What if you could cut down your workload while relaxing in your pool or beach chair? Good news! You can easily do both at the same time! Here’s our top 10 list of poolside prep ideas to help you get ahead!

1. Brainstorm Icebreakers

Starting a new year can be intimidating for some students, but using icebreakers seamlessly introduces peers and classroom routines. Spend some time reviewing the myriad of options to put a fresh spin on engaging openers.

Did you know that you can access OTIS for educators from your mobile device? Sign up or log in to watch “Ice Ice Breaker: Generating Personalized Learning Activities with AI” for inspiration!

2. Browse Templates

Canva offers an array of fun, beautifully designed resources that you can easily customize and download for offline classroom use. You can quickly edit your existing designs and use innovative editing tools while going off the grid!

Once you reconnect to Wi-Fi, you can look for ideas for decorating your classroom or curating bulletin board themes. From Pinterest to OTIS for educators’ resources, you’re bound to find something you love!

3. Create Classroom Procedures

Using your favorite notes app, you can build checklists for your daily tasks, create documentation for classroom agendas and policies, and more!

If you’re really feeling motivated, consider outlining or drafting a welcome letter. Writing with a relaxed mindset naturally translates into a warmer, more inviting message. You can introduce yourself, share a teaching philosophy, and set expectations for the upcoming school year.

4. Set Up Cloud Drive

Spend some time organizing your drive. Create an organization scheme with folders, color-coding, templates, and any other needs! Now, when it’s time to save or create new materials, you’ll know exactly where to store them and where to find them later!

5. Bookmark Resources

Save your favorite tools to your browser or Wakelet board. This way, you’ll have access from any device. With platforms such as Wakelet, you can also collaborate and share collections with colleagues and/or students.

Check out a variety of Educator Resources available on Wakelet!

6. Evaluate Productivity Tools

Find and download tools designed to save time and simplify your workflow. These tools can range from apps to AI tools depending on classroom needs, such as differentiation, grading and feedback, assessments, and planning! Check out vetted reviews on the EdTech Index, the Educational App Store, and Common Sense Privacy Evaluations for additional insights on safety and efficacy.

7. Make Wish Lists or Order Supplies

Ready to refresh your classroom? It might be time for some online shopping! Alternatively, you can create class wish lists to share with supportive parent and community networks, such as your local PTA.

8. Listen to Podcasts

Another excellent way to maximize your prep time is by listening to podcasts specifically geared towards educators. We love this idea so much that we wrote an entire blog about it. Check out our Bite-Sized Summer Learning blog to discover some of our favorite teacher podcasts, audiobooks, and digital resources!

You can also utilize this prep time to create custom music playlists that you can put on in the background while students work on independent projects.

9. Sketch Your Classroom Layout

There are no screens required for this strategy! Brainstorm ideas on how you want your classroom space to function and start designing your ideal flow! This layout can include everything from desk arrangements and poster locations to supplemental lighting options!

10. Establish Self-Care Anchors

It’s important to protect yourself from burnout! This requires drawing a clear line in the sand and creating a list of non-negotiables. These might include not grading papers after 5pm, taking a dedicated lunch break, etc. Mental health and human sustainability advocate Mandy Froehlich states, “Developing boundaries and sticking to them is one of the hardest parts of working in a profession that requires such a deep emotional connection. However, protecting ourselves and our emotional connection is how we make it possible to continue to show up for others.”

There you have it! These simple poolside prep strategies will help you tackle the upcoming school year without unnecessary stress!

For more tips, tricks, and tools for teaching in and out of the classroom, check out more content on the Teq Talk blog or our YouTube channels OTIS for educators and Tequipment.

We also offer virtual professional development, training, and support with OTIS for educators. Explore the technology and strategies that spark student success — no matter where teaching or learning are happening!

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