Planning for Summer

By. Meredith Biesinger

You’ve made it! The school year is over, and now, give or take a few professional development days; you are finally ready for some much-needed R & R. 

The words planning and summer might not be the most compatible unless we’re talking about planning a vacation. But, let’s face it, we’re educators, and we’re always planning. Likewise, many of us are parents, or maybe we have a summer side hustle or both…so we’re always planning.

As you plan your summer, be sure to schedule time for yourself to unplug, unwind, and regroup. Whatever you need to do, do it, because August will be here before we know it. 

Here are some helpful planning tips to make your summer fun and relaxing while still accomplishing all of those things we know you have on your to-do list. 

Classroom Planning

Pack up your classroom, per your district’s request, and make a list of things you’d like to add or need to add to your classroom. If it’s a wishlist item, go ahead and add it to your Amazon wishlist, or consider using a teacher-founded nonprofit like donors choose.org and ask peers and parents to help you crowdfund this need. 

Family Planning 

If you are a parent with children at home, plan some fun activities to do at the house and in your local area throughout the summer. Arts, crafts, local libraries, festivals, splash pads, and parks are accessible, inexpensive fun for children to have during the summertime. 

If your children are older and you are trying to keep them off electronic devices all day, consider volunteering for a favorite local organization, exercising together, or looking for budget-friendly events on Groupon and finding something fun to do together in your area. 

Vacation Planning 

It’s no secret that prices are increasing on just about everything right now, but don’t let that detour you from taking a vacation. Check out teacher travel-friendly websites like Beach4Teach, and see if any deals meet your travel and budget needs. You never know until you try! 

Self-Care Planning 
Teaching is rewarding, but it can also be exhausting. Before jumping into mid-July with lesson plans and classroom organization, be sure to take time for yourself. Take time to read a book for enjoyment every day, garden, cook, go for a walk, or simply sit outside with your feet up and a favorite drink.