I can't believe how long it has been since my last post. School has been out for 2 weeks, but we've had our staff retreat, a facebook bookstudy, another writing curric. to study...and don't forget all the family fun and the stuff I want and have to do around the house for which I don't have time during the school year.
Every summer for the last 33 years since I started teaching, I inevitably hear someone say that teachers have it so good, getting summers off. Off? Summer for teachers is yes, a little time to rejuvenate, reconnect with fam., catch up on reading for pleasure, etc. after the crazy busy school year. But it is also a time for learning and growing as teachers. Sometimes I feel as though I do some of my best learning and growing in the summer because I actually have time to research, reflect and internalize. My brain isn't scattering in a gazillion different directions.
As I said earlier, some of us are participating in a district book study via facebook. The book we are concentrating on is "No More Phonics and Spelling Worksheets" by Jennifer Palmer and Marcia Invernizzi. It is all about engaging our young learners in word study. Those of you who know me and have followed this journey know that I am all about getting my kids excited about learning and worksheets don't always fit that bill. I can't wait to implement some of the ideas! You should check out this little book!! I'll be back later with a more complete report.
We are also working toward incorporating Lucy Calkins "Units of Study in Opinion, Information, and Narrative Writing" into our first grade writing curriculum. I love Lucy Calkins books so much, I went ahead and bought the whole unit myself, so I can start reflecting and organizing. Be on the lookout for more posts on this tool for writing teachers!!! Can't wait!!
I hope you are having a good summer so far. Please visit again soon! I want to leave you today with a collection of quotes that I keep close to my heart. Each one reminds me of why I teach and why I learn!
My plan is to print these off and hang them in my classroom behind my desk. I use a lot of primary colors in my room. If you want these with a different color background, let me know and I will send you the set with your preference!
Keep Learning!!!
Joyfully!
Nancy
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