Wendy Says

Those lazy days of summer are finally here and while spending some extra time with friends and family is a must, this is also an ideal time to gear up for next year. I know we all put in many hours during the school year, but putting in a few summer hours will pay off exponentially in the coming school year.

Organization is a big piece of the equation. Consider putting together your back-to-school packets as early as possible. Include your supply lists, information about your behavior management system, as well as all of your school’s required forms. Have five or six extra packets ready so you don’t have to hunt down forms later. This will save time throughout the school year as new students join your classroom.

Have your class list already? Start setting up your library check-out system, making your students’ name tags, and putting together homework folders now. If new students join your class later, you’ll only have to make a few more of these supplies as you begin the school year.

Professional Learning Communities are vitally important as you plan your instruction to meet Common Core standards. If you don’t already know your grade level teammates, find a time this summer to grab lunch to discuss your goals for the school year, your teaching style, and how you can work together for the benefit of your students.

We know that great teaching ideas pop up throughout the school year when you least expect it. I keep an “ideas” folder handy and add to it throughout the school year. I take a few hours each summer to review the folder and decide which new ideas I will implement in the coming school year. If you have a similar system, review your ideas and research what you need to put the new ideas into your regular teaching repertoire.

Summers are for rejuvenation, and as teachers we definitely need that time to recharge. But with a little extra planning during the summer, you will have a little less to stress about during the nonstop meetings during back-to-school season. What are some things you do to make sure you’re ready for the school year? Please share!

For me, summer is all about relaxation. As teachers, we work hard all year long so we deserve a bit of rest and relaxation! Summer usually starts with some pool and family time, cleaning and organizing the house, and a few short road trips. But after a week or two I can’t help but start thinking about August.

It’s not that I mean to work during the summer. I really wish I could put it all on hold. But I like to reflect on last year and begin thinking about what I’m going do differently next year.

The World Wide Web is the perfect place to begin. I can work on my class Web site from the comfort of my own home, so I can pretend like I’m not working. No one will know, right?

This summer I’ve decided to give my class Web site a complete facelift. The first thing I’m going to do is change the background on my site. If you’d like to do the same, just complete these easy steps:

• Log on to your MyTeacherSite.
• Click on the My Profile section under the Site Management header at the left side of the page. Here you can change the page design, the title on the header of your page, and your security information.
• To change the page design, simply roll your mouse over the thumbnail images so you can view a larger version. Find the design you like and click on the bubble next to the design title.
• Once your changes are complete, click the “Save Info” button at the bottom of the page.
• To view your design changes, click on the link under “My Website” at the top of the page.

The new school year is upon us—for some sooner than others. I received my annual “Welcome Back” letter from my district superintendent, reminding me that my summer is coming quickly to a close. Alas, no more lazing around in my slippers all day, taking the kids to the pool, or impromptu lunch dates with friends. While I long for more lazy summer days, I am anxious to get back into my regular routine.

I always feel like I’ve lost touch with reality a bit during the summer. I spend a lot of time reading for pleasure and not a lot of time keeping up with my profession. A great luxury of teaching, especially as I watch my husband (begrudgingly) get ready for work each day.

So if you’re like me you likely don’t feel quite ready to meet your class of smiling faces in a few short weeks. But that doesn’t mean that this summer—you know, the one when you’ll finally get organized or learn that new classroom management trick—is lost. Take these last few weeks to jump back in before it’s too late!

• Touch base. Nothing makes me feel more out-of-the loop than missing all those e-mails during the summer. If you have access, check your district inbox. Delete all the spam and respond to any critical messages.
• Visit. School and district administrators typically work all summer. If you are in town, stop by and say hi. If possible, spend a little time in your classroom rearranging desks and unpacking boxes. You’ll have a leg up on the other teachers sharing your hallway.
• Do some reading. A lot has happened in education over the summer—starting and ending with budgets. Read up on what’s going on in your state so when parents bring up the topic you’ll be knowledgeable.
• Start planning. You may not have the resources available on-hand, but you can still begin planning your year. Education World offers some great advice for first- and second-year teachers or check out some great reads, including Teaching Outside the Box by LouAnne Johnson and The First Six Weeks of School by Roxann Kriete and Lynn Bechtel.
• Meet. Those few days back before your students arrive are hectic and packed with school- and district-level meetings. Try to get in touch with your grade level team ahead of time to talk about lesson planning, classroom management, and other issues.

Of course, most of us still have a few weeks left. Enjoy them. Once they’re over you have about 10 months before your next long, lazy summer.

Summer is here! Many teachers have been counting down the days until the end of the school year for weeks. Summer is a great time to hang out with family, visit theme parks, go to the museum, read a great book (or three), and just veg out. That’s how I usually spend my summer! But it’s also a great time to come up with new ideas for teaching, learn some new skills, and catch up on what’s going on in the world of education. I mean, who really has time to read all the trade publications that appear in our mailboxes every week? I certainly don’t. Here are some great ways to spend a few hours this summer:

• Review your “Ideas” folder. I keep a file folder near my desk and add to it regularly. Every time I hear a great new teaching idea I scribble it down and put it in the folder. During the summer, I review everything in the folder, toss what isn’t realistic for me, and try to start things that are.
• Search the Web. Visit your state teacher association’s Web site for information about grants, legislation, and great ideas. Start with National Education Association (nea.org) and go from there! There are so many great (and not so great) sites out there. Let me know what you find.
• Take a class. Many community colleges offer online courses where you can learn to use a computer program or brush up on your teaching. Other organizations, such as OnlineLearning.net offer online courses for teaching professionals. The best part is that you can complete the class right from your own home!
• Visit your classroom. Yes, it’s your summer vacation. But if your school allows it, spending a quiet afternoon or two sorting through your classroom will benefit you when school starts back up. How many times this year have you been able to sit and just work for an afternoon? Never? Now’s your chance!