6 Things Every Teacher Should Do This Summer

Summertime is upon us and if you’re a teacher that means you finally get a break from all the chaos of planning, grading, and students. But what should you do with your free time? Here are six things every teacher should do this summer.  

Catch Up

If you’re a teacher, you already know how busy the school year is. That’s why it’s a good idea to use the summer to get caught up on everything you didn’t get to do while school was in session. Get your car inspected, make a doctor’s appointment for your yearly checkup, book a long overdue visit to the dentist, and don’t forget to catch up on sleep!

But don’t just focus on catching up on the practical things. Sure, your health is important, but so is catching up on the Netflix show you never got a chance to watch and read the newest book by your favorite author.

Spend Time With Family and Friends

Summer break is a great time to catch up with family and friends, especially those you didn’t get a chance to see much during the school year. Host a backyard barbecue for the family or plan a trip out-of-state to see your best friend on the opposite coast. 

Spend Time Outdoors

One of the best things about having time off in the summer is the gorgeous weather. Make the most of it and get outside when you can. Go on a nature walk with your family, take a dip in the pool, or go on a long bike ride on your favorite trail. Taking up an outdoor hobby is a good way to spend your summer, too. Try your hand at fishing or gardening or learn how to play pickleball.

Take a Vacation or Staycation

There’s no better way to relax than on a summer vacation. Plan a trip to the beach or the mountains, take the kids to an amusement park, or take that long-awaited trip to Europe. If money is tight, don’t worry! A staycation can be just as fun. Pretend you’re a tourist in your own city and visit places you’ve never been before or set up a tent in the backyard for a camping trip that literally has all the comforts of home.

De-Clutter Your Home

One of the best ways to use your free time is to declutter. It’s something you probably don’t have time to do during the school year, and it’s great for your mental health. Plus, getting rid of all of the things you don’t need and putting everything in its place is a great way to get ready for the new school year.

Do Some Prepping for Next Year (or don’t …)

If you want to start prepping for the next school year, summer is a great time to do it. If you’ve been wanting to revamp a lesson plan or add a new activity to your curriculum, summer is a great time to figure it out without the pressure of being in the classroom. That said, if a lesson plan template is the last thing you want to look at when you’re on break, don’t worry about it. Summer goes by too fast as it is, and you have plenty of time to focus on school in the fall.