It's a beautiful day in northeast Iowa. Sun is shining. Birds are singing.
And I am "stuck" in the classroom.
I know. That sounds so negative. I don't mean to be, but like the kids I teach, I am ready to be done. I'm trying to make the last few days (5) as engaging as possible, but it's tough. I hate the phrase "winding down" because it seems like that means we aren't doing anything.
BUT
Make no mistake, we are doing things---
- We are putting together writing portfolios and and reflecting on the journey we have been on this semester
- We are putting the finishing touches on "graduation" speeches to be delivered in the next few days
- Act 5 of Romeo and Juliet awaits us.
BUT
 |
| My view from the deck |
I can't help think of summer and all I want to do:
- Spend as much time as I can at the lake
- READ The Maze Runner trilogy
- Work on "flipping" creative writing--videos, powerpoints, handouts, etc so I can get off to a flying start in August
- READ Wonderstruck
- I need to review my curriculum for Drama since I will be teaching it again next year
- READ The Future of Us
- Create a new English 9 web site
- READ Write Like This
- Review activities in for my speech class. It needs an update
- READ Beauty Queens
- Golf a lot
- READ Crank, Glass and Fallout
- See a few concerts at the park
- READ The Running Dream
- Swim with the grandkids
- READ whatever else I want
- Enjoy myself and relax
The pile of books I'm working on taking home is quite large. I don't know if I will get them all read, but I'm sure going to try!
And now, back to writing the Romeo and Juliet final test....
With that glorious view...it's no wonder that you're looking forward to the lake. Just beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Deb! Your slice crushed my writer's block... I need to slice up my summertime agenda!
ReplyDeleteWhat a summer you have planned, so much good reading awaits you. These last days are hard to get through, good luck finishing the year. I can hear the lake calling to Chloe.
ReplyDeleteSome of your book titles sound interesting, may have to check those out myself. I can hear the beach calling me too, it is farther away for me, but it is yelling! I am ready too, and so it goes, the end of the year approaches.
ReplyDeleteAh-h, you made me laugh. I love that every other line is another book you want to read. I have so much to do & I don't even have a classroom. And you only have 5 days to finish all that 'other' list? No wonder you're tired. And that picture is very, very inviting. Hope the final days go well in spite of counting the hours, Deb.
ReplyDeleteI have the tug and pull of the here and now versus what is just out of reach too...it's coming!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, the view from your deck is AMAZING! You are so lucky! No wonder you are ready for summer! (Don't feel guilty -- I'm already ready and we still have 11 days left, not that I'm counting!) Your list is delightful, and like Linda, I love that so many items involve reading!
ReplyDeleteYour summer plans sound like "school for a teacher" - and you are so excited!
ReplyDeleteI always have so many mixed emotions as we head into the final few days. We grow into a school family and things are never the same when we move on. So I think the lure of SUMMER helps pull me past and into FUN. I am going to have to check out some of the books on your list. By the next slice you will be on va...ca...tion.
ReplyDeleteI always have so many mixed emotions as we head into the final few days. We grow into a school family and things are never the same when we move on. So I think the lure of SUMMER helps pull me past and into FUN. I am going to have to check out some of the books on your list. By the next slice you will be on va...ca...tion.
ReplyDeleteAh, I'm so ready for my list of summer want-to-dos . . . but I know I'll continue to work just as hard this summer with my two little ones!! Only 5 days? A little jealous as we have 3 weeks to go. I love that you have a list of books ready to read! (Great titles!) Happy last days of school, happy celebrating writing, happy reading, happy relaxing!!!!
ReplyDeleteKeep your list handy. I want to see what you checked off in the fall! I would be too distracted with all the waterview, kids laughing, lemonade, sun, boating, grilling, etc. to get much else done. 5 days, wow! I taught in LaCrosse, Wisconsin for a number of years and lived in Hokah, Minnesota, and traveled to Iowa to get grain for the horses. Spring comes earlier there than in Maine!
ReplyDeleteI love those last two lines - READ whatever else I want. Enjoy myself and relax!
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely jealous, one of the students told me today that we have 23 days left. I just keep reminding them that we'll be here for five more weeks and we'll be working for five more weeks!
When I started reading your list, I grew tired just thinking about all you want to accomplish. I'm glad that you have new books, a beautiful view and summer to work thru your list. I know Chloe must be really anxious to get to the lake! Enjoy your last 5 days of school.
ReplyDeleteI'm craving summer too...and your slice didn't do anything to help me focus more on school. I'm just craving summer & a little jealous that you are out sooner. :)
ReplyDeleteHooray for summer,
Ruth
That is an awesome list you have! I hope I can accomplish even half of that. My son has so many plans (for me to do for him) I don't think I should even dream of a list like that. Maybe dream...
ReplyDeleteWow! We have 15 more days so I'm a little jealous! I'm a lot jealous of that beautiful view you have at the lake! You work so hard, Deb. How about moving that last bullet from your list (Enjoy myself and relax) up to the top! Hope the last few days are not too hectic.
ReplyDelete