It is also the time of year that some distanced from the classroom seem to get a surge of energy that trickles down to extra jobs and tasks for those of us busy with the day-to-day teaching/learning work. That can be oppressive and get a teacher down. I have to beware of that.
So I'm writing my what's important list so I can refer to this as I navigate the final weeks of the school year.
- The children's feelings are important--we want everyone to end the year on a positive note.
- Engaging learning opportunities are important--we want to bridge the school year study with ideas and modeling for engaging summer learning that's fun, creative, and positive.
- Completing the necessary paperwork such as report cards is important.
- Cleaning up the classroom is important.
- Preparing materials for a positive move-up day and positive clap-out are important. It is important to think carefully about the student/parent role with regards to summer learning and the transition to an unpredictable fall. Do we want to introduce students to the learning menu via a summer learning menu? How do we want to foster a good relationship with the parent community via our move-up day presentation and letter?
- Helping students complete their final projects with care is important.
- Responding to parent emails is important.
- Being present, being positive, and continuing to teach virtually until the end is important.
- Celebrating the fifth graders is important. We will create a virtual clap-out, watch and celebrate the fifth grade play, and present and share the students' amazing biography reports, Global Cardboard/Recycled Goods Creations, and Independent Learning Adventures
Lots will happen over the summer while teachers and students are away.
During the summer, I will focus on personal and family matters, take a vacation up north, read more fiction, and read and focus on two main books, White Fragility and Limitless Math. As far as advocacy goes, I will focus my advocacy on getting out the vote--I'll think more deeply about this once school ends at the end of June.
During the summer, I will focus on personal and family matters, take a vacation up north, read more fiction, and read and focus on two main books, White Fragility and Limitless Math. As far as advocacy goes, I will focus my advocacy on getting out the vote--I'll think more deeply about this once school ends at the end of June.
