When summer break begins, it’s tempting to either dive straight into school prep or avoid thinking about school altogether. Over the years, I’ve found that the most productive summers strike a balance between rest and preparation. Here are five simple habits that help me return to the classroom feeling refreshed, organized, and ready for a new group of fourth graders.
1. Make Time to Recharge
Teaching is rewarding, but it can also be exhausting. Give yourself permission to rest, spend time with family, travel, or enjoy hobbies. Taking care of yourself now will help you bring more energy and patience into the new school year.
2. Reflect on the Past Year
Before planning ahead, think about what worked well and what you’d like to improve. Jot down successful lessons, classroom routines, and ideas while they’re still fresh in your mind. These notes will be invaluable when you begin planning.
3. Focus on One Professional Goal
Rather than trying to reinvent your entire classroom, choose one area to strengthen—whether it’s reading instruction, classroom management, or student engagement. Small, intentional improvements often have the greatest impact.
4. Get Organized Early
Spend a few hours organizing digital files, updating lesson materials, or preparing your first week of school. A little preparation during the summer can make the busy back-to-school season much less stressful.
5. Read Books That Inspire You
Summer is the perfect time to invest in your own learning. Here are three books I recommend:
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- The Book Whisperer by Donalyn Miller – A great reminder of how to foster a love of reading in students.
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- The First Days of School by Harry Wong and Rosemary Wong – Full of practical strategies for building strong classroom routines.
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- Atomic Habits by James Clear – An inspiring read about creating small habits that lead to lasting success, both personally and professionally.
Final Thoughts
A productive summer doesn’t mean spending every day working on school. By making time to rest, reflect, organize, set one meaningful goal, and enjoy a few great books, you’ll start the new school year feeling confident, prepared, and excited to welcome your students back.
