How to Prepare for Back to School Over Summer Break

Teachers are the funniest people. We count down the days until summer break. Then, as soon as summer break starts, we begin to think about how we want to prep and prepare for back to school!

I have ten pretty easy things that you can do over summer break that will make back to school a whole lot easier. (The best part is that most of these things can be done in a swim suit or pajamas!) Grab a summer beverage and let’s get started!

First, prepare yourself. You cannot be a phenomenal teacher if you do not take time to unwind and recharge. Spend a couple weeks reading an adult book, laying by the pool, watching Netflix and being with friends and family. You deserve the break!

Now that you have had a little time to relax, you are ready to reflect and set new goals. Get a pretty notebook and new pens and jot down some notes. What went well last year? What did you struggle with last year? What area would you like to grow in? What new thing would you like to try this year?

Now that you have some goals, choose a couple PD books that you can enjoy (poolside with an adult beverage). Professional Development books always give me great ideas and get me pumped up to try new things. If you are looking for some great books, check out THIS post.

Pinterest and teacher blogs are a wealth of knowledge and ideas. Take some time perusing the web for ideas and strategies that you would like to try. Now raise your right hand and repeat after me. “I will not go on to Pinterest and get completely overwhelmed. I know that I can’t do it all. I will just look for a few ideas that will solve a problem in my classroom.” Click HERE to check out my Pinterest boards.

You’re probably going to want to get dressed for this one. Schedule one or two days to go into your classroom and really get organized. Get rid of anything you have not used in the past 1-2 years. Don’t be a crazy hoarder!

Go label happy so that it will be easy for you and and your students to find supplies next year. This step is easier if you are playing some happy tunes! The louder, the better.

Then quickly get home and back into your pajamas. After all, you are on break!!!

Depending on where you live, summer can be a great time to hit up the garage sales. I like to buy books for the classroom library. You can also find games and book shelves. But books are really my jam.

How will you be decorating your classroom? If you are doing any redecorating, now is a great time to hit the teaching store or purchase a classroom decor kit on TpT. Get things printed, cut and laminated if necessary. Click HERE to take a look at my favorite classroom themes.

I am currently obsessed with this game board theme!

Summer is the perfect time to print, cut and laminate any centers that you plan to use during the year. This will save you so much time during the year.

I also like to prep the reward tags that I will need. If you have older children, nieces, nephews or neighbors- I highly recommend bribing asking them to do all of the cutting for you. This will give you more time to nap and watch Netflix. #youarewelcome

It’s time to get activities and lessons planned and prepped for those first two weeks. You know those weeks are exhausting and you will kiss yourself for not having to stay up late writing plans. Do it now while you are rested and excited. Click HERE for some first day of school activity ideas.

Does your school have some kind of open house, curriculum night or meet the teacher day? Now is a great time to prepare any paperwork that you will need students and/or parents to fill out. Do you need to create a PowerPoint to share classroom policies with parents? Or do you want to make a document? Get it done now! All of your coworkers will be jealous.

If you are a fast finisher, your assignment is to get back to the pool!

Have a not so wimpy day!