top of page
Search

Summer Scaries: Balancing Relaxation and Preparation

It’s the middle of summer, and back-to-school sales are gearing up. Across the country, teachers are in various states of preparation—some heading back to school next week, others not until the next month. And then it happens: those first school prep dreams wake you in the middle of the night. For me, this marks the beginning of the “summer scaries”—a much longer and more irritating version of the “Sunday Scaries” we experience during the school year.


But is it a bad thing? Not necessarily. Summer is a time of relaxation, following our own schedules, and accomplishing tasks that we don’t have time for during the school year. Who wouldn’t want that to continue just a little bit longer? As much as I love teaching history and AP Capstone, let’s be real: SUMMER… it’s pretty amazing getting to sleep in and go to the bathroom whenever you want.



Balancing Relaxation and Preparation

Ah, the delicate dance between savoring summer’s lazy mornings and gearing up for the academic whirlwind. Let’s tackle those summer scaries head-on with practical strategies:


  1. Set Boundaries:

  • Summer Mode vs. Teacher Mode: Create a mental switch. When you’re in “teacher mode,” focus on planning, curriculum, and professional development. Outside of those hours, allow yourself to fully enjoy the sunsets, beach reads, and ice cream cones.


  1. Plan Ahead (Without Overdoing It):

  • Batch Tasks: Allocate specific days for different tasks. Mondays for curriculum mapping, Wednesdays for resource creation, and Fridays for reflection. This way, you avoid feeling overwhelmed.

  • Last Year’s Hits and Misses: Take a stroll down memory lane. What worked well in your classes? What needs tweaking? Reflect on student engagement, assessments, and those “aha” moments.



  • Summer PD: Attend workshops, webinars, or read professional books. It’s like a mental gym session—flex those pedagogical muscles.

  1. Self-Care, Always:

  • Sleep Hygiene: Yes, we’re educators, but we’re also humans. Prioritize sleep. A well-rested teacher is a superhero in disguise.


Conclusion

Dear fellow educators, as the back-to-school buzz gets louder, embrace the mix of excitement and nervousness. It’s okay to feel both. After all, teaching isn’t just a job; it’s a calling. So, let’s sip our iced coffees, organize our digital binders, and step into the new school year with curiosity and courage. 🌟📚🍎


Let's Connect:





 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page