In my 18 years in the profession, I've come up with THREE must-do items to prepare now for a stress-free back to school season!
#1 - Plan
Most of you will at least know what grade you will be teaching. If you do, long-range planning is one thing you can get a start on now. Take a look at your curriculum documents, consider the resources you have at your disposal, and start mapping out when you'd like to cover the big ideas.I also like to get my daybook resources prepped and ready-to-go during the summer break. For the past several years I have used the iDoceo app for electronic planning and record-keeping. I can get my tentative timetable entered into the templates, and even add my student information if I have it!
If you're more of a paper and Flair pens kind of gal... my Erin Condren life planner is never far from my reach, and the teacher planner looks amazing!!
You can take a closer look at all the EC planner options HERE. (This is a referral link earning you $10 off when you use it!)
#2 - Print, Cut, Laminate
My new printer has been working overtime in the past week. (Thank goodness for Instant Ink!!) This really is the perfect time to get your new classroom decor, centers guided math, birthday gifts, or whatever printed and prepared for heading back.I have been prepping my new NEON classroom decor,
getting more of my differentiated word lists printed, cut, and fastened with binder rings,
Having all of this done before I head back into the classroom will just mean one extra thing is already crossed off my long list!
# 3 - Relax, Refresh, Recharge
Possibly the most important item on my list... please don't forget to put school away and enjoy some time with family and friends. You can have a beautiful, Pinterest-worthy classroom with all the greatest resources prepared, but if you are run-down and tired heading back from vacation you won't be any good to anyone!
Turn off the computer, silence your mobile devices, grab your running shoes and head outside - the first day will be upon you before you know it.
You might also be interested in the information and ideas in this blog post:
You can check out more resources for getting yourself organized for back to school on these boards:
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Until next time,
Hi there from another Mrs Beattie!! I teach Primary 3 here in Scotland (second grade where you are!) I found you through Pinterest (what did we do without it??) and love the sharing of ideas from around the world.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your summer break!
Ali :-)
That's so neat, Ali! I'm so glad you found me and decided to leave a message! My husband's father came from Northern Ireland. :) Pinterest is my all-time favorite place to waste (ahem... spend!) my time! I hope you find something useful here on my little blog!
DeleteErin
Great post Erin! I love these tips and suggestions.
ReplyDeleteShelley
The Write Stuff Teaching
Thanks so much, Shelley!! xo
DeleteErin
Love these fabulous ideas! Thanks for linking up with us!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ashley! Thanks for the opportunity! Glad you stopped by! :)
DeleteErin
Great ideas! Thanks for sharing. I haven't been doing much of anything school-related, but I'm itching to start! Remembering to take time to enjoy what's left of summer is important too, though. You're so right!
ReplyDeleteJan
Laughter and Consistency
The summer is absolutely FLYING by!! Get some good summer fun in while you can! :)
DeleteThanks for stopping by, Jan!
Erin