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The final push is on for Key Stage 2 educators.
With SATs beginning on the 9th of May 2022, it is crucial that teachers use their Easter holiday to reset before supporting their students for the last few weeks of learning and revision.
So, if you’ve already started your holidays or they are just around the corner, have a look at Atom Learning's five top tips on how to unwind while making the most of your ‘spring break’.
1. Make a plan
Something teachers are undoubtedly very used to! Planning your Easter break with both curricular and extracurricular activities can ensure that you take care of any outstanding school admin while still finding ample time to enjoy yourself.
At the start of your holiday, establish what has to be done, what should be done and most importantly, what you would like to do. Having these clear objectives can help you structure your time off without the threat of cramming everything into the final few days.
Assign hours in the day for household duties and work but, much like with your students, make sure you have a break time. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to complete every task on day one. You don’t want to suffer from burnout on the first day of your holiday!
2. Phones down
Try not to let your Easter break be consumed by social media.
It is very easy to spend hours scrolling through endless articles or videos and before you know it, the day is gone.
Put your phone on aeroplane mode or even turn it off. With all the stimulation you experience in the classroom on a day-to-day basis, the Easter break marks the perfect opportunity to read that book you’ve been meaning to or even take your first steps into the world of yoga. Stimulation via mobile device does not hold the key to resetting ahead of Key Stage 2 SATs.
3. Exercise
Releasing endorphins is crucial for your mental wellbeing. It doesn’t have to be a marathon or a long-distance cycle ride; with many workout videos now readily available online you can do this from the comfort of your own living room.
If this still isn’t of interest then why not take a long walk with an old colleague. Reconnect with a friend, nature, and your walking shoes all in one go.
During term time, exercise can often fall down on the list of priorities. Giving yourself the opportunity to get your heart pumping will undoubtedly help with a positive mindset, if not during, then certainly after!
4. No teacher talk
Teachers are friends with teachers. This often means that meetings outside the classroom descend into discussing activities from inside the classroom.
In order to have a clean break during your holidays, ensure you spend time with people not related to the profession. If this is not possible then a ‘no teacher talk’ policy might be worthwhile.
Detaching is a crucial part of your Easter holiday. With SATs around the corner, you do not want to spend your time off fretting whether a certain pupil has mastered part of the curriculum - this can all be addressed when you’re back in school. Remove those stress-inducing triggers by discussing your passions, your local sports team, or even what the neighbours have been doing.
5. Sleep
Your brain needs a rest. More so than other muscles, the brain requires a great deal of energy to perform effectively. Without it, you can often feel symptoms of fatigue and your thought processes can be clouded with indecision.
This doesn’t mean that the Easter holidays are designed as hibernation. Keep the same sleeping routine where possible and use short naps to catch up on any rest you feel you have missed the previous night. These steps will help you to eradicate your ‘sleep debt’ ready for the final Key Stage 2 push.
Enjoy your break and we hope you are fully refreshed for the 2022 Summer term!
Get in touch
If you would like more information on how Atom can help you maximise your time in the classroom, then why not book an introductory call today and gain access to our free online learning platform complete with over 90,000+ questions, helpsheets and instructional videos.
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