Introduction
As the final weeks of the semester approach, I find myself exhausted and running low on ideas. I’ve noticed that I've even been a less patient teacher the last few weeks. However, I know the value in finishing the semester strong and with energy. That, and the anticipation of relaxing and recharging over the winter holiday break, gives me fuel to make it through. Read on for five ways of using the time off to recharge for the new semester.
1. Recharge With Family Time
Family time is very important to me. Throughout the semester, I have sacrificed time with my family to prepare lessons and grade papers. The first day of break I plan to rent a family movie to watch. Since my children love online games and creating drawings on the computer, I also hope to spend time watching them be creative and teaching them a few things. It is always great to sit down and read a book together as well. On Christmas day, I plan to catch up with my brother and sisters and their families. Spending time with family helps recharge me for the new semester.
2. Recharge With a Good Book and a Few Good Blogs
Over the holiday, I usually attempt to read a book as well as catch up on blog posts I 
haven’t been able to follow since the beginning of the school year. Three books I’m considering reading over break are Mockingjay (the final book of The Hunger Games Trilogy), Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen, and Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand.
As for professional development, I often consult various blogs for motivation and lesson ideas. In addition to the Scholastic Teacher to Teacher Blogs, there are five other blogs I look to for inspiration and teaching ideas:
In addition to reading blogs, this year I have also used Twitter. Many professionals (including educators) share resources, ideas, and inspiration through their “tweets.” I haven’t had the time to get on Twitter every day, but attempt to take a few ideas a week from the multitude posted.
Recharge With Hobby Time
A couple of hobbies I really enjoy are writing and painting. Last year, I started painting. I not only paint on canvas, but I’ve also created murals on my bedroom walls. Not only is painting fun for me, but it is also a stress reliever. My favorite place to visit is the ocean, so I’ve decided to bring the ocean to me through my art.
In addition to painting, I also write in my spare time. Writing gives me an outlet for emotion and creativity. I have started my first novel and hope to finish it within the next year.
Recharge With Reflection Time
This year, it will not be hard for me to take reflection time over break: I’ve got to have 
surgery three days after Christmas, so I won’t be able to do much but lie around and think for a few days. During my reflection time, I am always attempting to find ways to make my classroom more exciting. I’m also looking for ways to motivate and support my students. I’m also attempting to find ways to be a better and more effective teacher. What lessons and activities went well? Which ones didn’t work? How can I structure my lessons for maximum impact? Reflecting on the past semester helps recharge me for the upcoming one.
Recharge With a New Classroom Look
In previous years, I rearranged my desks at least once a month. This year I have kept my classroom arrangement the same except when I conducted a group project or group discussions. I have found that in the past when I changed my classroom look, students were more attentive. I am a person who likes change, so I’m surprised I kept the classroom arrangement the same. Why did I forget the element of change this year? For the new semester, I pledge to change the classroom arrangement at least once a month.
What are some ways that you recharge for the new semester?
Introduction
As the final weeks of the semester approach, I find myself exhausted and running low on ideas. I’ve noticed that I've even been a less patient teacher the last few weeks. However, I know the value in finishing the semester strong and with energy. That, and the anticipation of relaxing and recharging over the winter holiday break, gives me fuel to make it through. Read on for five ways of using the time off to recharge for the new semester.
1. Recharge With Family Time
Family time is very important to me. Throughout the semester, I have sacrificed time with my family to prepare lessons and grade papers. The first day of break I plan to rent a family movie to watch. Since my children love online games and creating drawings on the computer, I also hope to spend time watching them be creative and teaching them a few things. It is always great to sit down and read a book together as well. On Christmas day, I plan to catch up with my brother and sisters and their families. Spending time with family helps recharge me for the new semester.
2. Recharge With a Good Book and a Few Good Blogs
Over the holiday, I usually attempt to read a book as well as catch up on blog posts I haven’t been able to follow since the beginning of the school year. Three books I’m considering reading over break are Mockingjay (the final book of The Hunger Games Trilogy), Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen, and Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand.
As for professional development, I often consult various blogs for motivation and lesson ideas. In addition to the Scholastic Teacher to Teacher Blogs, there are five other blogs I look to for inspiration and teaching ideas:
In addition to reading blogs, this year I have also used Twitter. Many professionals (including educators) share resources, ideas, and inspiration through their “tweets.” I haven’t had the time to get on Twitter every day, but attempt to take a few ideas a week from the multitude posted.
Recharge With Hobby Time
A couple of hobbies I really enjoy are writing and painting. Last year, I started painting. I not only paint on canvas, but I’ve also created murals on my bedroom walls. Not only is painting fun for me, but it is also a stress reliever. My favorite place to visit is the ocean, so I’ve decided to bring the ocean to me through my art.
In addition to painting, I also write in my spare time. Writing gives me an outlet for emotion and creativity. I have started my first novel and hope to finish it within the next year.
Recharge With Reflection Time
This year, it will not be hard for me to take reflection time over break: I’ve got to have surgery three days after Christmas, so I won’t be able to do much but lie around and think for a few days. During my reflection time, I am always attempting to find ways to make my classroom more exciting. I’m also looking for ways to motivate and support my students. I’m also attempting to find ways to be a better and more effective teacher. What lessons and activities went well? Which ones didn’t work? How can I structure my lessons for maximum impact? Reflecting on the past semester helps recharge me for the upcoming one.
Recharge With a New Classroom Look
In previous years, I rearranged my desks at least once a month. This year I have kept my classroom arrangement the same except when I conducted a group project or group discussions. I have found that in the past when I changed my classroom look, students were more attentive. I am a person who likes change, so I’m surprised I kept the classroom arrangement the same. Why did I forget the element of change this year? For the new semester, I pledge to change the classroom arrangement at least once a month.
What are some ways that you recharge for the new semester?
Utilizing e-readers for center-based instruction has increased students' motivation, time-on-task, and focus. Read on for more on how I use centers in my high school classroom, and to learn about the center activities
