Here I ponder my accomplishments for my summer. I am trying not to live off a daily list (yes, I do this during the school year). I am really working to embrace a summer of rest and relaxation but there are also things I want to accomplish both personally and professionally.
I am only listing one of my personal goals as a matter of holding myself accountable. I like food, a lot. I love the unhealthy stuff. Burgers, fries, Mexican food, and anything fried. A year ago, I started on a fitness journey. Over the last year (June 6th), I have worked out almost everyday. I could count the times I did not easier than I did. Did I mention that I hate exercising? I loathe it. So this in itself is huge. I love how the stress melts away when I exercise. It is great for my heart in more ways than one. From June to December, I lost around 40 pounds. I did not gain weight during the holidays but I am currently at the weight I was in January. I know that it is not just about the number on the scale but for me that number helps me gauge my own productivity. I know I am healthier than I was this time last year. However, I know I need to up the ante so I am going to "weight train" this summer. For me and no one else. I am going to give up shoveling food in my mouth in five minutes to really take care of my body so in August hopefully I am in a better place.
Read, read, and read! Both for pleasure and professionally! I used to force myself to wait until summer to read for pleasure. I set a "light" goal of books I wanted to read this year. It's June and I am close to it! As for professional reading, Daily 5 and Reading with Meaning both have second editions that I am looking forward to reading as I look at continually improving my literacy block. My district is also adopting new literacy curriculum for Kindergarten and First. Training is in August, a week before insanity begins! I have teacher's editions that I want to look through as I plan for next year as I see how to integrate all the knowledge to best benefit my learners. Oh, updated math curriculum is coming too! Another reason, I am looking forward to the Daily 5 is the content about math stations. I implemented those last year for the first time. There were great things happening but I also know of some things I want to change or improve to make that time more successful.
I believe I mentioned before that in my early days of teaching I hated teaching writing. It is hard work teaching kindergarteners to write and more importantly to love it! There are so many varying levels of instructional needs and background knowledge. Some children have not had much interaction with writing beyond writing their name, if they can do that. I am always looking for new ideas and ways to improve my writing workshop and integrating writing throughout the curriculum. Lucy Calkins has inspired me over the last four years and with a chunk of "free" time, I am looking forward to diving into her units of study for K aligned to Common Core. I want my children in my classroom to leave with strategies (and confidence) to write.
There is a book I reread religiously every year. The First Six Weeks of School. It is a nice opportunity to reflect on last year before I am bogged down with beginning of the year to dos.
As a stresser, I love taking time to do, create or make things that will in turn make my life easier when the hustle and bustle begins. Yes, I prep during summer. Prep is actually enjoyable for me if I am not worried about what is next, time, or deadlines.
The list making is definitely tied to my personality and my incessant need to plan. I love planning lessons, integrating curriculum, and tying it to standards. As I reflect on last year (the successes and the could have been betters), I really enjoy looking at lessons that are a must, lessons that can be developed, or lessons that it is time to say goodbye to as well as finding new things to try. Individuals outside of the teacher world (and maybe teachers) will joke about the three best reasons to be a teacher are June, July, and August. For me, it is a great opportunity to reflect and grow so that I can be a bit better for the little ones I will meet in August.
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