I always feel like the end-of-the-school year is like driving down the highway in a big truck at full speed and then pressing on the brakes. The change from school to no-school is dramatic. It is like going from 1,000 to 5 with regard to focus areas, obligations, and events.
So this morning, on this first day of summer, I'm thinking about those five focus areas, areas which include a focus on health goals, research, household projects, family support/fun, and outdoor exploration.
Health is a the first priority
Health is the first priority. If I want to teach well, I have to have be healthy and have good energy. While a healthy routine is a priority during school days, it is the focus on the school to-do list rather than your health. This is true for most people in health professions and it is often true for parents of young children. Our jobs are demanding and sometimes our health may suffer because of that. So summer is a good time to focus on health. And health is particularly important this year as everyone tries to avoid the COVID-19 virus.
Professional learning matters
To keep teaching meaningful and successful you have to continue learning. It's best to think about where you need and want to improve the work you do. For me, I'm focusing this summer's research on anti-racist teaching/learning efforts and deeper, better math education efforts. I am reading two well regarded books, running a couple of book clubs, and will update school efforts based on what I learn in those books. I also plan to engage with a number of tech venues to update my ability to use those tools and then to include those tools in teaching plans for 2020-2021. Those tools include screencastify, Google classroom, Geogebra, STMath, Youtube, WeVideo, and Khan Academy.
Family Support and Fun
There are a number of family matters that I put on hold during the final weeks of school. I'll focus on those matters this summer too. These matters included budgets, family celebrations, household updates, and get togethers that respond to social distancing recommendations so that we stay healthy.
Nature Exploration
I hope to explore a large number of natural areas this summer--places in nature mostly in the local environment.
I welcome this summer reprieve and I know that by the time it comes to an end, I'll be ready to get back to school whether it is virtual or in real time to teach again. Onward.
