letting go of school By Cathy-Dee

I've taught for 9 years now and I still have a hard time letting go of things over the holidays. When I'm out shopping I'm forever finding things that would be just great in the classroom. I don't think we necessarily need to just turn off our "teaching mode" during the holidays, but instead make sure we are busy doing other things too. One thing about teaching, the work will always be there.

When you find yourself thinking about school, get busy doing something else, read a book, take a long hot bath, go for a walk, head out to the mall, watch TV, call a friend, etc., I can still remember those first few years of teaching and feeling panicked sometimes because I didn't have things prepared, etc., BUT!!!!!!!! You will always be a better teacher when you are well-rested and refreshed.

And I honestly do not think it's such a bad thing to think about your job during the holidays. I worked in tourism before going into teaching and I took that job home too. I think those who do think about their jobs are dedicated and caring individuals. It only becomes a problem when you choose school work over other things too often. So don't worry about those dreams, stray thoughts, etc., and even set aside a day or two to work on plans, etc., It is nice especially when you are first starting out to feel that you are really ready for the school year to begin again because you are so prepared.