Going back to school after the summer holidays is exciting, nerve-racking and hectic. Summer time is a time for refreshment and renewal and by golly don’t we all need it at the end of a school year! Having now recharged most of my batteries, I’m thinking about the beginning of a new school year.

Even during our time off, most teachers are looking for ways to improve their class for the upcoming year, I know I am and I bet you are, too…even though you may not admit it to yourself! Going back to school gives teachers a chance to make small adjustments or significant changes to their classrooms or planning.The beginning of the year is a critical time and usually one of the most stressful.

In order for it be as smooth as possible, I have listed 5 simple steps that I intend on following to make going back to work after vacations, painless! Hopefully you will find these steps helpful and they will make our getting back to school super smooth!

1. Be prepared 

Duh! Well this is obvious I hear you say… Yes it is obvious however, sometimes it’s so easy to lose track of time and not leave enough time to be fully prepared. Being prepared is one of the most important aspects of teaching. Teaching is not an 8:00am – 3:00pm job as many people ouside the teaching profession seem to think. It takes a lot of time and preparation to get ready for school to start so make sure you schedule the time for it. A smooth year begins with good preparation.

2. Make a detailed ‘first week back’ to-do list 

I for one 💗LOVE💗 making lists – please tell me I’m not the only one! You will need this to make it easy to prioritise and so that you don’t forget anything important. It will stop you from feeling swamped down with things needing to be done and not knowing where to start. It will also give you a sense of achievement each time you tick something off your list. At the end you will feel really good about yourself for getting everything done! Get this must to-do list, by downloading it for free here!

3. Schedule in some fun 

Going back to work can feel daunting, especially after the summer holidays when all those fun memories are still fresh in your mind. By scheduling some fun, after work, to look forward to will help you to maintain a positive attitude towards things. I’m writing this down as a reminder to myself to schedule in some fun days! Sushi anyone?? 🍣

4. Start a post-vacation detox plan…and stick to it! 

Plan your routine to include healthy meals and exercise. This one is a toughie, especially the sticking to it part! For most people, diet and exercise typically take a backseat in favour of indulgement when on vacation. Having a healthy routine helps you get through those tough days. Exercise unleashes those wonderful endorphins that give you a positive outlook on things. Now some of you might be thinking that this is a bit over the top, healthy meals, exercise, fun AND work?? When?? How?? I believe it’s all in one’s mindset, I see really busy people being able to do it so if they can do it so can I…and if I can do it…so can you! I am already thinking about fitting everything in…I am determined this year to get in some more exercise and to stick to my meal plans! Yes, I am a girl on a mission and I urge you to join me! All support is hugely appreciated!

5. Have a positive mindset 

Think positive, be positive! I believe most of us underestimate our true abilities and need reminders that yes, we are able and that yes, we can do it. In the teaching profession where things are ever changing, it can be hard for some teachers (including myself) to adopt new teaching methods or accept curriculum changes or even school policies. Don’t dwell on the negative, focus on the positive and give it a go! It may not work out, it may not go as you wanted but that’s ok. It’s all part of the learning process and it will only make you better. A positive outlook will make you and everyone around you (including your pupils) happier. 🌻

So there you have it… 5 steps for a smoother start to the year.

Keep me posted! Let me know about any other steps that worked for you or if you tried any of the above! 

And remember… If all else fails… 

Till next time…