10 Things Teachers Secretly do During Summer Break (and I know you do them too)

Has this ever happened to you? You promise yourself to step away from the classroom all summer and not think about it again...but actually doing it? If.you are anything like me, you find yourself doing little things all summer that help you get either physically or mentally ready for next year. If you've ever done any of these over the summer...you're human...and you might be a teacher.

1. Walk through the school supply aisle...just to look, and you end up really excited, maybe even throw a few things in your cart.

2. Start 10 new projects...and finish two.

3. Read a professional development book...just for fun.

4. Say, "I'm not thinking about school!" ...while actually thinking about school.

5. Watch some kids in the next lane at the bowling alley and think, "I'm so glad that one isn't in my class!"

6. Plan out new unit ideas while your husband drives you around. 

7. Going to a craft store sparks a thousand ideas for classroom decor or transformations.

8. Saving social media posts (of classroom ideas) to look back on in August.

9. Counting down the days left until you head back to school. 

10. That trip to the bookstore always ends up with you in the children's department.

I'm just a teacher over here trying to enjoy a little me time....and thoughts of my classroom just keep butting in. Happy summer...whatever that means for you.

Teachers on Break

The lazy days of summer are upon us...the days that teachers long for. I am absolutely soaking them up with my two teens and husband. We aren't going anywhere this summer, and that is kind of sad (I love to travel), but it also gives us an opportunity to do things around our town that we didn't get to do last year when we spent six weeks road trippin'. 

So what is a teacher on break supposed to do with all that extra time? Here's some suggestions if you need some ideas.

Dust off your instruments: 

I am spending extra time playing the piano, my first instrument. My goal was two hours a day, which quickly morphed into one, but even on days when my fingers don't dance across the ivories at all, I am taking extra time this summer to better my craft and learn some challenging pieces. 

I am also working to relearn the violin. As an adult, I took lessons for a few years, but that was before children. I have forgotten much that I learned, but I figure I can pick it up quicker the second time. I used to play in our church orchestra, and my husband still does. My goal is to be able to competent enough to play from the hymnal and join him once again. 

Sports:

Get some exercise in a way you don't always get to do during the school year. We got our bikes ready so we can choose to ride around the neighborhood with our kids. We are getting up early and visiting the pickleball courts before things heat up. As another option, we could go to one of the basketball courts in town or even even dunk a few shots in our driveway hoop. Go to the local pool. We have a really great one with an amazing splash secion and two slides for the bigger kids...and best of all, it is free. We are walking more too, and that makes our dog so happy.

Hobbies:

Now is the perfect time for all those hobbies you have abandoned. For me it is scrapbooking and photography. I actually have the time and enrolled in a photography course! Sharpening my skills in that area is so fun. And it has been a minute since I have printed off any pictures to use in my albums. I am happy to get that chance this summer. I have a lot of catching up to do. 

Read:

Take advantage of your local library. Check out some new books. I have been reading a lot, and enjoying it. I don't take the time very often to read a good book during the school year, but I have already finished three and have more that are in the process. Here's some of what I have been reading: 

High Five by Mel Robbins

This one is all about loving yourself

Let them by Mel Robbins

This one is about not worrying how others act and not reacting in negative ways toward the chaos they cause

Loving our Students on Purpose by Bernii Godwin

All about teaching students joyful responsibility for their own behavior

Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg

All about making change in your life with micro habits. 

The Quilter's Apprentice (An Elm Creek Quilts Novel: book 1) by Jennifer Chiaverini

A fiction book about a girl who learns to quilt, with other stories woven in along the way 

Round Robin (An Elm Creek Quilts Novel: book 2) by Jennifer Chiaverini

A fiction book about a group of quilters and their individual stories

Visit Free or Cheap Places

Look around your town for places you can go that don't cost a lot. Some museums have free days, some movie theaters have $1 movies for the summer, and parks are also a great option. Kids can do reading programs at their library and earn prizes such as tickets to local events, etc. 

A summer at home doesn't have to be boring...and it shouldn't be. Get out there are make it memorable with your kids, or even if you don't have kids, do it for yourself!