Vacation is often a time for teachers to reflect on the activities in the just ended term and prepare for the next one. To help you plan your days off, we've put together ten easy to do's that will boost your productivity and be beneficial for both your wellbeing and teaching practice.
- Do something just for you.
There's no better way to recharge your batteries than taking care of yourself. Give your body, mind and soul the attention it deserves. Pamper yourself with a massage, go on a trip or treat yourself to a nice dinner out this week. Because taking care of yourself is an important part of being successful.
- Be Informed About Your Profession
As education changes, so does the way teachers teach and students learn. Today's legislative acts could mean a big change in tomorrow's classroom environment. If you are so inclined, get involved.
- Maintain Your Expertise
As a teacher, you know the importance of staying on top of new developments in your field. Whether it's an inspiring article or book, or a seminar you can take to improve student learning, these resources motivate you to enter the classroom with confidence and enthusiasm. Always be on the lookout for new and better ways to teach your primary content. You can find thousands of excellent resources at your school library or other educational platforms like gesupdates.
- Choose few lessons to improve upon
Picking a lesson to rescript and enhance is a daunting task. I would recommend starting out with one lesson that seems to be working for you, but lacks some materials or just doesn't have the appeal that it once did. Look back at your students' work from this lesson and see where you can improve it. Maybe use this as an opportunity to incorporate more inquiry-based learning.
- Your Classroom Procedures' Assessment - Assess your Classroom Procedures
Did you know that the average teacher loses 5 weeks per year to discipline issues? The problem with many tardy or late-work policies is that they’re either too strict or not strict enough. It’s important to strike a balance so that expectations are clear, but students don’t forget these boundaries. Review each of your classroom procedures and do what you can to make them more effective.
- Do not wait to be inspired, inspire yourself
Learn about the rich history of teaching and education.
You have a career and you're passionate about it. But if you've been in the field for more than a couple of years, it's likely that you've dealt with burnout, stress and feeling overworked more than once. Take some time to re-energize, refuel and renew your commitment to teaching. Spend some quality time with a child, your own or someone else's. Read about famous educators and inspirational leaders. Check out these inspirational books and inspirational movies. Remember why you got into this profession to begin with.
- Try Something New
Hobbies and new skills are perfect ways to keep yourself motivated, refreshed and engaged by the many tasks that arise in a typical day of teaching. They can also build confidence and professionalism, help you network and make contacts with other like-minded people, enable you to stay up-to-date with current trends, and offer opportunities for entrepreneurism, creativity, innovative thinking and the expression of your own individuality. As Malcolm X once said “You can't have an impact unless you are different”.
If you’re feeling stuck and ready for something new, take up a hobby or enroll in a course away from your teaching subject matter. You will be surprised how this can enhance your teaching in the coming year. Your new interest may be the thing that connects with one of your new students.
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