It is summer, my absolute favorite time of year. I can honestly say that I love each of the seasons, but getting to have these warm weeks watching my own kids grow is a delight. As a teacher, I am not “off” for summer. I have the opportunity to grow with professional development experiences, I am busily creating classroom resources for my students, I am reading books to share with my three kids, students, and peers, and I am in full-time mom-mode running my kiddos to swim team, baseball, and camps. I wake up at 4:15AM to hit the gym, and I go to bed “summertime tired” around 10:30PM. Full, non-stop days, but the kind I adore.

Because summer can quickly pass by, I try to make the most of the moments I can find. While my littlest naps and my big kids read (dare to dream) and spend time with friends, I try to do what I can to gear up for the school year ahead. If you are looking to make the most of your summertime, here are the ways I am spending my time to feel refreshed and inspired for the school year ahead...