Summer is my time to relax and decompress from the busy school year. I think it’s so important to recharge after a busy, hectic, stressful school year. I spend the first part of my summer resting, binge-watching favorite shows, and enjoying time with family and friends doing all the fun summer things.
Around mid-July, I start to slowly shift back into school mode. I don’t go full speed, but I begin doing little things that help me feel more prepared for the new year. I’m always reading new books so I can have fresh titles to share with my students in the fall. As I am reading I am adding books to my Amazon wishlist. This helps me have my first book order partially completed before I even get back to school.
One thing I try to keep up on is making sure that my Donors Choose page is updated. If I’m lucky enough to have a project funded, I try to post a new one right away. So far this summer, I’ve had two projects funded and I’m so thankful for the kind people who made that happen. This means I have created two new book projects and posted them. I usually try to keep at least two live book projects going at a time. There is also a match day coming up so I am working on adding two extra projects…just in case. It is definitely worth the time to create and post projects to add books to your library.
Another thing I focus on in the summer is my Teachers Pay Teachers shop. I try to keep a running list of ideas I have throughout the year and focus on getting them completed over the summer. During the school year, there’s just not enough time to get everything done, so summer is the perfect time to add new resources, write blog posts, and get my shop ready for back-to-school shoppers.
In early August, I like to go into school for a day or two to get my bulletin boards done before our in-service days begin. Once the meetings start, there’s barely time to do it all. I enjoy being back in the library, getting things organized for the first day and enjoying the peace and tranquility of my library. I sharpen pencils, refill crayon totes, replace broken erasers, and tidy up cupboards that got a little wild at the end of the year and just try to get to those little things that will make the first day run a bit smoother.
I know that working over contract hours is controversial to some. Even though I try not to let school take over my whole summer, I’ve learned that a little prep now saves a lot of stress later. This fall will be year 33 for me, and that’s one thing I’ve figured out over time—being just a little ahead makes a big difference in how I feel the first week of school. We all have to do what works best for our own situation and for me a few days doesn’t seem like I am overdoing it or giving too much of my time.
I hope you’re enjoying your summer break. Take care, relax, and recharge—you’ve earned it!
Tech Fun In The Library 