Preventing the summer slide doesn’t have to come in the form of only classroom learning. Maybe you want to practice calligraphy, baking, cooking, or crocheting? How about dusting off the sewing machine or the welder or wood-burning tools? Perhaps you are ready to rock climb or take up painting. Whatever lights your spark, do that and do it confidently.
I have compiled a list of activities that will help all educators prevent the summer slide and become better versions of themselves this summer and beyond.
Read, READ, Read
You know it had to be said! We tell our students one of the best ways to stay connected is to read. And that goes for educators too.
I am in the process of reading a few books for professional development. I’m loving the Nature-Based Preschool Professional Guidebook, and Can I Go and Play Now? In years past I have read a ton of great books that I refer to often. You can read more about those choices here.
This year I am making a conscious effort to expand my choices as well. I have recently finished Building a Story Brand by Donald Miller and Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. The next one on my shelf is Cultivating the Genius of Black Children by Debra Ren-Etta Sullivan
Professional Development
Participating in professional development Free or Paid is an investment in YOU! It should never be forsaken because you are reading books. Don’t think you have time. Or maybe just aren’t into the large groups.
Let me tell you- I have been in the industry for 24 years and every year I learn something new through PD. Participating in teacher professional development will help prevent the summer slide by giving you access to like-minded educators. After taking part in virtual PD for a few years now, there is nothing like being in a room (or Zoom call) full of people who GET IT!
I have started presenting at virtual and in-person workshops around the country and am so thankful for the networking. Where I am challenged to expand my thinking, my pedagogy, and my practice. This summer you can find me in a few places:
- Total Teacher Summit- FREE
- CAAEYC
- Brain Tips for Teachers– FREE
- Teacher Summer Reboot– FREE
- In addition to an Extra Special opportunity that is close to my heart!
You do have to PRE-register for each of these but they are mostly free opportunities to grow your own education. The links will take you to the registration pages.
Prevent the Summer Slide With Self-Care
I know we hear this one a lot. But are you actually listening? You cannot pour from an empty cup, and these days it’s even more important to put on our own safety masks first. So please, whatever self-care looks like to you, participate.
- A long soak in a tub, massage, pampering, creating hygge in your home.
- Cooking, Baking, Learning a new skill: have you seen the Masterclass series? I am so tempted to take a cooking one and learn Professional CHEF level skills.
- Running, walking, exercising: there are so many virtual marathons happening right now if you are a runner check them out.
- Sneaking in murder mystery novels to your reading stack (guilty). Whatever your reading choices lean toward, add some fun books to the unread shelf. **Speaking of which have you seen the unread shelf project on IG? It’s so much fun, and makes me feel less guilty for having a huge stack to read through!
- Perhaps it’s creating a plan and sticking with a schedule for your mental health.
In order to prevent the summer slide, mentally prepare for learning by creating self-care opportunities. And don’t just take part in self-care in the summer my friends. This should be year-round!
Podcasts and Audible
If you can’t find the time to sit and read, you can always plug in an audible book or listen to a podcast on your run or walk. I am a cowgirl at heart and podcasts are perfect for when I’m mindlessly exercising horses!
I have a few I listen to regularly. Some are classroom-appropriate (Catholic Sprouts and the Write Idea).
Others are nature-based because HELLO- Always Learning.
And some are business-related because I am a teacherpreneur as well. And the business side of life is interesting to me.
- CEO Teacher® Podcast
- Teacher Hustle (the podcast)
- Brain Tips for Teachers
- The Write Idea
- Kindergarten Kiosk
- Teach Create Motivate
- Educators 2 Educators
- Catholic Sprouts
- Manifestation Babe
- Goal Digger
- Creative Counsel with Brittany Ratelle
- The Jasmine Star Show
- 1000 Hours Outside
What are some of your favorites? Share them in the comments.
Plan It OUT…
OK, If you are anything like me, I’m good for relaxing during the summer for all of 10 days. Then I need structure, a plan, and something to do! Especially this year. It feels like we have been freefalling since March, so I’m ready to make a plan. I order my teacher planners in June every year. This helps me get a handle on what the next phase of my life will look like.
Now, do I plan out every detail? Nope, and you can read more about that here. There are still things that need to be scheduled even though I do incorporate a child-led environment. I use one planner for my regular life and teaching life. I know, but I couldn’t keep up with 2.
Then I set aside intentional time to plan, I even add in self-care days during the month. That way I don’t overschedule and make sure I’m taking care of me. And I add stickers because a cute planner makes me happy.
I have used both the Teaching Texan Planner and 4theLoveofPi. I really do love them both and it really depends on which one has the cover I love that year. They both allow for flair pens and inkgels to work without any bleeding. I also love that I am supporting other Teacherpreneurs.
Summer Slide is Real
What else would you add to this list to prevent the summer slide? Remember summer slide is real and as a result preventing the summer slide needs to be intentional. Not just for our students, but also for us. So I encourage you to implement one small change this summer to make sure you are taking care of you!
Keep learning to play the nature way! Tina 🍃
If you want to read more about preventing the summer slide for your students, head over to my friend Kate’s website where she is in the middle of a 3 part series about this very topic.
Some of the links are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission from them. At no additional cost to you.
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