Taking a real vacation

Older Kids = More Adventures

Library Time
I am spending a great deal of my time this summer volunteering at our little local library. This gem is tiny but an important part of our small town. It is inside an old Baptist Church from the early 1800's. There is such an eclectic collection of books both new and old. It is entirely staffed by volunteers and is open a few hours each week. I have been working to help update and reorganize the collection of books in a way that makes them easier for folks to access. It is a lot like thinking about how to organize a classroom library and I have very much enjoyed my extra time among the books.
Staying Out of My Classroom
I have been on summer vacation for almost 3 weeks now and I have managed to stay out of the school building and for the most part away from my school email. I like taking a break and then slowly easing myself back into the school routine and plans for next year. Beginning next Tuesday, I will spend a few hours each week in my classroom putting it together for next year and getting this prepared. Our students start on August 30th and I like to avoid the last minute rush while still feeling prepared. I find putting in 5-6 hours a week at my leisure over the second 2/3 of summer really helps relieve the back to school rush.
My Summer Reading List
I picked up this book because I saw the author, Steve Leinwand speak at a conference last year. I was impressed by his ideas about only changing 10% of your teaching practice each year.
I read an earlier edition of this book when I was in college and student teaching. After my book study on Mathematical Mindsets, I decided revisiting these ideas would enhance my ability to teach for a growth mindset.

I ordered this book because I am so inspired by many of the teacher blogs represented in this book. I am impressed with how these teachers share the happenings in their classroom and ask important questions about teaching math.
Back in 2014, I did a book study on Teach Like a Pirate and was so inspired by the ideas. As my job evolves, I get put into leadership roles quite often in my school and my district so it was natural that when I saw Lead Like a Pirate had been published, I knew right away I wanted to read it. I am almost done and will be sharing some of my thoughts soon!
The Dyscalculia Resource Book
This book will be coming out in the next few days and looks to be a great resource. Dyscalculia is something not well understood by most educators and definitely something I want to read more about.
This book will be coming out in the next few days and looks to be a great resource. Dyscalculia is something not well understood by most educators and definitely something I want to read more about.
Two Books I Recently Finished
I read this book during the last month of school, and loved the ideas presented. I am always looking for ways to improve communication and feel like there are awesome things happening in my school that nobody knows about. The ideas in this book, especially around sharing with video were things I was immediately able to put into practice. I passed this book onto my principal and we are working together to make a plan for using some of these ideas building wide next year.
140 Twitter Tips for Educators
How are your plans for the summer progressing? Feel free to respond in the comments below!
Looks like you had a great vacation week! You were so close to me (I live in New Hampshire), less than an hour away! Your book recommendations look great but I am curios about the book on Dyscalculia which seems more like a workbook. Have you used something like that book before with success? The price also threw me (over $100). Yikes!
ReplyDeleteHi Karyn. It was a great week! You live in a beautiful area of the world! I haven't received my copy of the Dyscalculia book yet, but it is available in paperback for about $30 and in digital format for under $20. I have no idea why the hardcover is so much more expensive! I will definitely be writing more about this book once I receive it and read it so stay tuned!
DeleteWe used to go up to York Beach a lot when my kids were young - we loved York Wild Kingdom! You were smart to bring no teacher books or your laptop - now that is a real vacation!
ReplyDeleteWe have been in Maine for a week for the past 3 summers and keep putting York Wild Kingdom on our to-do list. Somehow though, we still haven't managed to get there! Maybe next time!
DeleteI'm interested in Your School Rocks. I was at a conference this week, and the keynote speaker talked about branding. He said that if we don't tell our school's story, someone else will. It was very interesting.
ReplyDeleteHi Tammy,
DeleteLove this saying!
I'm glad to hear you're taking a real break from teaching for a little while. I always found that so hard to do, but it's important to prevent burnout. Enjoy the rest of this beautiful summer:)
ReplyDeleteAppreciated you attempting to revive to survived but giggled when I read the 'teacher' oozing through. We, true teachers, just can't help ourselves!
ReplyDeleteAll the best
Julie :)
Mrs Stowe's Kinder Cottage