Sparking Ideas This 4th of July
Image credit: https://www.boston.com/culture/events/2025/06/20/july-4-fireworks-massachusetts-2025/
The 4th of July is almost here—cue the fireworks, grilled hot dogs, and red-white-and-blue everything! While it’s a time for celebration with family and friends, it can also be a great moment for teachers to hit pause and reflect.
Mid-Summer Check-In
By now, you’ve hopefully settled into summer mode. Maybe you’re traveling, enjoying some good books, getting outdoors, or finally getting around to those household chores you’ve been putting off. This halfway point of summer is a nice time to check in with yourself:
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What’s been recharging you?
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Any new ideas for your classroom next year?
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Are you letting yourself truly rest?
And hey, if you’re the type who likes a little summer learning, The Connecting Link has plenty of online courses that can get you one step closer to being ready for the new school year. Check out our summer interactive line-up!
Bring the Spirit of the 4th into the Classroom this Upcoming Year
Even though we’re off during the actual holiday, the themes of the 4th of July—freedom, community, and change—can show up in all sorts of ways in your teaching. A few ideas to stash away for fall:
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What does freedom mean today? Get students talking and writing about their own views.
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Design Your Own Flag- Students can design a flag that represents their values or beliefs.
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Create a Freedom Collage-Use magazine clippings, photos, or drawings to create collages representing what freedom looks like to each student.
Whether you're watching fireworks or just soaking up the sun, take a moment to appreciate the impact you make—not just during the school year, but every day.
Wishing you a safe, restful, and joyful 4th of July!