Did you know that teachers typically make 1,500 decisions every day? If you’re in the classroom, you did! Depending on the grades you teach, you’re hearing your name somewhere between 50 and 100,000 times a day while fielding a minimum of 4,000 questions. You’re also asking the questions– about 300-400 daily. Whew! No wonder teachers look forward to quiet moments to unwind and refresh over winter break.
Revitalize your spirit with things to do over winter break
The school year is about halfway finished. Now is the perfect time to revitalize your spirit. Choose things to do over winter break to carry you through the coming days. Winter break isn’t just about the holiday season. Winter break for teachers means alarm clocks are off, and relaxation is on!
Maximize the benefits of winter break with these 9 ideas
Teachers on winter break know how to maximize the time away from the classroom. Getting the most out of the minutes is essential at school, and that translates into real life. Winter break is more than just a work break. It comes at a time when teachers need it most. Below are a few ideas to help you reset during break!
1. Enjoy a lunch break
The idea of a lunch break is strange for teachers who don’t even know what it’s like to sit in a restaurant and enjoy a meal in the middle of the day. Lunch at school involves eating at the copy machine or with students finishing their assignments. A quick stop to the bathroom, a parent phone call, email responses, and preparing for the afternoon classes. Check and check!
Treat yourself to a real lunchtime at least once over break. Choose a favorite restaurant or one you’ve been wanting to try. Take a friend or family member. You could even go alone with a great book and savor the food with some quiet time.
2. Volunteer during winter break
The holiday season offers many volunteer work opportunities that don’t seem like work.
- Walk dogs at the humane society.
- Wrap gifts at a nursing home or senior center.
- Prepare and give blessing bags to those in need.
- Tutor students.
- Donate time or toys to a children’s organization.
3. Be a tourist in your own town
Google your area. You might be surprised to find out that you could visit the childhood home of a celebrity, take a historical tour, or sample sweets at a candy factory right in your hometown. Many communities host holiday events, such as parades. The local Chamber of Commerce will have all the info you need to become a tourist in your town.
4. Do something hands-on
Get creative with these easy ideas!
- Use the pages of old books to make a wreath of pages for your door.
- Who doesn’t love popcorn? Don’t stop with butter, though. There are so many ways to flavor your popcorn. Whether you like things spicy or sweet, experiment in the kitchen. You may discover a new favorite flavor.
- Find some rocks, add a little paint, and spread kindness. Leave painted rocks for others to find. This may even spark a project for your class.
5. Watch your favorite movie
Whether you’re a Hallmark Channel fan or Diehard is your holiday movie of choice, make the time to simply enjoy snuggling under a blanket on the couch without papers to grade. Maybe you’ve had a documentary or comedy special on your watch list forever. Now is the perfect time to relax and be entertained.
6. Get outside
Some days, getting those 10,000 steps walking around school is easy. Winter break allows you to breathe some fresh air, too. Go for long walks while listening to your favorite podcast or music. What about taking it to the next level by training for a 5K? If you’re not ready to call yourself a runner just yet, look at Jeff Galloway’s Run Walk Run method. Find a trail or use the streets or your neighborhood and get started.
7. Read (something fun)
Change things up with your reading list and find a new genre to love. If you always reach for a thriller, find a biography about someone who fascinates you. Ever tried listening to a book? Hearing the words read by the author brings personality and sometimes a different meaning to the written words. When you can hear the sarcasm or seriousness, it hits differently.
8. Plan your first week back after winter break
There’s no turning off the teacher's brain. Worries about students and brilliant ideas you feel the need to organize don’t stop because you’re out of the classroom. Just don’t spend a lot of precious time off on schoolwork. Before walking out of the building for the break, make sure the first few days are ready. Your principal might want lesson plans in advance, which is a bonus because you’re already in the habit of working ahead. Make the copies. Load the assignments into the learning management system. Put the supplies on the shelf by your desk so you’re ready to go!
Here are some resources to make sure those January days are smooth.
- Ready for fractions to finally make sense? Complete our Frax educator grant application by January 28, 2024, for free access to research-based, game-driven solutions that your students will actually enjoy.
- Snowflakes & Sled Wars: These cold-weather Gizmos simulations are easily implemented with pre-made student and teacher resources.
- Explore classroom reward ideas.
- Plan for the 100th Day of School.
Sure, there may be a few loose ends to tie up while you’re on break. Don’t let school be the focus of your time away, though. This is your break. Use it in the ways that you choose. If planning for school brings you joy, do it. If you need a real break, take it!
9. Reflect and celebrate
Take a moment to celebrate the wonderful things about yourself and set some goals for your future. Use these sentence starters to spark your thinking.
- I feel passionate about __________.
- ____________ is one of the best choices I have ever made.
- One of the greatest compliments I’ve received is __________.
- __________ will be an investment in my mental or physical health.
- I will challenge myself as a teacher by __________.
Recharge and reflect: Embracing winter break for a renewed educator spirit
Winter break days always pass too quickly. That’s okay. You’ll be ready for all of those questions after taking some time for yourself. The only question you really need to ask yourself over winter break is how many marshmallows to put in your hot cocoa. The other 1,500 decisions can wait.