The 5 R's of Summer for Educators

Relaxation & Rejuvenation 

Everyone thinks of relaxation and rejuvenation a little differently.  My preference is to turn off my alarm clock and spend as much time at the pool or beach as possible.  Netflix binge watching is also at the top of my list, especially after a long day in the sun with friends or family. 

Since summer does go quickly, I like to create a "Summer Bucket List" in the beginning of June and add something different to my calendar each day.  Since I have kids, my husband and I let them help with our selections too. 

​If having plans every day is too much for you during the summer, plan just a couple days a week so time doesn't get away from you.  Pinterest has lots of ideas to search through if this is something you'd like to add so you start back to school in August relaxed and rejuvenated!   
Recommended reading for more ideas: 
The Zen Teacher: Creating Focus, Simplicity, and Tranquility in the Classroom by Dan Tricarico 
*This was my favorite pool reading last summer! 

Reflection 

Reflection is an amazing way to process what went well this year and what you want to change for next year.  I use these questions from a Passion Planner I've used in the past.  I may not follow it exactly, but it helps me with the reflection process.  There are tons of reflection templates online as well.  
Questions you can start with...
1. What went well?
2. What didn't go well?
3. What are my next steps?
​4. What resources will I need to help me accomplish my goal(s). 
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I find it helpful to write answer these in a journal so I can look back at my responses.  Look for "Bullet Journal" layouts and ideas if this sound like something you'd be interested in starting.
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Relevant Learning 

Last summer, I joined Kasey Bell's Teachable course to prepare myself to become a Google Certified Trainer.  I figured if I was serious about it, I may as well prepare well the first time so I didn't have to apply more than once.  It's not free, but it's worth it! I was able to apply and get accepted on the first try thanks to Kasey and her amazing resources. This summer, she has lots of courses available! 
You'll have to act fast for the best deal, enrollment closes at midnight CST on June 10th.   
Click the button below to join today! 

Shake Up Learning Courses

Here are some of the other online learning options I've looked into: 

• Cult of Pedagogy's Jennifer Gonzalez has an amazing blog, podcast and has courses available.
•  Kasey Bell and Matt Miller have a podcast together called Google Teacher Tribe.  If you haven't listened yet, go ahead and catch up this summer!  It will be worth your time!  They have kept me company every Monday morning on the way to work for a while now.  #gttribe @gteachertribe
• Matt Miller has Teachable course called Tech to Learn.  You can sign up here. 

If I wasn't already signed up for 3 of Kasey's courses, one virtual course through College of Charleston, and one week of being a counselor for Engaging Creative Minds... then I'd sign up for one of these for sure! 
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​Reading 

​​Reading is one of my favorite ways to relax, rejuvenate, and stay relevant all at once.  My stack is a little out of control, but there are so many good books out there for educators! 
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This stack is missing some my newest additions...
The Zen Teacher (mentioned above) 
Shake Up Learning by Kasey Bell - Obviously, she's one of my favorite #edurockstars! 
Ditch That Homework by Matt Miller and Alice Keeler
Onward by Elena Aguilar
Culturize by Jimmy Casas * This one is literally on the way thanks to my Amazon Prime addiction. 

Looking for other reading ideas?  Just search Amazon for Dave Burgess Publishing and you'll have plenty of amazing books to choose from! ​

​What's on your Summer Agenda? 

I'd love to hear what your summer plans are! Connect with me on Twitter or leave a comment here. What ever you do to get ready for the next school year, I hope you have a wonderful summer.  
I'll be working on some new resources including planning tools, Google PD, Hyperdocs for classroom use and more! Check back soon.

As always, thanks for reading!
~Pam @specialtechie