It's Monday morning.
Did you even know that? Today hubby and I are celebrating our 7th anniversary. We took a cruise for our honeymoon. Each morning they would change out the carpet in the elevator on the ship to represent the day of the week. Because after a couple of days on a cruise ship you have no idea what day of the week it is.
One of the best perks to being a teacher is that for the months of July and August you kind of forget what day it is. While the rest of the country is cursing out Monday morning, it means nothing to us. It's just another day at the beach...often literally.
But, all too soon we will be commiserating with those experiencing "just another manic Monday." Weekday mornings will once again have the potential to be chaotic and crazed. While the school year may seem like it is way off in the distance, there are some things I can suggest you do now to make your days easier then. Summer is the perfect time to tackle these.
Summer Vacation To Do List:
Clean out your closet. Keep only clothes you enjoy wearing that fit you well in there. This will make getting dressed for work much faster.
Spend some time "freezer cooking." There are places you can go like Dream Dinners, but it's just as easy to make things on your own. Plan to have your freezer full of dinners for the first few weeks of school. Make enough so that you'll have lunches leftover.
Fold a paper in half. On the left side write out a list of everything you need to do to get out of the house in the morning. Think not only of yourself, but the other house members as well. On the right side, brainstorm ways to make things more efficient and streamlined. For example, I need to pack my son a lunch. I can make our mornings easier by prepping foods on the weekend (make fruit salad cups, fill bowls with yogurt, put cereal into baggies) and by packing his lunch bag the night before. Have other family members look at the list and brainstorm ideas.
Scour yard sales, dorm sales and craigslist for a few small appliances for your classroom. Having a fridge, small microwave and a small coffee pot will allow you to get out of the house and into the classroom faster. By keeping some foods at school, you will save time and money.
Declutter, organize and streamline your home. By having less stuff at home and knowing where things are you will be able to function efficiently.
What are your tips and ideas for making the mornings easier? Share them in a comment for others to read. Have a great week!
6 comments:
I lay everything out the night before for the 3 people I have to get out the door, including clothes, diapers, backpacks. I will also lay out the cereal bowl, spoon, and box on the counter. I have even put the paste on the toothbrush the night before. I also make sure my keys are on the counter (not buried in my purse or in some unknown location), along with my school bag packed or a pile of whatever I need to bring. If we're going to the library after school, the library bag goes in the car at night. I try to make things as easy in the morning by doing a lot of it the night before.
Just found your blog and have spent too much time reading it today! Someone linked your school supply post on Proteacher, and I was sucked in! So many good ideas, so many great organizational tips. From one OCD, type A, anal teaching mama to another...thank you! :)
@Finding Normal: Welcome to the Blog. I'm glad you are enjoying it. I like your style. I think we could be BFFs :)
Finding Normal sent me over here! Loving you! I couldn't agree more with Mondays meaning nothing. And that's one of the best feelings in the world.
Congrats on your anniversary...we just celebrated our 10th.
Off to read more! :)
I set my clock about 10 to 15 minutes ahead. This is especially important during the first weeks of school when getting into the routine of things can be a challenge. I'm always grateful (and use!) for those extra minutes in the morning.
Happy Anniversary! :)
I have learned that in order to get the younger two out the door on time each morning, that they need me to help them get everything ready the night before. We put their clothes out and make sure backpacks are packed with homework and their snack before they go to bed. The Husband has been in charge of dropping them off at school this year so that extra preparation makes sure they have everything and we're all less frazzled!
I just found your blog, and can't wait to read more! I too am a busy lady (no kids.....I don't know how you do it!), and love some of your time saving ideas, as well as teaching ideas (I teach K).
I look forward to reading more!
-Lindsey
(www.thecrazykindergartenteacher.blogspot.com)
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