It’s summer, a glorious time of year for any teacher. Finally a chance to catch your breath. A time to relax, Netflix and chill, travel or whatever. But what if you prep some of those daunting tasks you do every school year, in the summer? Why not, do all your back to school prep in the summer and work at your own pace. You will not be that teacher running around trying to get everything done right before school starts, trust me, I’ve been there a bunch of times! These are a few quick tips to help you prep for back to school over the summer.
Read the books or novels you plan to teach
Each year I read several novels with my class. I usually read the same books from year to year, but when it’s time to change it up I’ll read that book the summer before. It is always good practice to read a book yourself or listen to it on audiobook before you read it with your students. One year I read a book with the word bench in it a bunch of times, the kids looked at me sideways everytime I said it! So listen or read your book aloud so you don’t have any surprises.
Create templates for frequently used materials
Creating templates for stuff you use all the time is always a time saver. If you send out a weekly newsletter or something on a regular basis creating a template for that item will really save you time. This way you don’t have to reinvent the wheel each week or month. Find already created resources here.
Laminate and cut out materials
If you have a home laminator you can use it to laminate things for your classroom, Mine cost me about $20 at Walmart. If you have big pieces and want to shell out the cash, try Office Depot, or head to the school early in the morning to laminate before anyone else shows up. Cut your materials while you Netflix and chill. Prep this free math resource in the summer and have it ready when school starts.
Prep for Testing
If you are in a testing grade test prep can be a lot of work. Try working on some prep before school starts. I like to spend time each year looking at my state standards. We know that sometimes these standards change over the summer. Take a glance at your standards before school starts as a refresher so you know exactly what you need to focus on for the school year.
Create all purpose sub plans and sub folders
The worst thing ever is being sick, but as a teacher writing sub plans is even worse. I mean If you gotta write sub plans you might as well just go to work sick, but please don’t. Spend your summer working on some simple sub plans so you can take care of yourself.
Read books you plan to teach, create templates for frequently used materials, Laminate and cut out materials, Prep for testing, Create all-purpose sub plans, and subfolders these tips will make your back to school prep a breeze.
