The countdown
is here. In 48 hours the last student will give you a hug, a handshake, or a
glare 😏 and will head out
the door--richer in knowledge, in character, in understanding, in self-esteem,
in passion, and in curiosity because of YOU. You’ve given your best, your
all, more than you had to give many days. Now it is YOUR time.
Brooke and Bridget
Visit our blog
This great blog, “Get the Most
Out of Summer,” by Vicki Davis, has some wonderful suggestions for your
summertime relaxation and rejuvenation. Without refreshing and restoring
yourself, you won’t have the inner resources to give to
students at that same level of commitment and intensity in
September. So, read the blog in its entirety here, or
skim our version below. Whatever you do, take action to bring back your
sparkle and health and inner joy.
Bridget and I have the utmost respect and admiration for
the work you do every day. We have been privileged to be in your classrooms, to
see your magic, to witness the struggles we all face in an impossible job, but
to also witness the celebrations and joys and triumphs. You have the hardest
AND most rewarding job in our country. Celebrate. Relax. Enjoy your
summer.
And, thank you from the bottoms of our hearts.
Brooke and Bridget
Visit our blog
Brooke and Bridget’s recommendation to make this summer
the BEST ever!
Make a list of what you want to do by the end of the summer,
but don’t make it all about “should” and “have to” items. Include items
such as: “Read 10 novels,” “Set up at least five lunches with five friends,”
“Ride bikes as a family at least five times,” “Take a nap at least once a
week,” “Take the kids to outdoor story hour and play on the playground
equipment without ever checking the time (or phone!),” “Take the kayak
out on the lake, and read a book there,” “Go to at least three museums with the
kids.” By including fun, personal, soul-filling items on your list, you will be
better able to justify and accomplish the things we too often fail to make time
for.
Note: The bolded headings are from Davis’ article,
but the commentary below is from Brooke and Bridget.
1. Take Time Each Day to Go Outside: Lie on a blanket
and stare at the sky. Touch a tree. Leap into a lake. Sit outside and
listen to the birds.
2. Use a Journal to Capture Your Best Thinking: Use a
journal to free your mind and to discover what you are grateful for, what you
need to solve, what warmed your heart, and what you want to remember.
3. Take a Digital Vacation: Spend real time with
others and with yourself. Stash the computer, the cell phone, the Ipad.
4. Waste Some Time, Guilt-Free: Sit and do nothing.
Take a nap. Read a great book. Lie in a hammock. Laugh. Have a three-hour lunch
with an old friend.
5. Go on an Adventure: Choose something that scares
or challenges you—a race, a zipline, learning to swim, making homemade jam. Try
it out, and celebrate your victory.
6. Do Something Meaningful: Is there a volunteer
opportunity you can do without burning yourself out? Is there something that
will give more back to you than you give to it? Is there something that will
change you and humble you and stretch you?
7. Get Back on Track Physically: Teachers tend to let
fitness and nutrition lag during the school year. Now is your time to energize
yourself through exercise and healthy eating. Your mood will soar, your body
will be grateful, and you’ll have more energy to waste time J if you wish.
8. (Left for last on purpose!) Prepare for School
Intentionally: If you have lessons or units to prepare, your classroom to
set up, and boxes at home to sort, set a specific time to do this. Don’t
let the burden of guilt sit on your back all summer, and then frantically work
like a maniac the week before school starts. Separate your work time and
your play time--by building in your work time intentionally, you can keep the
play time sacred.