for 2016, it didn't happen. This is an
opportunity to do what teachers do best...go to plan B and improvise. Taking a
road trip with the kids in tow can make for a fun outing. An excursion might be
going to a museum, taking an overnight camping trip, or going to an amusement
park.
Don't let disappointment
steal your joy just because another teacher on your team is packing to go on an
exotic trip to the Caribbean. It's normal to feel a twinge of jealousy, just
don't let it consume you. Vacations are about building memories. It can be as
simple as taking a one day road trip to someplace new. The important thing
is to let your hair down and have fun!
Tip #3: Learn something
new.
You may have heard
the adage: You can't teach an old dog new tricks. Summer vacation is the
perfect opportunity to try something new. Ask yourself, What
is something I've wanted to do but never felt like I had the time?
This does not mean you
have to become an expert photographer, for example. It's simply about
stepping out of your comfort zone and learning a new skill. Write a blog. Join
a twitter chat. Take a Zumba class. Get your high school band instrument down
from the attic and belt out your high school fight song.
Caution: Be prepared for
your children, spouse, or significant other to ask if you are feeling alright.
Tip #4 Know your limitations
You are up to your
eyeballs in laundry, your car smells like French fries, and you've developed an
involuntary twitch in your left eye. This is a normal response to
"shoulda-stopped syndrome" or triple SSS.
This is normal for
teachers who are conditioned to a routine such as morning bus loop duty,
morning announcements, rigorous lessons coupled with formative assessments,
playground duty, lunch, more lessons, well, you get the picture. It can be exhausting...but
it is also structured.
It can be a trap to
think that since "school is out" teachers should be footloose and
fancy free. Quite the opposite. Follow tips 1-3, but listen to your body and
stop when it tells you to stop. Chocolate and wine can do wonders as long as
they are consumed in moderation.
Tip 5: Embrace
change.
Before you know it,
you'll be cheering with your fellow teachers at convocation and welcoming in
the new school year 2016-2017. There will be changes in technology, assessments,
and perhaps a new educator evaluation system.
I confess that embracing
change can be so much harder than it sounds! But then I remind myself that
learning is all about growing. And growing is all about
change. Being open and willing to embrace change will start the new
school year off right!
Confession Reflection:
- Fill in the blank. This summer I want to learn
to_______?
- Why is it important to monitor our activity level and
take time out for ourselves?
- What are the benefits of stepping out of our comfort
zone and learning something new?
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