Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Thoughts at the End of a School Year

Definitely one of my top ten favorite things is a new book. This week, I splurged and got two---a sort of celebration/gift to myself for [just about] making it through the year. I can't wait to start feeding my mind again. It's not that teaching won't do that, but I wasn't the best teacher this year. I didn't do all I should have to keep up on the latest research, the best lesson plans, etc. I need to give myself a break, though: I showed up every day, and the days I'd made sure to get enough sleep and do something for ME, the better I was for the kids. And really....school where I teach is more about relationships, and being able to take whatever is thrown at you (like a girl coming into class with a razor blade...), and working hard with social skills. This isn't to say I won't make sure to have a better academic plan for next year; it's amazing how much I've learned in my first two years of teaching. I know what I want to do now. I better understand what's important and what's not. This summer, through writing and exercising and eating right and reading my new books, I really hope to become a better teacher, wife, daughter, sister, friend, person. I believe I can. But just in case I don't end up being perfect come September :), I will work on this most important goal: accepting myself, forgiving myself, focusing on the present. If I can do that, then I know I can show more love for the people in my life.




Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, because I want to be a healthy person and because I like Barbara Kingsolver.


House of Leaves, highly recommended by two people I admire and respect: Natasha and Devin.

Happy Hump Day!

1 comment:

Suzie Ridler said...

It sounds like the school you teach at is super tough and it's about helping these kids survive as well as you! I am glad you will be able to treat your brain to some real food now that school is coming to an end for the year.