☀️🎶 5 Things Choir Teachers Should Do This Summer (That Aren’t Stressful!)
I hope you're getting the break you deserve! Whether you're poolside or tackling your to-do list between naps, summer is the perfect time to reset, reflect, and (lightly) prep for next year.
That’s why I put together this “Summertime Checklist for Choir Teachers”—a short list of things that’ll help you feel ahead of the game come fall, without cutting into your relaxation time.
While I may sleep in, stay up late and watch entirely too much TV in the summertime, I still think about school from time to time. Here are a few things I do that help me feel successful and accomplished in the summer. And the best news is that they can be done from the comfort of your couch or patio!
✅ Review what worked (and what didn’t): Take 15 minutes to jot quick notes on your concert cycle, class routines, or behavior systems. Future-you will thank you. My teacher friends and I like to meet for coffee each summer and take turns confessing to each other what we will change next year to make our life easier. I feel like it will come true if you say it aloud!
✅ Prep a few flexible sub plans: Trust me—if you do this now, you won’t be scrambling when that first fall cold hits. If you want to save yourself time and trouble, check out this Bundle of choir sub plans for an entire year! 18 days included!
✅ Make a list of your “go-to” games or time-filler activities: Save them in one doc so you’re never at a loss on weird schedule days. Need some inspiration? My Ultimate Choir Game Bundle includes 17 different games!
✅ Organize your digital files: Even a quick tidy-up of your Google Drive or laptop folders will make a huge difference in August. Update or create templates for things you will definitely need like seating charts, handbooks and concert programs.
✅ Plan ahead: Get excited for next year. Draft a rough outline for the first month of school. Update your syllabus or class expectations handouts/handbook. Choose repertoire for the first concert (or narrow it down).
Here’s to a summer full of rest, iced coffee, and just enough prep to feel ahead of the game.
Happy Summer!🎶 Melanie
