You’ve made it through the performances, sub plans, recorder squeaks, end-of-year behavior dips, and the constant juggling act that comes with wrapping up the school year. Now you’re a teacher on summer break, and while you know you should rest, let’s be honest—relaxing doesn’t always come easy. Teacher brains are wired to plan, prep, and solve problems, even when the to-do list is officially “done.” And sometimes, even when you truly want to slow down, the mental clutter of the year just won’t quit. Today, I have six unexpected (and actually enjoyable) ways to recharge this summer—especially if your brain’s still stuck in school mode.
Tips for a Teacher on Summer Break
This list will not be anything like a regular list you’ve seen before. For any teacher on summer break, I challenge you to try one or more of these out before heading back to school. See which ones work well for you and have fun with it!
1. Make an “Anti-Teaching” Playlist … Just Because
Create a playlist of music that has nothing to do with your classroom. No boomwhackers, no Kodály folk songs, and no “Peter and the Wolf” (even if you secretly love it).
Think: all-time favorites, nostalgic jams, chill instrumentals—whatever makes you feel happy and relaxed.
Then do absolutely nothing while it plays. Lie on the floor. Sit on the porch. Sip your favorite drink. Call it Music Teacher Meditation.
Want to take it a step further? Make multiple playlists:
- One for relaxing
- One for cooking in your kitchen
- One that makes you cry in a good way
2. Try a “Digital Lockout Weekend”
Pick one weekend this summer and don’t check your school email. Don’t open Pinterest. Don’t scroll through teacher Instagram or your TpT wishlist. Completely unplug from anything school-adjacent.
It’s not about hating your job—it’s about pausing the constant soundtrack and mental checklist in your head—you know the one that never seems to shut off.
Instead, trade that screen time for small, real-life joys that you may miss during the busy school year.
- Visit a local bookstore or coffee shop
- Go on a mini road trip with zero itinerary
- Try a new recipe that takes way too long to cook
- Walk around the block and notice five things you usually ignore
- Sit outside with a notebook and journal, color, or paint
Yes, it’ll feel weird at first. That’s how you know it’s working.
3. Plan a “Staycation Soundtrack” Day
Pick a place you wish you could visit—Paris, Tokyo, New Orleans, you name it. Then build a whole day around that theme. It’s like a themed lesson plan … but for your own joy.
Ideas to include:
- Make a music playlist from that region
- Cook or order a dish from that culture
- Watch a travel vlog or live street cam
- Dress for the theme if you want to go all in
4. Learn Something Totally Useless (On Purpose)
Summer doesn’t have to be full of only productive activities. In fact, it shouldn’t be.
Try learning something just because it sounds interesting—even if it’s totally unrelated to your job.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Fancy napkin folding
- Basic calligraphy or hand lettering
- Alphabet in American Sign Language
- How to identify bird calls
- A few simple magic tricks
- Eating with chopsticks
Don’t limit yourself to this list—find something that you’d like to learn. The whole point is to have fun.
5. Host a Solo Theme Night
You know how kids light up during themed days at school? You can do that for yourself, too.
Pick a theme—maybe something like:
- 80s dance party
- Cozy cabin night
- Beach party
- Broadway karaoke
- Movie marathon of your favorite childhood films
Then:
- Decorate a corner of your home (even just with throw pillows and mood lighting)
- Make or order themed snacks and drinks
- Dress for the theme (fuzzy socks or sequins welcome)
- Play music and a movie that match
This is low-stakes fun. No planning needed. Just you, being a little silly and enjoying yourself like you encourage your students to do every week.
6. Take Yourself on a “Creative Walk”
This is a creative, peaceful walk. Not a power walk. Not an errand walk. A creative one.
Leave your phone at home (or put it on airplane mode), grab a notebook or sketchpad, and walk with no agenda. Let your senses lead.
You might:
- Notice rhythms in the sounds around you
- Sketch something you see
- Hum a tune you hear from a bird and see where it takes you
- Write down weird thoughts or silly ideas
- People-watch and make up stories
This is simply about enjoying creativity again, without tying it to your curriculum or concert prep. And you might be surprised what pops into your head when you finally give it space.
7. Build Something Just for Fun
Give yourself permission to create something just for the fun of it.
It could be:
- A LEGO set (yes, even if it’s a “kid” one)
- A jigsaw puzzle
- A paint-by-number
- A miniature model or diorama
- A sandcastle at the park or beach
- A craft project
- A decorative wreath
See what your local library or craft store has going on—they often offer fun classes or events worth checking out.
There’s something therapeutic about following instructions or patterns with your hands. You’re creating—but without expectations, grades, or outcomes. Plus, it gives your brain a chance to solve problems in a calm, creative way—no rubrics required.
8. Build a Just-for-Fun Summer Book List
Find some books to read—not for professional development. Just books that make you want to read.
Build a short stack of books that are purely for fun, rest, and maybe a little escapism. Think:
- That novel you’ve had on your shelf for three years
- A nostalgic favorite from childhood
- A music-themed memoir or novel (but only if it sounds fun—not required reading!)
- A cozy mystery, fantasy, or rom-com
- A beautifully illustrated book you can flip through on the porch
Make the experience even more relaxing:
- Create a cozy reading corner or outdoor area you love
- Set a “reading date” for yourself once a week
- Pair your book with a special snack or drink
This stack isn’t for school. It’s for you. And the best part—no quiz at the end.
Here’s a few that I’ve recently read (or reread) and loved (these are affiliate links—you pay the same price.)
- No Hiding in Boise by Kim Hooper
- The Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh
- Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
- Hannah Swenson mystery series by Joanne Fluke
- Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers
Final Thoughts: You Deserve a Real Summer Break
If you’re a teacher on summer break and you’re feeling torn between needing rest and feeling like you should be planning, try one or two of these ideas. You don’t need a big life overhaul or to start next year’s lessons this week—you just need to feel like you again. Pick something lighthearted, something unrelated to teaching, and most importantly, give yourself the same care you give your students all year.
And if you try one of these ideas, I’d love to hear about it! Drop a comment below or email me at beth@bethsmusicclassroom.com.
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