Small tasks now = a much calmer start to the school year later.
I feel like teachers fall into one of two categories once summer begins.
There are some teachers, (it’s me, I’m some teachers), who continue creating activities and planning for next year as soon as school gets out.
Then there are the teachers who proudly declare, “I’m not even THINKING about school until August.”
I have a good friend who falls squarely into that second category.
But here’s the thing: I don’t think either approach is wrong.
I also don’t think teachers should spend their entire summer working.
Over the years, though, I’ve discovered that doing a few teeny, tiny tasks in June can save HOURS of stress in August. And when I say tiny. – I mean TINY.
None of these require an entire day of planning. In fact, most take less than 10 minutes.
Think of this list as little gifts you’re giving your future self.
1. Create an “August Me” Document – (Your Future Self Will Thank You)
Put this somewhere visible or keep it in your Notes app and add to it whenever an idea pops into your head.
Time Requirement: 5 minutes
Write down “Classroom Ideas”. Include:
- Procedures you want to implement
- Seating thoughts
- Notes from this year
Why it matters:
August you will absolutely forget (August me always does).
2. Rename and Organize ONE Google Drive Folder
Time Requirement: 10 minutes
Don’t organize your entire drive – that is too daunting.
Just choose ONE. Pick a folder you’ll use during the first month of school. Warm-ups, assessments, and bell ringers are great places to start.
Examples:
- Algebra 1 Quizzes
- Algebra Self-Checking Activities
- 6th Grade Assessments
- Warm-Ups
- Escape Rooms
- Partner Activities
Why it matters:
Searching for “Copy of Unit 3 Final FINAL Revised V2” in August is a terrible way to start the school year. 😂
3. Create an Emergency Activity Folder
Time Requirement: 10 minutes
Create yourself an “emergency kit”. Pick 3-5 activities that can save the day wjen plans fail, a lesson finishes early, or you simply need a backup plan. These should be lessons you can use anytime.
Examples:
- Digital escape room (you know I LOVE escape rooms)
- Logic puzzle
- Review game
- Math challenge
Why it matters:
Let’s face it – even the best plans fail. You’ll thank yourself later for doing this now.
4. Start an “Ideas for Next Year” Note on Your Phone
Time Requirement: 2 minutes
- Don’t trust your brain to remember things for two months. Seriously. Even the ideas that feel unforgettable will disappear by August.
- This will wind up being a note you use all year long
5. Unsubscribe From Teacher Emails You Never Open
Time Requirement: 5 minutes
- If you’ve deleted the same email for 14 straight months, it’s time, trust me.
6. Make a Friday Fun List
Time Requirement: 10 minutes
Create a running list of activities you can pull from when you need to inject some energy into your classroom.
Examples:
- Review games
- Escape rooms
- Partner challenges
- Math stations
7. Bookmark Your Favorite Websites in One Folder
Time Requirement: 10 minutes
Create a folder called “Classroom Links” that will hold all the sites you frequently use:
Examples:
- Desmos
- Geogebra
- Your LMS
- Digital activity platforms
- MathHop – 😊
Here’s your permission slip: You do NOT need to spend your entire summer working on school.
In fact, I hope you don’t.
Go on a stay-cation. Go on a vacation. Sit by the pool. Sleep in. Binge your favorite show.
But if you find yourself with 5 or 10 minutes here and there, tackle one tiny task from this list.
That’s it.
Because August teacher you is a completely different person than June teacher you. 😂
And trust me, she will be incredibly grateful that you took a few minutes now to make her life easier later.
Now excuse me while I go organize one Google Drive folder and then immediately reward myself with a snack.