Your winter break time needs to be sacred. It should be spent with family and friends. It shouldn’t involve any school related work.
“That’s impossible,” said every teacher everywhere.
I am happy to share that it’s quite possible with a little bit of planning and blocking off a couple of hours before winter break even sets in. Use these three strategies to make sure your winter break is relaxing and not just an extension of your school routine.
Establish a Pre-Break Power Hour. Dedicate some time before or after school to tackle emails and grading just before break. Use one prep period to clean out/organize your inbox so you don’t have any emails to send upon returning. Use another prep period to tackle all of your last minute grading before break. Dedicated time before break leads to a stress-free time at home and return to school in January.
Prepare your Digital Detox Plan. Set up your auto-reply on your email. “School is closed December 23rd through January 2nd. I will begin responding to emails beginning on January 5th.” After your auto-reply is in place, this next step is key. Remove your school email from your phone. Don’t be tempted to “take a quick peek.” Remove the account and remove the temptation.
Take your January First Steps. No one wants to return to have to create lesson plans. Get those plans in place before you leave for break. Complete a full week of plans so that you don’t have to spend any time during break worrying about what you’ll teach when you return.
A little preparation and intentionality can keep your winter break from being taken over by school work. Keep it free and enjoy the time away.
Rich
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