The school year can be broken down into three main sections: The back-to-school rush, the holiday sprint, and the dead winter drag. These periods are marked by the promise of a reprieve from the craziness. When school starts its feels fresh and perhaps exciting, or terrifying depending on your class, as you march forward to Thanksgiving break. However, by the time you reach this break it takes you most of the break to unwind and then you’re back to the chaos. Thankfully, there are only a few weeks left of burnt out, unmotivated, and sick students and teachers before the biggest break of the school year: Christmas.
Outside of summer, Christmas break tends to be the favorite for students and teachers alike, although probably not the parents. There are a few reasons this is the case. First, it’s the longest break of the school year. So, you have some additional time to decompress, heal your stress acne, and avoid children. Also, Christmas break marks the halfway point of the school year. Only two more quarters to go! My suggestion is you book a nice get away or ensure some intense relaxation because it’ll be a long time before your next solid break in March.
The third quarter of the school year is the slowest. There’s not a lot going on outside of classroom drama and illness to keep teachers entertained as they attempt to educate. But if you can make it through this phase of monotony you will see the light and it’s ok to go towards it. Summer paradise is right around the corner. Just don’t slap any kids on your way out the door.
These breaks are what keep teachers going. Without them there would be no filler weeks of nonsensical crafts and sugary nuggets to make every teacher and parent unhinged. In short, these vacations are what keep us singed and not fried as educators.
Stay Cooked,
The Cooked Teacher