Summer Reading List

I'm joining Marie from The Hands-On Teacher in First for a summer reading list linky party. 

Ahh!  Summer!!! Reading!!! Two words that are allowing me to see the light at the end of the tunnel.  This year has been kicking my butt folks!  I am plain ole’ wiped out between teaching and college. I am hoping that I will be able to completely enjoy my summer by taking my required summer class in the first summer session – which means two nights a week while I am wrapping up this year…and practicing for a class play!  I’m doing it, but man am I tired!

I was not able to keep up with my monthly reading plan – best of intentions, you know… I have been so swamped that to pick up anything that requires thinking and is not critical has been beyond me.  Bad reality TV and YouTube videos have been been my down time – I can’t even muster the mental thinking to play Bubble Witch or Candy Crush!

My summer reads are books that I had on my list for my monthly reads.  I am limiting myself to 3 professional books since my goals have been a bit bigger than my reality lately

Ahh personal reads!  So many books so little time!  How about making that dent in my 500+ kindle books (I love freebies).  No, really, I have a bunch in mind:

Yep, I’m a YA fiction and historical fiction lover.  At least, that is what I am currently into.  I am halfway through Insurgent and want to finish the series before watching the movies, but I own all three books.  I finished City of Bones before the movie and own all the others, just haven’t gotten around to reading them. I am halfway through Dragonfly and Amber – have been for about 2 years and just couldn’t keep up with it.  There are 8 - 800 page books in the series and a couple spinoffs – so, so, so good, just heavy!  I have heard amazing things about The Bronze Horseman – very daunting text, but sounds amazing. I have never read anything by John Green – oddly I usually prefer female authors. However, the movie trailer made me cry instantly and I think I need to read the book before the movie

Well, those are some lofty reading goals, but hey, a girl can have goals! I would be satisfied to finish up the books that I am halfway through! I can’t wait to see what others are planning to read!

As we are approaching summer vacay here in NY, I am planning to use a couple fun items to end the year:

My students always love making their Journal Jars!  This is a fun activity where students create a jar full of journal prompts an decorate a journal for their summer writing. Click on the image to pick it up on TPT!   

We also make watermelons to decorate our hall!  They share all of our wonderful plans for the summer. I also have a product on TPT to make this a quick and easy activity.  Click on the image to pick it up!

Happy almost summer!

I'm Still Here and Brain Dump Post

Sorry I have been out of the loop for a while. I had a test in the very challenging class I am taking and spent DAYS studying! The most frustrating part is so little of it was actually on the test.

I also have to share a story that all teachers will appreciate! We had some early finishers - as always. They wandered around the room, munched on chips, loudly ate their dinner, went in and out of the classroom not quieting the door, and printed on the very squeaky printer. The teacher in me was P.O.ed! I am a quiet worker (and in my old age, I need it to be silent when I  am trying to concentrate) and I wanted to use my teacher voice to tell them to sit down and be quiet while others are working! It was a close call!

The test was on Wednesday, but I have just felt out of it for a few days. I went on a little shopping spree Thursday to reward myself. Have you been to a Charming Charlie? It is a really neat accessory store. The store nearest to me is about 45 minutes away, but it is close to my college. I picked up a few necklaces at 50% of clearance.

I am presenting two workshops next weeks, so I have been working away on those power points and practicing my presentations. I'm excited to be doing some consultant work again. The prep work is endless, but I think I have some really good things to share!

On another note, I am seeing some teachers are going back to school! I am about half way through my summer. Still a month or so to go.  I am really resisting the desire to work on school things and to enjoy my moments of freedom.  I am in no hurry to start the year.  The idea of starting over in second grade and in yet another classroom is just a bit daunting to me right now.  Maybe it won't be after I am done with my summer class.

I have one thing that plaguing me about my new room! The entire back of the room, other than a set of cupboards, is covered by chalkboards. Don't ask me why anyone would put chalkboards above cabinets and shelving, but that's the case. My issue is that I don't know what to do with them. I think I will use the boards for my reading and writing cafe board. I use pocket charts, so once they are up, I probably won't move them much. Should I cover the boards in fabric? Using a glue gun could be a nightmare and then I'm not sure the hooks would stay on the fabric. Should I paint the boards? I just don't know. I'm torn! I thought about covering the board with cork, but after researching the price, decided to let go of my OCD and realize that I could spend that money on better things. Maybe I should use magnetic paint!  Then the board would look nice, but I could still put up magnets if I wanted to...hmmm...

I'll try to be better about posting something constructive soon!  I just have to finish this class and keep my sanity!