Hi Everyone!
Summer is finally here! Over the years, I've come to realize that it takes me longer to go from teacher mode to summer vacay mode. I don’t know about you, but for me it’s a big adjustment from going full-tilt to intentionally slowing down and savoring every single minute of those school-free days of summer. There’s much to be said for putting “teacher mode on pause” stepping back, taking a breath and spending some much needed time on reflection, relaxation and rejuvenation.
This year has been a particularly busy one for me. I’ve been traveling a lot supporting teachers with implementing the Lucy Calkins Writing Units of Study curriculum. So I am super excited about intentionally going on a Staycation, catching up on some reading, and enjoying what’s in my own backyard.
In today’s post, I’m happy to share some tried and true tips that make staying home for summer a time I treasure. I encourage all of you to take at least a week this summer and enjoy some of these six ways to make the most of your summer staycation!
Here’s 6 ways you can make the most of a summer staycation without breaking your teacher bank and that will lead to a healthier, happier, recharged you. What better gift can you bring to your classroom next fall, but a refreshed, recharged, refocused and reenergized you?
- First, and foremost, treat yourself to something that you normally don’t have time to do consistently, or at all, during the school year. This can be something as simple as getting a pedi or a mani, or a massage, getting your hair done in a salon you’ve been wanting to try. Doing something just for yourself and indulging in something you normally don’t ever have time to do will be your first, and most important, step to recharging your batteries.
- Focus on family. During the school year so much of our family time is relegated to grading papers, planning lessons, reading blogs, finding resources and such. Use summer vacation time and those extra long daylight hours to spend quality time with the people who mean the most to you. Take this time to play, laugh, and enjoy your family. Plan a weekly family fun day. There’s heaps to choose from- a hike, picnic, barbecue, swimming or gardening fun, biking adventure, explore the zoo or aquarium, go on a beach outing or go to the library, local museum, farmer’s market, or nature preserve, take in a matinee at the movies. Take advantage of all the free events in your local area. Use this summer to enjoy the people who mean the most to you.
- Reconnect with old friends. Take advantage of your weekday freedom to get back in touch with your old friends. Make a date for lunch or to go for a hike, bike, or just explore new and interesting eateries and shops in your hometown. Just no teacher stores! That means Target and the Dollar Store too!
Try something new and adventurous for you. Maybe you’ve always wanted to try a cooking class, yoga, pilates, piano, pottery, painting, zip lining, or bungee jumping. Why not try it now? Summer is the perfect time to stretch your comfort zone and expand your horizons. Take up that forgotten hobby that you’ve always dreamed of. This is the time to practice the growth mindset you encourage the kids to embrace. Just think of how sharing this experience will nudge them to take risks next year.
Summer is the perfect time to focus on a healthier you. Take advantage of the longer summer sun hours and the warmer weather to get some exercise. Summer is a perfect time to get back into walking, swimming, surfing, boating, biking, jogging, playing soccer, baseball or other outdoor sports. Being active now will make it easier to keep up with your students when you go back to your classroom in the fall.
Take some time to get lost in a fun engaging book. I got to talking to my fellow TpT friend and teacher blogger extraordinaire Molly Lynch at Lucky to be in First Grade has on her summer reading list. And well, it got me to thinking… summer is the perfect time for FUN reads. So, I’ve linked up with Molly and giving you all her great picks on her Kindle list. She’s got them categorized into should reads and want to reads. Hey, I think they ALL look awesome so I wanted to be sure I gave you a chance to explore her picks and maybe grab a few yourself. Just click the link of the books listed below and it should take you directly to Amazon.com where you can find out more information about them. I personally just can’t wait to check them out and I hope you will too! Happy Summer Reading!
Me Before You {Gotta read this before seeing the movie that’s been released this summer!}
After You {sequel to Me Before You}
Eligible {Molly says this is a modern day Pride & Prejudice}
The Nest {Molly says this is a little family drama related to inheritance}
The Ramblers {Backdrop in NYC- how could you miss with this one}
Orphan Train { An historical fiction centered around a tender friendship}
The Girl on the Train { A thriller guaranteed to be be a page turner}
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society {written with warmth and humor as a series of letters}
Brooklyn {This looks to be a beautiful read with the movie due to be released this summer}
The Island House {With a backdrop in Nantucket I’m all in}
What’s on your summer reading list? If you have a fun summer read that you recommend please leave the title and author in the comment section and I’ll be sure to check it out! I'm always looking for new fun books!
Also how are you planning to enjoy your summer? I’d love to hear how you make the most of your summer break… Do you have any summer rituals or summer staycation tips to help you recharge, refresh, refocus, and reenergize for the upcoming new school year?
Happy Stay-cation-ing!