When Is It Best to Take Breaks? A Guide for Preschool Teachers and Schools

When Is It Best to Take Breaks? A Guide for Preschool Teachers and Schools

As educators, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the daily demands of teaching and forget the importance of rest. Taking breaks isn’t just about recharging physically—it’s also about protecting your mental health, improving productivity, and coming back to the classroom with renewed energy. In this blog, we’ll explore the best times to take personal breaks and when schools should schedule holidays like winter and November breaks for optimal classroom flow.

 

Why Taking Breaks is Essential

 

Teaching preschool is rewarding, but it can also be physically and emotionally demanding. Research shows that regular breaks can reduce stress, prevent burnout, and even improve your teaching performance. For teachers, taking personal breaks regularly—whether for a mental health day, a long weekend, or scheduled vacations—allows time to reflect, reset, and return to the classroom ready to engage with students.

 

Key benefits of taking breaks include:

 

Reduced stress levels: Time away from work can decrease the risk of burnout.

Improved focus and energy: You’ll return more productive and creative.

Better work-life balance: Time for yourself and loved ones fosters a healthier personal life.

 

When Should Schools Take Breaks?

 

Planning breaks during the academic year can make a huge difference in the effectiveness of both teachers and students. Here are a few key times when schools should consider scheduling their breaks:

 

1. November Break (Before or Around Thanksgiving)

A mid-November break is ideal for both students and teachers, especially as the fall semester starts to feel long. This break allows teachers to recharge before the busy holiday season, and it also gives students time to rest after a few months of intense learning. A week-long break during or just before Thanksgiving helps everyone return with energy for the final push before winter.

2. Winter Break (End of December/Early January)

Winter break, usually starting around mid-December and extending into the first week of January, is crucial for recharging after the longest stretch of the academic year. It gives everyone time to celebrate the holidays, travel, and prepare for the second half of the year. Typically, a 2-3 week break ensures teachers have adequate time to rest, and it helps students avoid burnout during winter months.

3. Smaller Mid-Semester Breaks

Besides major holidays, consider adding smaller breaks (e.g., long weekends or teacher in-service days) strategically throughout the semester to give both teachers and students time to rest and avoid the risk of burnout during the long school terms.

 

How Lil Dreamers Dream Big Can Help You Stress Less

 

Planning can be one of the most stressful parts of a teacher’s job. That’s where Lil Dreamers Dream Big comes in! With a comprehensive curriculum that’s ready to use, you don’t have to spend hours designing lesson plans or searching for engaging activities. We’ve already done the hard work for you.

 

Pre-planned lessons: Each unit is packed with engaging activities, saving you time and mental energy.

Extra resources: Get access to bonus resources like songs, videos, and printables that make learning fun and easy.

Stress-free classroom: With everything you need at your fingertips, you’ll have more time to focus on what truly matters—your students. Less stress, more joy in teaching!

 

Switching to Lil Dreamers Dream Big can reduce the overwhelm that comes with the daily demands of teaching, giving you more time to take care of yourself and avoid burnout. Whether it’s the holiday season or mid-semester, having a go-to resource for your classroom will make breaks more refreshing, knowing your return will be smooth and well-prepared.

 

Best Practices for Taking Personal Breaks as a Teacher

 

Plan Ahead: Schedule breaks and time off around quieter times in the school year. Inform your administration in advance to ensure classroom coverage.

Prioritize Mental Health Days: Taking a mental health day to focus on self-care is not only beneficial but necessary for long-term well-being.

Unplug Fully: When you’re on break, make a conscious effort to disconnect from work emails or lesson planning. Use this time to fully rest and recharge.

 

Conclusion

Taking breaks is critical for maintaining a healthy balance between work and life, and it’s just as important for schools to plan their break schedules thoughtfully. November and winter breaks provide the perfect opportunities for preschool teachers to rest and return to the classroom ready to inspire their students.

 

And with Lil Dreamers Dream Big, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with an all-in-one curriculum solution, freeing up more time to relax during your well-deserved breaks. Explore our curriculum options and see how we can help your classroom thrive, even during the busiest times of the year!

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