Okay, I am the first one to admit I am not one of those teachers who spends all summer thinking about school. In fact, I’m usually the first teacher in my building to start counting down to summer. I LOVE any sort of extended break and since I’m not getting paid to do school work over the summer I really try to avoid it. However, we all know once back-to-school starts creeping up it’s almost impossible to turn off your teacher-brain.
Here are three easy things you can do now to help prepare yourself for back-to-school while still savoring those last few weeks of summer.
1. Classroom Wishlists
If you haven’t started an Amazon Wishlist – go do it now! You can even start one from your phone. This is where I put just about anything I need or want for my classroom that the school doesn’t provide. I like to put both items that I use everyday and pricier items that can be reused again and again. I know not all families are going to donate and that’s totally fine with me – it’s a wishlist! Nice to have, but I can live without. I also like to put it on social media and those “Clear the Lists” opportunities that pop up from time to time. Some current items on my wishlist…
Not a fan of online wishlists? Totally fine! I definitely think they have their benefits but old-school lists can work too. In fact, I also do the old-school way at Meet the Teacher night in addition to my Amazon Wishlist and it’s how I receive most of my fun craft items for my classroom! I ask parents to Lend a Paw if they choose and they return the paw with the donated materials. Some items on this list are…
- Paper Plates
- Cotton Balls
- Popsicle Sticks
- Googly Eyes
- Brads
- Glitter
- Tissue Paper
- Yarn
2. Meet the Teacher Letter
I like to update my “Meet the Teacher” letter each year over the summer so it is ready to go for Back-to-School Night. I reuse the same template each year, so all I need to do is update photos, how long I’ve been in the district, & switch out favorites if needed. I’ve included the template I use as a free download. Simply pop in your own information and you are good to go!
Read more about how I run my Meet the Teacher night here!
3. Browse Pinterest
Surely, you have used Pinterest to get teaching ideas – who hasn’t?! If you don’t have a dedicated board for teaching ideas now is a good time to set one (or more!) up. Some Pinterest board ideas…
- Specific Curriculums
- Room Decor
- Subject Specific (phonics, reading, math, writing)
- Classroom Management
- TPT Resources
Well, there you have it, three easy ways to help you ease back into school mode. While this is just the tip of the iceberg in the August/September chaos hopefully these are simple enough to do while you’re relaxing by the pool or enjoying a cup of hot coffee while you still can!
