Summer To Do List For Teachers

The title of this post seems like an oxymoron but hear me out. I truly think that the key to making my life easier all boils down to this topic right here. The summer to do list doesn’t need to be daunting! It doesn’t need to be extravagant! But it does need to work for you!

At the end of the school year, I sit down and make a list of things that I’d like to get done before next year. Some tasks are small, some are huge undertakings and some would be just nice to have. Below are a few of mine and my reasoning behind including them.

#1 Digital Organization

An organized digital life is the key to being able to find things quickly, which saves me time while planning! Check out this post for my organized Google Drive tips and this post for creating a digital table of contents!

#2 Unit Planning

Because I’m changing grades (this is the 5th time in 5 years) I like to sit down and make a unit plan for each unit I’m going to teach. I try to map out the whole year roughly and then go more in depth for the first unit or two. If I have time, I totally plan to unit plan the whole year! Need tips? Click over here for long-range planning tips (& a freebie!) or try out unit planning here.

#3 Prep Classroom Things & Activities

I love using summer for printing and laminating because it’s the perfect excuse for parking in front of Netflix and get something done. I’d love to get my math/science alphabet prepped as well as some labels.

I also love getting things like task cards ready to use. And because I use task cards all the time, I know that they prep will pay off. I also want to print out all of my Tic Tac Toe boards so that I’m ready for stations.

#4 Get Crafty

I love getting crafty so it makes sense to make a little something for my classroom! My plan is to paint my teacher tool box and make some new labels. I’ll keep you posted on how that turns out!

#5 Professional Development

In addition to getting crafty, I’ve also been flying through books! While I typically read more fiction, I have picked up a few teacher options as well. My school is transitioning to Standards-Based Grading so I read this one. I’ve also had this book around for forever that is now on my list to read. Other options would be to sign up for a virtual PD, I’ve been waiting to go to this one and this might be the time to do it!

#6 Breathe

Remember to take care of yourself. You can’t pour from an empty cup. Self care is a great focus right now! I have loved going for runs in the middle of the afternoon and focusing on my nighttime routine of washing my face and mediating. It’s a crazy time but that doesn’t mean you have to feel crazy!

I’d love to hear from you! Do you make a summer to do list? If so, what’s on it? If not, what’s on your summer bucket list? I totally need some ideas!