Hey friends,

Is anybody else physically done with school… but mentally still in the classroom?

Because honestly, I think that first week after school ends can feel really strange for teachers.

Our bodies may finally slow down, but our brains are still running at full speed.

After spending months:
• solving problems
• managing behaviors
• watching schedules
• making constant decisions
• answering questions
• handling interruptions
• thinking ahead all day long

…it’s hard to suddenly switch into “rest mode.”

I’ve noticed that even after school ends, my brain still wakes up thinking about schedules, students, lessons, and things I forgot to do. And sometimes the quiet almost feels unfamiliar.

I also think teachers don’t talk enough about the emotional side of ending the school year.

You can be thankful for summer break and still feel emotionally drained.
You can need rest and still feel restless.
You can miss your students while also knowing you desperately needed a break.

All of those things can exist together.

So if you’ve been feeling mentally exhausted this first week of summer, you are definitely not alone. And honestly… I think a lot of teachers are weary right now.

Not just physically.
Mentally and emotionally too.

So this week, I’m trying to remind myself that rest is important, too!

We do not have to earn rest.
We already carried a lot this year.

If you’d like to hear more about this topic, I talked all about it in this week’s episode of The Education Connection podcast.

🎧 Listen here: Why Teachers Can't Shut Their Brains Off After School Ends​

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​Matthew 11:28
“Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

I hope this episode encourages you to slow down, breathe, and remember that rest is not laziness.

Thank you so much for being here,

​First Grade Love Teachers Pay Teachers​

PS...Here's a freebie you may want for next year if you made it this far... :)

​Spelling Practice First Grade FREEBIE​