The snow is melting—even though for some areas, that’s more figurative than not—and the awakening nods to spring are upon us: the air is refreshing and cool, while the sun is staying around a little longer each day. With the impending changing of seasons, we too emerge from our hibernating ways and experience a rebirth of sorts. So ditch the dark and dreary, and say hello to warmer weather with these 7 ways to get ready for spring in the classroom.

1.) Buy a plant.

It’s time to replace the pine with the bright hues of tulips (or whatever your choice of flowers may be). The winter is a largely bare botanical season, so celebrate the blossoming of new plant life with some pretty petals. Visual reminders like this on your windowsill or desk will exude cheeriness for you and your students to enjoy throughout the school day.

2.) Wear bright colors and prints.

Hang up the holiday sweaters, and relax on the monochromatic grays and blacks you’ve been buttoned in all winter. If fashion is any indicator of mood, then express some optimism with color. Go ahead, give bold prints a shot. Break out your very own spring collection, and faculty and students alike will respect the style star you are.

3.) Teach a spring poem.

Robert Frost is the lyrical king of nature-themed poems, but it’s a favorite topic of many a writer (carpe diem authors, anyone?). Depending on the grade level of your class, pick a poem that captures the elements of spring (whether it be rebirth or rainbows) and rhyme your way into the season. Poetry, especially the more sophisticated kind, is a perfect reflection of the physical and emotional changes that come about with the cyclical times of year.

4.) Play a spring song.

Music always boosts a celebration, so why not usher in the warmer months with some seasonal tunes? Like the poem selection, gauge your choice of ballad on the sophistication of the ears in your classroom—classical for the older crowd, and crowd pleasers for the younger (Hint: “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” never disappoints).

5.) Conduct a baseball-related activity.

Play ball! Well, maybe not exactly, but baseball time is approaching and there’s lots you can do with this in the classroom. One option is teaching the history of your city’s great baseball players. For example, New York schools can discuss Jackie Robinson and how the Dodgers helped shape the borough of Brooklyn. Or play a math game involving the different positions of the field and organize order-of-operations equations based on this to see how the ball will travel. It’ll be a homerun either way.

6.) Plan a lesson outside.

There’s something to be said about conducting a class outside. This mini adventure beyond the walls of your school building is sure to energize your students and can result in an invigorating lesson. Whether it be teaching the science of germination or discussing a Jane Austin novel, the fresh air will go a long way.

7.) Bring in a seasonal fruit or vegetable snack.

Who can say “no” to an unexpected snack surprise? Well, spring is the time to capitalize on fresh fruits and vegetables and educate your students on their nutritional value. Treat your students to a seasonal plant-based snack, and start a healthy eating trend.

Hope this helps, and Happy *almost* Spring : )

At last—the hands of the school year have struck break-o-clock, and it’s time to taste glorious freedom.  Put down the lesson planner and step away from the smart board.  This vacation, the curriculum is all about you.  Here are ten ways you can maximize YOU time when school’s out.

1.) Relish in a good read.

There’s a noticeable difference in reading for pleasure, and well, “other” reading—the kind that takes a little more brain power or has more of an objective to it, like teaching it to a class.  But here’s the opportunity to dive into a novel that can truly take you away, that can connect you to characters who are going through situations similar to the ones you’ve gone through.  Peruse the The New York Times “Book” section for best sellers and reviews or get lost in the shelves of your favorite book shop to discover your next page turner.

Tip: Check the bio of the author you’re considering reading. Many authors write about where they’re from, and identifying with familiar towns, cities, and haunts can really boost the reader experience!

2.) Spend time in the kitchen.

Tie your apron and put on your toque! Kitchen time can get crunched with busy work schedules, so here’s your chance to get creative with your dishes. Cater to your sweet tooth—it’s okay to indulge!, you’re on break—or impress someone with a Michelin star-worthy plate. Don’t worry if you’re not a seasoned chef—the Internet is flooding with recipes to help you through the process.

3.) Sign up for a workout class.

 Physical activity is yet another priority that can get kicked to the curb when our work lives get hectic. Exercise is not only important for our physical health but also for our mental health, so now’s the time to get back into the gym or the yoga studio or wherever you like to go to boost your body. Hop on a bike and spin the stress away or stretch out with poses that will leave your muscles and mind feeling relaxed. Class Pass is growing in popularity in major cities nationwide.  It allows you to choose a variety of classes at different fitness studios as part of your subscription plan.

4.) Go on a mini adventure.

 Adventure comes in all forms. Flying across continents has it’s time and place, but sometimes thrill is closer than you think. The open road awaits you, so grab the wheel and cruise to a new town or city and spend the day exploring. Shop, eat, take pictures. If you’re looking for more of an extended vacation, book a stay at a local inn.

 5.) Treat yourself.

 Everyone needs some R&R, so teachers, treat yourselves! Book that massage you’ve been dreaming about or that mani and pedi that’s long overdue. Been eyeing that same dress for weeks now? Maybe it’s time to let go of the guilt and make it yours. You deserve it.

6.) Try something new.

 Routine can get, well, boring.  Spice up the quotidian by dabbling in something different. Not a nature person? Go for a hike and take in the outdoors. Feeling like you’ve been missing out on your city’s culture? Sign up to listen to a lecture that appeals to you. Take a new route on your run. The possibilities are endless.

7.) Disconnect

 We all get a little hyper-connected sometimes, but many of us wish we didn’t. School break gives you the opportunity to loosen the reins on your digital duties. E-mails can wait.

8.) Be mindful.

 Tacking on to #7, practice mindfulness. Be present. Participate. Observe and describe with your senses. Do everything as if it’s your first time doing it, and exercise each role of your day as best you could.

9.) Meet up with friends.

 Been too swamped or just plain exhausted to see your friends? Well, time is on your side now so pencil in that coffee date you’ve been putting off. If you’re feeling extra ambitious, host a dinner party and catch up with the whole group.

10.) Get organized.

Okay, this one isn’t as fun, but just as necessary when you have down time. You will feel 100 times better if you finally tackle those projects that have been at the bottom of your laundry list. Toss the piles of magazines from 2007, change the bulbs that have been out for months, and face the mail that’s been slowly eating your desk space.

 

Hope this helps! Happy Break!