Refresh and Enhance Your Teaching Skills Over Summer Break

Refresh and Enhance Your Teaching Skills Over Summer Break

by | Teacher Care

As the school year draws to a close, teachers everywhere are eagerly anticipating a well-deserved break. Summer is the perfect time to recharge your batteries, relax, and catch up on some much-needed rest. However, it’s also a great opportunity to refresh your skills and take steps to improve your teaching. Explore some of the ways that teachers can refresh over the summer, and how these activities can help improve your teaching skills for the upcoming school year.

  • Attend a Professional Development Conference:
    Professional development conferences are a great way to learn new skills, gain new insights, and network with other educators. There are a variety of conferences available, both in-person and online, that cover a range of topics related to teaching.
  • Take Online Courses or Workshops:
    Online courses and workshops are another excellent way to refresh your teaching skills over the summer. Many educational institutions and online learning platforms offer courses and workshops that cover a variety of topics, from classroom management to subject-specific instruction.
  • Read Professional Development Books:
    Summer is a great time to catch up on some reading, and there are plenty of books available that are specifically designed to help teachers improve their skills. From classroom management to student engagement, there’s a book out there that can help you become a better teacher.
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I Wish My Teacher Knew: How One Question Can Change Everything for Our Kids
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The Burnout Cure: Learning to Love Teaching Again


The Burnout Cure: Learning to Love Teaching Again
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What Great Teachers Do Differently


What Great Teachers Do Differently
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Passionate Readers: The Art of Reaching and Engaging Every Child


Passionate Readers: The Art of Reaching and Engaging Every Child
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  • Engage in Reflective Practice:
    Reflective practice is the act of looking back on your teaching experiences and analyzing them to identify areas for improvement. Engaging in reflective practice over the summer can help you identify areas where you can improve your teaching, as well as areas where you are already excelling.
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Creating a Culture of Reflective Practice: Building Capacity for Schoolwide Success
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Reflective Practice in Action: 80 Reflection Breaks for Busy Teachers


Reflective Practice in Action: 80 Reflection Breaks for Busy Teachers
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  • Connect with Other Educators:
    Connecting with other educators can be a great way to share ideas, gain new insights, and develop a support network. Joining a teacher group or online forum can help you connect with other educators from around the world and get new perspectives on teaching.

Summer is a great time for teachers to refresh their skills, engage in reflective practice, and connect with other educators. By attending professional development conferences, taking online courses, reading professional development books, engaging in reflective practice, and connecting with other educators, teachers can become more effective and inspiring educators.

Are you interested in reading about and sharing ideas with other educators on using children’s literature in your classroom? My goal is to bring together teachers and homeschoolers who teach grades 3-8 and use novels with their students. I’d love for you to join me to learn, share, and grow together!

Click here or the image below to join my Facebook group, Book Talk with The Teaching Bank!

Click to join Book Talk with The Teaching Bank

*The Teaching Bank participates in the Amazon Associate Program and earns a fee from qualifying purchases made on the Amazon.com site.

Summer Self-Care for Teachers: Strategies to Recharge and Rejuvenate

Summer Self-Care for Teachers: Strategies to Recharge and Rejuvenate

by | Teacher Care

The end of the school year can be an overwhelming time for teachers. After months of hard work and dedication, it’s important for educators to take some time for themselves over the summer break. Self-care is crucial for teachers to recharge, reflect, and return to the classroom refreshed and energized. Here are some tips on how teachers can practice self-care over the summer:  

 

Set boundaries:

One of the most important aspects of self-care is setting boundaries. Teachers should establish limits on their work hours, technology use, and other aspects of their daily routines. By setting boundaries, teachers can ensure they have time for themselves and their families over the summer.  

 

 
Get outside:

Spending time in nature is a great way to recharge and reduce stress. Teachers can take advantage of the summer weather by spending time outdoors, whether that means going for a hike, taking a swim, or simply enjoying a picnic in the park.    

 

 

Prioritize sleep: 

During the school year, it can be difficult for teachers to get enough sleep. Over the summer, it’s important to prioritize rest and relaxation by setting a consistent sleep schedule and sticking to it.

 

 

 

Pursue hobbies:

Teachers should take advantage of the summer break to pursue hobbies and interests that they may not have had time for during the school year. Whether it’s painting, gardening, or learning a new language, engaging in activities that bring joy and fulfillment can help teachers feel more balanced and refreshed.

I personally have found puzzling to be a wonderful hobby that works your brain but also allows you to zone out and leave stress behind.

 

 

 
 
 
Connect with others:

Summer is a great time to connect with friends, family, and colleagues outside of the classroom. Teachers can schedule social activities or attend professional development events to stay connected and engaged.      

 

 

By prioritizing self-care over the summer break, teachers can return to the classroom with renewed energy and enthusiasm. Hopefully, this summer habit will be able to carry over into the next school year for added stress reduction.  Additionally, taking care of oneself can serve as an excellent model for students, who can benefit from seeing their teachers prioritize mental and physical health. Remember, taking care of oneself is not selfish – it’s essential.

Are you interested in reading about and sharing ideas with other educators on using children’s literature in your classroom? My goal is to bring together teachers and homeschoolers who teach grades 3-8 and use novels with their students. I’d love for you to join me to learn, share, and grow together!

Click here or the image below to join my Facebook group, Book Talk with The Teaching Bank!

Click to join Book Talk with The Teaching Bank

*The Teaching Bank participates in the Amazon Associate Program and earns a fee from qualifying purchases made on the Amazon.com site.