For some teachers summer vacation is already here, and for the rest of us, it is so close we can taste it! Summer is a super important time for teachers. This is the time we can finally give our bodies and brains a rest, pamper and rejuvenate our bodies, and actually have the brain power to continue our journey of life long learning.
Each summer I make a goal to learn something new that is just for me and makes me happy. In the past I've learned to crochet, create websites, and make fun origami animals. This summer I actually have two things I want to learn more about and practice: lettering and iPhone photography. I've already begun practicing and I'm having a blast playing with my new pens and paper. Practicing my iPhone photography is getting me out of the house and some exercise along the way. I have seen the restorative benefits of learning a new craft or hobby, and I'd like to challenge you to do the same this summer!
Right now, I'm doing the #LoveYourLettering challenge that was posted by CreativeLei. In the past I've done a couple of Zentangle and art challenges. You can find resources for this on my personal Pinterest account. Pretty much anything you want to learn to do, you can find detailed instructions on Pinterest and or YouTube!
To help you decide what you'd might like to try, make a list (right now!...go grab a sheet of paper and your favorite pen) of all of the things that make you happy. List all of the things you've always wanted to learn or to try but have never had time for. Now, let's leverage AI. Head to your favorite chatbot, mine is ChatGPT. Enter in your list and ask AI what might be some skills or hobbies you can try this summer. Make sure you share how much extra time you'll have to devote to this new skill. How often do you want to practice? How much money do you have to spend on it? What resources and support do you have available. Once you've given the chatbot as much information as possible, go ahead and have it make some suggestions for you. Please share in the comments below which skill or hobby you decide on!
Summer is not only about resting and rejuvenating, it's also about getting inspired and prepared for the next school year. There are many ways that you can get your learn on over the summer. In fact, everything I'm getting ready to share with you can be done when and where you want! Take a look at these essential summer activities for teachers to continue your professional learning journey and get motivated and excited for next school year!
Dive Into a Good Book!
These books are currently on my TBR list (to be read for those who aren't book nerds like me), or I've read them and think you should too! These are all pretty quick, easy reads, but whenever I'm reading a professional book, I do like to keep my highlighters, sticky notes, and favorite pens close by. Some links below are affiliate links which means that I earn a small commission at no cost to you if you purchase with my link.
If you're an Instructional Coach or Digital Teaching and Learning Coach, I highly recommend:
Want to read about practical strategies for your classroom that you can implement immediately?
The EduProtocol Field Guide 1 by Marlena Hebern & Jon Corippo (11% off) (Kindle, 68% off - wow!) (Highly Recommend!!)
The EduProtocol Field Guide 2 Marlena Hebern & Jon Corippo (15% off) (Highly Recommend!!)
Deconstructing Depth of Knowledge by Erik M. Francis (29% off), (Kindle, 29% off)
Blended Learning in Action by Catlin Tucker (42% off) (Kindle, 25% off) (Anything by her is going to be amazing!)
The summer would be a great time to join Kindle Unlimited. It's $9.99 per month, so for $20, you get access to 1000s of books! Just cancel when the summer is over.
Watch a Good Webinar!
Webinars are great because they're typically pretty short (30 minutes to an hour), you get lots of great information quickly, and most have the ability to view on-demand, so you can rewatch as many times as you like! Here are some great places to find webinars:
Are you a teacher in North Carolina? You have access to over a 1000 great webinars delivered by ISTE Experts through your ISTE membership. You can find that in your NCEdCloud.
SimpleK12.com - I have presented webinars for SK12 since December of 2013. They have both 30 minute and 60 minute webinars on everything from technology integration, MTSS, instructional strategies, and on and on. They have a 30-day free trial that you can access. You do have to put in your credit card, but you can cancel any time.
ASCD Webinars - ISTE and ASCD have now joined forces. ASCD is more for those in leadership roles, but there is always something for everyone here!
The Teaching Channel - Enjoy on demand, free webinars
NCBOLD On Demand - Every summer I help to plan and facilitate a traveling conference for the teachers of NC. Over the past three years, we have had our presenters pre-record their sessions. You can access this growing library of webinars, delivered by practicing educators!
Podcasts and Blogs
I love the idea of anywhere, anytime learning. Podcasts are a great way to make the most of your time when you're traveling in the car. Many blogs now also have an associated podcast. You can find podcasts on pretty much any streaming service like Spotify, Apple Podcast, and Soundcloud. Here are some of my favorite education podcasts:
Here are some of my favorite blogs:
Do you have any favorite books, webinars, podcasts, or blogs that we should explore this summer? If so, please put them in the comments below. Whether you decide to do some professional learning this summer, or just take it easy, I hope that you are able to find time for yourself and recharge after this school year.
If you found this post at all helpful, I'd love for you to join my mailing list! My newsletter goes out the first week each month.
Title and images created in collaboration with AI using ChatGPT and Ideogram.ai, respectively. All other content was created by the author.
Comments