I have had countless, unproductive spring breaks that have left me even more exhausted than I was before spring break. And this was all because of poor planning and not taking time to take care of the burnt-out teacher that I had become. When I think of spring, rebirth, and growth come to mind. Why was I feeling so lifeless after a break? Over the years I learned from my colleagues who came back from spring break with a “spring” in their step and a gleam in their eyes. I created the Spring Break Challenge to bring the teacher inside me back to life.
1. Plan Ahead- Before leaving for spring break, plan for the week you will return to school. Plan your lessons, make your copies, and gather your lesson materials. Do all your grading (I know that seems impossible) and answer all your emails. Just prepare whatever you can beforehand so you are not scrambling over spring break or the night before getting yourself together for your first day back. That will leave you feeling frazzled and uneasy. Your students will feel it too.
2. Appointments Can Wait- I made the mistake of making all my doctor appointments for myself and my son on spring break. The dentist, the eye doctor, and physical exams all in the same week, sometimes 2 appointments per day. Well, that was a bad idea because those annual appointments crept up at the same time each year which put me right back into that cycle of scheduling those appointments again on spring break. Unless the appointment is urgent, it can wait. Save doctor appointments for the summer when you have a bit more flexibility in your schedule.
3. Get Away- I didn’t realize how important this one was until I took a vacation to Disney World over spring break. Anyone who believes in the magic of Disney knows it is a place where you forget about everything else. That is just what this burnt-out teacher needed. So find a place that is magical for you and go there. What if your budget doesn’t allow for a full-blown, magical vacation? If the wallet is a little tight, how about planning a weekend trip to your favorite place, go visit a friend or a family member for a few days, or schedule some fun day trips. It’s definitely worth it to get out of your normal routine and location to unwind and have a little fun.
4. Curl Up With a Good Book- I am the absolute worst about holding off my favorite reads until the summer. Choose a book that you have been dying to read all year and finish it within the week. If you are like me, you may finish that book within 2 days. Maybe you’ll have time to read more than one book. Take some time to read other reading material than your curriculum, standards, and student work, and read something for enjoyment. Don’t have a book in mind, check out this list.
5. Disconnect- This one is going to be the hardest one for many of you. Disconnect from social media of all kinds- Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, email…whatever else is a time sucker and a distraction. Allow yourself to be free from all that screen time and technology and see how it feels. A friend of mine went to the beach for a week and intentionally let her phone battery die so she was truly disconnected from social media and even people, and she never felt so good.
Trying these tips for a relaxing spring break may be just what you need to feel rejuvenated, re-energized, and revitalized. You’ll be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed when you “spring” back to school.
I’d love to hear from you if you take on this Spring Break Challenge. Were you able to master the challenge and do all five above? Or did you do a few? Share your comments below.
Happy Spring Break!
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Christine Weis is a passionate educator, classroom management coach, wife, and mom of two busy boys. She enjoys teaching, writing, and creating resources for teachers.
I promise I’ll do my best to complete as many of these challenges as possible! We definitely need to take the time to reset. Thanks for the reminders Christine, I hope you have a fabulous break!
-Kim
Thanks Kim!!! I hope you have a fabulous break too. Rest and recharge. The countdown to summer BEGINS!!! Thanks for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
Thank you for sharing this post! These are great reminders as we trek into the final stretch of the year!
You are welcome Julie! I hope you accept the spring break challenge and have a restful break. 🙂 Thank you so much for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
Teachers work so hard, these are great tips to relax during your time off
Thank you! It is a much needed break for teachers, parents and students!
~Christine at For The Love of Teachers
This is a great list! I know I have trouble disconnecting myself from social media. Something I need to work on!
http://www.beautifully-created.com
HI Sharon,
Thanks for your comment! Disconnecting from social media is the hardest for everyone I know. I actually didn’t get on much of social media until I created For The Love of Teachers. I can see how it’s so addicting!
~Christine at For The Love of Teachers
These are some great tips! Thank you for sharing! 🙂
Julie, thanks so much for your comment! Your feedback is greatly appreciated!
~Christine at For The Love of Teachers
I love that this article is for the most unvalued profession that affects everyone in society: teachers!! Hopefully, they can use your tips to stay fresh and leave those classroom/budget woes in the past. Tfs!!
Thanks so much for your comment and being such a fan of teachers. We teachers truly appreciate it!
~Christine at For The Love of Teachers
Great tips! I definitely want to read a good book over spring.
Thank you for reading this! I hope you get to read a good book or two over spring break.
~Christine at For The Love of Teachers
Yes I am struggling as I have a ton of marking to do things. It just wasn’t possible before the holidays due to show rehearsals and GCSE Drama exams. I am now procrastinating with only 3 days left!
I hear you and I completely understand. I too have been caught the night before trying to get my grading done. I waited to the last possible night so I could enjoy all of my days off. Not such a good idea. It’s so hard trying to catch up and no teacher wants to do work over the break. Oh the life of a teacher! I hope you enjoyed your break though!
~Christine at For The Love of Teachers
Great read and a great reminder to slow down and relax on Spring Break!
Thanks so much for the feedback! Happy Spring Break!
~Christine For The Love of Teachers