The Secret to a Smooth School Year Starts this Summer
Want the secret to a smooth school year? It starts with just a little summer prep. Read on to find some simple and easy ways to get your year started right!
Summer is finally here—and while the rest of the world might picture teachers living their best poolside life for two straight months, we know better. Yes, rest is essential (and long overdue!), but between the sunscreen and iced coffee, most of us are also quietly thinking about next year.
That’s why we created this “Recharge and Reimagine” blog series—because summer doesn’t have to be all or nothing. You can refill your cup and refocus your classroom.
In this three-part series, we’ll help you recharge your energy, prepare for the upcoming school year, and intentionally plan those crucial first-day routines. Whether you’re soaking up sunshine or just catching your breath, we’ve got you covered—with grace, purpose, and a fresh perspective for fall.
You can find the first blog post in this series on how to recharge your energy here.
Why Should You Use Your Summer Break to Plan Ahead?
Let’s be real. When summer hits, the last thing most of us want to think about is school. We’re dreaming of sleeping in (past 6:00, please), wearing real clothes only when absolutely necessary, and enjoying a meal without wolfing it down between copies and calls to the office.
But here’s the secret most veteran teachers won’t say out loud:
A smooth school year starts with just a little bit of summer intention.
And no—we’re not talking about planning an entire curriculum or printing 25 sets of laminated centers. We’re talking about low-stress, high-impact prep that will actually make a difference come fall.
Here’s are 5 ways to set yourself up for success, one easy step at a time.
1. Pick One System to Prep
Before Pinterest takes you down a rabbit hole of 47 bulletin board themes, zoom in on one system you want to have running smoothly on day one.
Ideas to focus on:
- Morning routines
- Dismissal procedures
- Class jobs
- Supply organization
Want some class job ideas? Teachers Love Lists has a 40 jobs that you can choose from for your classroom. Check it out here!
⭐ Summer tip: Take a walk through your first hour of the school day. What needs to run on autopilot? Start there.
2. Get Ahead on the First Two Weeks
Want to feel calm, cool, and collected that first week? Plan your first 5-10 days of lessons now.
Keep it light and flexible:
- Icebreakers and team-building games
- Procedures practice (and more practice)
- Read-alouds and low-pressure writing prompts
- Anchor charts for rules and expectations
Need some quick and easy writing prompts to use with your students? These Instagram-themed hashtags will get students writing and sharing right away!
⭐ Summer tip: Keep a digital folder titled “Week 1” and drop things in as ideas come to you. Your future self will thank you.
3. Create a Teacher “Grab-and-Go” Folder
You know those days when the copier’s jammed, the fire drill hits at 9:07, and your coffee’s still in the car? Yeah—those.
Use a quiet summer morning to put together a folder of:
- Early finisher activities
- Sub plans
- No-prep printables
- Fast finisher task cards
Below is a list of low prep, engaging early finisher activities:
- Task Card Challenges
- Finish the Picture Drawing Prompts
- Read-to-Self Corner
- Write a Silly Story
- STEM Bin Activities
- Create a Comic Strip
- Journal Prompts
- Puzzle Station
- Flashcard Practice
- Mystery Word Challenge
- “How To” Writing Cards
- Make a Bookmark Craft
- Color by Number Math Sheets
- Partner Play
- Fact Practice
- Origami Instructions Station
- Riddle of the Day Journal
- Design a Poster
- Write a Letter to a Classmate or Teacher
- Create a Secret Code and Decode a Message
⭐ Summer tip: Print just a handful. You don’t need a full classroom set—just enough to have a buffer.
4. Prep for Parents Now, Not Later
Parent communication can make or break your year. But back-to-school night always sneaks up fast.
While your iced coffee’s still sweating on the porch, prep:
- A welcome letter or “Meet the Teacher” page
- A simple class newsletter template
- Contact info forms or QR codes for apps you use (like Remind or Class Dojo)
⭐ Summer tip: Canva has free, easy-to-edit templates. Bonus points if it matches your classroom vibe. Check out a sample template here.
5. Protect Your Time (Yes, Even in July)
This one’s less about laminating and more about living.
Decide now:
- What nights you won’t bring home work
- How you’ll unwind after a tough day
- What’s off limits (grading on Sundays? doomscrolling email at midnight?)
⭐ Summer tip: Set up one small weekly routine (like Friday takeout or Monday walks) that keeps you grounded once school starts.
Final Thoughts: A Little Prep Goes a Long Way
You don’t have to overhaul your classroom in July. But picking 1–2 intentional ways to prep now can save you hours of stress later.
Want to take it one step further? Try our “One Hour a Week” challenge as you prepare for the upcoming school year:
- One hour to plan
- One hour to prep
- One hour to dream
And here’s a checklist to help keep you organized with your summer prep. Click the button below to get it for free.
Just remember the secret isn’t doing more—it’s prepping smart, resting well, and starting with confidence.
Interested in more ideas for the school year? Check out last year’s Summer Blog Series here.