Are you the type of person who has just enjoyed a rather relaxing (or somewhat hustle and bustle) two weeks off and you must jump back into a routine you thought you left behind the year before?! Whether you have anxieties or are over the moon about returning to work, keep these three thoughts in mind.
THOUGHT ONE: THE HOME STRETCH
While you might be feeling anxious (or excited) about returning to work, keep in mind that everything is down hill from here. There is not too much time left before Spring Break, and then Summer Break will be immediately following. Sometimes there is an overwhelming feeling that planning, copying, meetings, testing, etc. is all coming – but those days seem to fly by. How exciting knowing that some of us are about to hit the 100 Days of School mark!! That means ‘roughly' 80 days left (which is less than where we started at the beginning of the school year!
THOUGHT TWO: FIND MEANING
Have you decided to choose one word to focus on this year or do you have a goal prepared, whether monthly or annually?! What a great plan to have. If you haven't already done so – DO THIS! This will also make time go a little faster, however, it will also give what you are doing more purpose. Perhaps you are a teacherpreneur who is looking to boost business or maybe you are a teacher who is focusing on boosting classroom goals …. or maybe you are like me, BOTH. I have a goal to focus more on blogging and sharing ideas with you all. However, I also have a classroom goal of NOT bringing home any papers to grade this school year. I am doing well, so far. I cannot stress how important it is to make a goal for yourself, reward yourself, and stick to it! Persevere!
THOUGHT THREE: THE CHILDREN
So here's the real deal: you matter and so do they! You knew when you wanted to be an educator that students would be your number one priority. There is such a shift in society today that is trying real hard to veer us off course and take the focus and priority away from the students. We CANNOT let this happen. Remember the real reason you wanted to teach: THEM. Do not let anything stand in your way. Fulfill that goal. When you return, who is going to be there waiting for you?! Whether it's a hug, or a high fave. Maybe it's a LONG story about break. Take that hug, give all the high fives you can and LISTEN to that story. For somewhere in there, these students have been dying to do that since they last saw you. They are WORTH it (and you are worth giving it to!!!!!).
SHARE WITH ME!!
What are some of your favorite thoughts to share with teachers as they return from winter break?! I'm positive others would love to read, hear, or see stories and strategies in the comments below.