Has anyone else looked at the calendar recently and thought "There's no way we're that close to the new school year already!?!" I have about 2 more weeks before my kiddos come back to school and I can't believe how fast this summer went.
Even though I spent the summer doing what I love, it's still gone so very fast. I've been traveling in my RV with my family since summer began (about 8 weeks ago) and we have about 1 week left in our west coast trip, which you are welcome to read about at our sister site - RVing with the Rakis. This trip has been great, but it means that I won't set foot into my classroom until about 4 days before the kids come back. However, even while traveling I've still been preparing for the new school year.
*** I have visited thrift stores in many different cities and states, sweeping up cheap, good quality books and containers for my kiddos. I even found a great electronic pencil sharpener with suction cups on the bottom.
*** I've collected and spray painted more tin cans to be used as storage for pencils, crayons, markers, scissors and a variety of other school supplies.
*** I've collected brochures and maps as I've traveled to add to my "real life reading" section in my classroom library.
*** I've been working on revamping Problem Solving Path to make it a bit easier to use and better aligned to the standards.
*** I've scoped out my new ELA curriculum and turned their pages and pages of scope and sequence into something more manageable to plan from.
*** I've pinned a ton of things onto my Raki's Rad Resources Pinterest Boards for projects and classroom management techniques that I want to use this school year including this sweet straw trick for keeping pencils from falling to the floor while not in use.
*** I've bought a simple calendar planner and mapped out the basics of the school year (days off, conference days, half days) for myself and my sons, since we each have different calendars for next year.
*** But most importantly I have rested, spent time with my family, made preserves, got organized and done other things to take care of my own mental health now and in the new school year. As teachers, our job often asks that we take care of others in leiu of taking care of ourselves. The summer is a time to take care of our mental health. We'll be better teachers by taking that time to keep ourselves healthy because you can't do for others if you're not okay yourself. So whether your summer is almost over or has just begun, remember to take some time to take care of yourself this summer. It's the most important way that you can prepare for the new school year!
Even though I spent the summer doing what I love, it's still gone so very fast. I've been traveling in my RV with my family since summer began (about 8 weeks ago) and we have about 1 week left in our west coast trip, which you are welcome to read about at our sister site - RVing with the Rakis. This trip has been great, but it means that I won't set foot into my classroom until about 4 days before the kids come back. However, even while traveling I've still been preparing for the new school year.
*** I have visited thrift stores in many different cities and states, sweeping up cheap, good quality books and containers for my kiddos. I even found a great electronic pencil sharpener with suction cups on the bottom.
*** I've collected and spray painted more tin cans to be used as storage for pencils, crayons, markers, scissors and a variety of other school supplies.
*** I've collected brochures and maps as I've traveled to add to my "real life reading" section in my classroom library.
*** I've been working on revamping Problem Solving Path to make it a bit easier to use and better aligned to the standards.
*** I've scoped out my new ELA curriculum and turned their pages and pages of scope and sequence into something more manageable to plan from.
*** I've pinned a ton of things onto my Raki's Rad Resources Pinterest Boards for projects and classroom management techniques that I want to use this school year including this sweet straw trick for keeping pencils from falling to the floor while not in use.
*** I've bought a simple calendar planner and mapped out the basics of the school year (days off, conference days, half days) for myself and my sons, since we each have different calendars for next year.
*** But most importantly I have rested, spent time with my family, made preserves, got organized and done other things to take care of my own mental health now and in the new school year. As teachers, our job often asks that we take care of others in leiu of taking care of ourselves. The summer is a time to take care of our mental health. We'll be better teachers by taking that time to keep ourselves healthy because you can't do for others if you're not okay yourself. So whether your summer is almost over or has just begun, remember to take some time to take care of yourself this summer. It's the most important way that you can prepare for the new school year!
