Teacher In-Service Day 1

Lesson Plans August 2025

Teacher In-Service: Day One

You will have 5 hours to kayak. Today we will be paddling up stream, against the wind, along a tributary of the St. Laurence River. The weather is a sunny 23 degrees Celsius. 73, Fahrenheit. Dress accordingly.

You can bring two things. A small bag to keep phone, keys, any necessities.  Secondly, a container for water, if you want. Keeping in mind there are no cupholders.

Instructions: You will have up to 5 hours of alone time. No talking. That will be strictly observed. You may use your phone for One picture. Choose wisely. Otherwise, phones must be turned off and tucked in your tiny little bag. You will not want to drop phone in the bay.

You may return back to dock anytime. These five hours are yours. Use this day to think about what you want. What do you want to see yourself as, by May, say? As teachers, the best thing you can do for kids is “be the change, you want to see in the world,” sort of mentality. If you are healthier, rested, calm and adjusted, it does not matter what subjects you teach, you will be a teacher.

Personally, as a former history teacher, I like to pretend. Hey, you are alone, you can be as weird as ya wanna be. No talking, and no one knows what you are really thinking. Alone.

I like to imagine myself as an early explorer. On a day such as today. Sunny, and cool in August. Champlain? Cartier? Folks I only read about, mapped out and taught for an AP grade.

Nope, in my I.School we will be early explorers. Just imagine starting off the school year like that! Kayaking near St. Laurence. In silence. No one asking anything else of you. For 5 hours, of peace, or discomfort, which is a lesson in and of itself.

Questions are limited. Figure it out. Get creative.

After five hours (or less) of kayaking, you are free to take a short walk to the Botanical Gardens,( in République New Brunswick). Get a cup of coffee or tea, and walk the paths. Enjoy! Walk silently, or quietly talk to a colleague while you stroll the gardens.

Conclude the day by re-focusing attentions on what is truly essential for yourself and kids. Write out goals. Have a restful night and we will see you tomorrow.