A summer full of little things. I start many blog posts in my head. Put things in my Smash notebook (check out the link if you don't know what a smash book is. These could be my new writer's notebooks). But nothing seems "blogworthy". I don't know why. I keep thinking I need to write about amazing events or have incredible thoughts or share inspiring ideas, so when I don't have those things, I don't write. Or maybe I'm just writing lazy this summer.
I'm leaning toward the lazy.
Last school year was tough--don't get me wrong, I'm not talking bad classes or bad kids. I taught seven out of eight periods. Not so bad, except there was lots of writing going on in three/four of them, which means there was LOTS of reading and commenting going on for me. I couldn't get everything done in my 45 minute prep. And sometimes, after I got home after speech rehearsals, I was just too tired to do anything but have a glass of wine and watch mindless TV. Class often became the time I read and commented, which meant I didn't get to conference with kids as much as I would have liked.
I feel guilty.
So I think this summer I needed a brain break.
This week I have felt my brain coming back to life.
That's a good thing....
Deb, I love your honesty. Taking time for you to relax is not being lazy--it's a teacher's summer and oh, so acceptable. :-)
ReplyDeleteI cannot imagine so many pages of assignments to assess, Deb. It's rather ridiculous that admin believes that 45 minutes of prep actually covers all that teachers need to do. The next time anyone says something like, 'but you get the whole summer off', tell them you need every-single-minute! and that you deserve it too! Take a lo-o-ng brain break!
ReplyDeleteYou are recharging the brain. I wouldn't call you lazy, ever. Savor you break and you will be ready to tackle the new year.
ReplyDeleteGlad you are getting some time for R and R! Teaching is hard work! And I wish again that you were in Denver and my boys had you! Can't think of a time in the last four years when anyone has responded to their writing!
ReplyDeleteIt is so good that you have the summer to relax, rejuvenate, unwind and not worry that you haven't commented on every single paper. You (and all teachers) deserve so much more. Enjoy the rest of your summer.
ReplyDeleteThis has been a lazy summer for me too. It's a gift and I've treasured every luxurious moment. Enjoy your brain break!
ReplyDeleteI have been feeling EXACTLY the same way. I wanted to participate in Teachers Write. I wanted to paint the house. I wanted to blog blog blog. And yet my mind and body have been telling me that this time must be used for refreshing my energy.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this blogpost. I am in good company. :)
Now, imagine that you didn't have the summer break. Do you truly think you could be rejuvenated for the next year? Think of the summer, as sleeping at night. If you decided to use all those silly hours you spent sleeping doing schoolwork instead, how ready would you be to face those faces? My philosophy during the school year even, was better well rested than well planned. Though we know being both is best, if one has to go, the rest is not the one to ditch!
ReplyDeleteRest fully!!
This is just a test comment...my previous comment says posted 7/26 at 3:47 AM...but it is 7/25 2:20 PM right now. Strange.
ReplyDeleteI've been tempted by those Smash notebooks, they look like fun.
ReplyDeleteRemember brains are often described as sponges - so keep soaking.