7 Teacher Tips: Preparing For Back To School While Still Enjoying Summer Break

Recently we have been focusing on kids and how to keep them learning during the summer while still having fun. Now it's time to help teachers begin planning for a new school year while not getting too stressed out. Here are some back to school tips that hopefully will help you to start the new year refreshed and ready to go but still allow you to enjoy the remaining days or weeks of summer break.

1. Keep the good parts and change the other parts

Take what you've learned in previous years and include the good parts in your teaching and change up the parts that didn't work well.
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Reflecting on past successes can be incredibly rewarding. Perhaps you introduced a new interactive activity that captured your students' imaginations and helped them grasp a difficult concept. Or maybe you developed a unique technique that motivated them to engage deeply with the material. These successes are the building blocks of your teaching philosophy, and it’s essential to carry them forward. By identifying and replicating these effective strategies, you can create a more engaging and effective learning environment year after year.

​However, reflection also involves an honest assessment of what hasn’t worked. Every teacher has encountered lesson plans that fell flat, activities that failed to engage, or assessment methods that didn’t quite measure up. These experiences, while challenging, are invaluable. They provide critical insights into what needs to change. Perhaps the pacing was off, the material was too complex, or the method didn’t align with your students' learning styles. Whatever the case, acknowledging these less successful aspects is the first step toward improvement.

​Adapting your teaching methods doesn’t mean starting from scratch. It involves thoughtful tweaks and adjustments based on past experiences. For example, if a particular instructional strategy didn’t resonate with your students, consider modifying it rather than discarding it entirely. Small changes, such as incorporating more visual aids, breaking down complex information into more manageable chunks, or integrating technology in new ways, can make a significant difference.

2. Change up your classroom

Consider rearranging your classroom at the beginning of the year. A fresh layout can revitalize both you and your students, making the space feel new and inviting. Decorate with pops of color, inspirational messages, and designated special centers for various activities. This not only makes the classroom more visually appealing but also creates a sense of excitement and curiosity among students.

Here are some calendar headers that might be helpful for you. Click on the image that works best for you.

3. Do some basic planning for the first weeks

In many districts, at least here in Canada, classes can be reconfigured after the school year begins based on enrollment numbers and budgets. This can cause some uncertainty about what grade you may end up with. Over planning and preparing for one group and then having it completely change in grade level or configuration can be very stressful, so I suggest that you do some basic planning for the first few weeks and hold off on the deeper concepts until the classes are settled. While waiting, plan basic lessons that work for both returning and new students. These foundational lessons can help ease everyone into the new school year smoothly.

4. Decide on your must-have rules

Classroom management is necessary in order to have a respectful and caring classroom environment. There are many different aspects to this and many are determined by your teaching style and your classroom dynamics.

​Decide on your must-have rules and classroom management strategies. Establishing clear expectations from the outset helps create a structured and respectful learning environment. Some of your rules may be non-negotiable, but many can also be determined as a class community. 

5. Take brain breaks and movement breaks

Incorporating brain breaks and movement breaks while planning and setting up your classroom is crucial. Just as kids need to have breaks during to day, so do you. These breaks will improve your productivity. Continue to add in brain breaks as you do things throughout the year as well. These breaks are important for your well-being and they model the importance of this for your students as well.

6. Consider your curriculum goals for the year

As you set up your classroom, also consider your curriculum goals for the year. Start brainstorming ideas for how to implement them, ensuring that they are both ambitious and achievable. Plan a basic schedule that includes a mix of academic and social-emotional learning (SEL) activities. This balance is essential for creating well-rounded development in your students. Remember, this schedule can and should be adjusted as needed to respond to the changing needs of your classroom.

7. Take time for self care

​Mentally preparing yourself is just as important as physical preparations. Take time to relax, practice mindfulness, and engage in activities that reduce stress. This mental preparation helps in maintaining a positive outlook and resilience throughout the school year. It's essential to take care of yourself during this busy time. A well-rested and healthy teacher is more effective and more capable of handling the demands of the school year.

As you prepare for a new academic year, embrace the lessons of the past with an open mind and a willingness to change. Consider some of the tips I've suggested and remember to take care of yourself. By doing so, you can create an engaging and productive learning environment that not only meets the needs of your students but also inspires them to reach their full potential.

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