The Tuesday Slice of Life is hosted by Stacy and Ruth on their blog
Two Writing Teachers. Here's my weekly Slice.
How can next school year be starting already? I just finished this one!
While the students’ last day of school was over two weeks ago, I
just finished my school year this morning, when I turned in my final reports. Rather
than grades, teachers at my school write a report for each student detailing
their growth as a student and as a person.
I wrote almost 40,000 words the past two weeks and since each child is
so different and did such different projects, it wasn’t a “cut-and-paste,
change the name and pronouns” type of assignment. It’s painfully slow going for me some years
and this was a tough one. I’m not much
for sitting at my desk, or a coffee shop, typing for hours on end and it was a
real marathon for me to get it done. I
guess that was fitting since so many things this school year seemed to take
more time and energy than they should have.
My wife is teaching a summer camp so I’m the principal
parent of our almost three-year-old daughter this week. Clara drew on the white board as I made my
final copies and collated the piles to be put on the office desk. Then it was off to the playground, a pretzel
at the mall, lunch and finally a nap. Yay
for summer and being a dad with time…sort of.
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| Slice of Schwarzwald Kirschtorte |
As I sit to write my Slice for tomorrow, I’m wondering
when my summer breaks started to include significant work and planning for the upcoming school year. This summer, I plan to camp, fish, play disc golf and
enjoy being with my family during the day.
But I also must clean my classroom, file papers, write curriculum,
meet with my new assistant teacher, and plan my fall trip. Writing this blog is also part of my summer
homework. I know the importance and
power of writing beside my middle school students from experience and
professional reading and development.
But I have gotten away from that in recent years, as I have become
busier professionally and personally. Writing on a consistent basis now will hopefully get me into the habit for the school year. I’m also planning new reading curriculum and writing my class unit on
the topic
Energy. I was recently reminded via email, that I must write two letters by July 10th: one to my students and one for their parents, for a summer mailing. Is no month sacred for teachers?
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| Slice of Checkerboard Fantasy Cake |
I guess I’m looking ahead too much. It’s all right to be planning ahead, but now
it’s summer and time to live by the slices of life that come each day. I am excited for August and my new class and
all the wonder and joy that come with each school day. Trying new things each year, improving what
can always get better, is part of the joy of teaching. There is not enough time in the school year
to make the significant changes I still want to make to my teaching. So, to be ready, I will continue to work and
plan over the summer. But I will make that work time, just another slice of
what looks to be an incredible summer.
So here’s to enjoying summer, one slice at a time.
Welcome back, Max! I love this line you wrote today: "time to live by the slices of life that come each day." Yes! Summer is about savoring one slice at a time. I wish we were eating a slice of that cake together!
ReplyDeleteRuth
Baking is another way I get some downtime. I love to make fun cakes to both decorate, share and eat. Savor your slices this summer as well.
DeleteHi Max! More than one teacher this time has written about their busy lives, even when they're supposed to be on vacation! It's nice to hear you finished the reports, and are having fun with Clara. And I'm glad you're sharing your own special slices of cake. Now that's a slice I'm happy to take part of! Thanks for connecting up again!
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how full-time, your part-time position is, plus all the work you do over the summer. We should get together outside of school for a slice of cake this summer. Thanks again for your help.
Delete"Here's to enjoying summer, one slice at a time." I love that line! I always look forward to summer-time with my own children rather than other people's children, time to reflect on my teaching, time to plan for next year, time to read, time to recharge, time to...the list grows long. I like the idea of enjoying summer one slice at a time, taking it as it comes and savoring every little bite.
ReplyDeleteThanks Robin. Spending all day with my daughter (and wife) instead of someone else's child is a big part of my summer plans. And despite my grumbles about the shortness of summer, I know I'll be raring to go in six weeks. Have a happy summer.
DeleteYesterday I wrote a list of what I want to accomplish for school this summer. Then I wrote what fun things I also want to do. Here is accomplishing both this summer!
ReplyDeleteGood idea Jaana. I hope your list of fun things was longer, although some of the school things may also be fun. Good luck on both lists!
DeleteHI Max,
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you are trying to make the most of your summer, balancing play and challenging work. Writing with us once a week will give you time to reflect and share. BRAVO!
Thanks BK. I like the challenge and joy of posting each week and reading everyone else's blogs. Everyone is so inspiring and supportive. Have a great summer!
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