The school year is wrapping up for most teachers and summer vacation is almost here. Transitioning from a busy, action-packed routine to a more relaxed and carefree one can be difficult… right?!? 😉

 Looking for a few ideas to enjoy your summer AND get inspired for next year? Here is our list. 

You spend so much time making sure students are getting target language input to stretch their proficiency, strengthen their interpretive skills, and introduce them to new cultures. Now it’s your turn. Netflix has a variety of shows so try out the pilot episodes of a few until one grabs your attention. (Don’t forget, you can also add subtitles to most everything on there).

Velvet, Celia, Cuba and the Cameraman, The Time in Between, The New Legends of Monkey, El Internado,  El Chapulín Colorado

Take a day trip to a big city! Where ever you live, you’re only a short flight or drive to an exciting cultural hotspot with tons of native speakers… New York, LA, Chicago, Montreal, Miami, San Antonio, San Francisco’s Chinatown. I know vacations aren’t always in the budget, but if you search for flight or hotel deals, you can do it in a very affordable way. Wander around, take a form of transportation you don’t normally use, talk to locals, or visit a market. Even experiencing a culture OUTSIDE of the ones you teach can be really refreshing and inspire new, fresh ideas.

Shake up your dining routine and try a new dish from another target culture. Search out a new restaurant and invite a friend or family member to join you. I had the best dim sum at Nom Wah Tea Parlor in NYC’s Chinatown and Kara and I finally tasted some amazing poutine at La Banquise in Montreal. Both were top notch experiences! Teachers are so accustomed to eating quickly during their busy schedules so it’s time to force yourself to slow down and really savor a unique meal. Plus, it’s a great way to support small business owners in the community!    

Find out what’s hot and what’s happening around the world. Staying current helps us relate to our students and show relevant examples and authentic resources in our lessons. Here are a few ideas to help you get “in the know” this summer:

•  Follow the World Cup, which takes place June 14-July 15 in Russia or follow @FIFAWorldCup on twitter
• Set your internet browser to a homepage from another country and catch up on the news as you sip your morning coffee
• Discover the latest and greatest music through iTunes “new music” or with a new TL station on Pandora. When you find a song you love, add it to a new playlist for next year!
• Find a few new accounts to follow on your favorite social media platform – Read firsthand what’s happening with soccer superstar Messi (he’s sharing sweet peeks of his new baby), Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, or K-pop princess MinHa

While it is last on this list, it is probably the most important. If you’ve been dying for time to rework an old unit or reorganize files on your computer… by all means – go for it! However, it’s okay to put work on hold during the summer while you rest, enjoy time with family and friends, and do the things that recharge you! Then when you’re (mentally) ready, start to play with new ideas for next year. My best ideas usually come when I’m traveling or chatting with friends or when I stumble across something amazing by accident. So enjoy yourself, do what you love to do, and let inspiration come to you! 

What’s on your TO-DO list during your summer vacation?

Share your Netflix recommendations, travel deal tips, or other tips to make the most out of summer break !