June is typically the month when most schools conclude classes and shut their doors for the summer. In a perfect world, this would mean educators are now kicking back, soaking up some sun, and enjoying a well-deserved time of rest and relaxation. Let’s be honest though, for many educators, the summer months are spent planning for the next chaotic school year while tackling any unmet challenges of the previous one. Fortunately, the Learning Specialists at Van Andel Institute for Education have compiled a diverse list of resources that educators can take advantage of while navigating the summer season. So, grab your sunglasses and your favorite summer drink, and let’s dive into four empowering resources for educators!
Keep Curiosity Alive is an ideal resource for the educator looking to provide fun, hands-on activities for summer school students or their own families. This document houses over 60 free STEAM activities that are sure to ignite an individual’s curiosity, creativity and critical thinking. Have you ever wanted to design a solar oven? What about engineering a spacecraft or brewing your own ice cream? Whatever flavor of learning is preferred, Keep Curiosity Alive includes everything an educator could ask for to help kids maximize their thinking this summer!
Some students have a burning passion for science, while others need to be shown how fun and innovative the field of STEM can actually be. VAI Education’s K-12 Summer Camps are a great way to introduce young learners to a variety of scientific disciplines that will not only expand their understanding of the world but ensure they have fun while doing it! Camps come in 1-day and 4-day options and include everything from exploring the Great Lakes to designing future cities. There’s no better tool for educators looking to help a student continue their learning journey.
For the fourth year in a row, Science on the Grand is returning to Grand Rapids, MI, with more enriching workshops, cutting-edge tech, and inspiring keynote speakers. This conference was created by educators, for educators, and aims to give them the VIP treatment they deserve. Attendees will have the chance to mix, mingle, and marvel with fellow professionals who share their passion for science and teaching. Plus, with catered meals, free drinks, and fabulous prizes, they’ll be given the time and space needed to relax and focus on becoming even more awesome. Don’t miss the chance to be part of an event that We Are Teachers called one of the Best Education Conferences to Check Out in 2024!
Strategy Exploration: Work-Life Balance
The work of an educator is never done, but it’s still important that they find time for themselves, especially during the summer. That’s where Blue Apple’s Strategy Exploration comes in. Busy educators can restore balance to their life and their teaching with the Work-Life Balance guide, which contains an extensive collection of practical ideas for making sure they recharge and refuel in order to live a flourishing life in education. Remember, before you can give your time and energy to your students, you need to make sure to energize yourself!
Whether it’s planning for a new school year, or helping students stay engaged over break, VAI Education is here to support educators in every circumstance. So, as we continue through these next few months, we hope you embrace this time to reflect, grow, and meet the summer season with renewed energy and creativity.
*Image courtesy of David Schwarzenberg via Wikimedia Commons.
For more free educational resources simply follow this link.