One of my favorite parts about teaching is the extended break. Not because it is vacation only, but because I can sit back and reflect. I tell people, "Teaching isn't hard--it's just intense!" From August through May morning to night--and many weekends--I am consumed with lesson plans, data collection, writing reports, visiting with parents, teaching, training paraprofessionals, collaborating with other teachers, reading research and figuring out how to implement it...and so on. Nothing too hard, really--but intense with the time-sensitive nature of it all. I have a brief window with my students. I want to make the most of the time I have.
Then the school year ends. The intensity lifts. Many tasks are finished for the school year. My brain is free to process what happened over the year and create something new as I read and search out ways to increase effectiveness of what happens in the classroom. I find new energy and begin to anticipate what I will keep for next year; what I will let go; and what new and interesting things I can bring into the classroom. The summer break makes it possible to do it all better next year--how great is that!
My favorite part of the break is running into families of my students, communicating through Facebook or emails, and hearing how well my students are doing during the summer. They are involved in different activities, incorporating what they learned in the school year across settings in the community and at home. That's what it's all about. Increasing the quality of life for children and their families through the education and interventions we implement during the school year. Ahhhh. That is success! Let's celebrate this summer!
More good things ahead,
Jean
As you reflect and plan, please visit my store and see research-based resources that will help you: Autism Resources by Jean K. Lawson
Then the school year ends. The intensity lifts. Many tasks are finished for the school year. My brain is free to process what happened over the year and create something new as I read and search out ways to increase effectiveness of what happens in the classroom. I find new energy and begin to anticipate what I will keep for next year; what I will let go; and what new and interesting things I can bring into the classroom. The summer break makes it possible to do it all better next year--how great is that!
My favorite part of the break is running into families of my students, communicating through Facebook or emails, and hearing how well my students are doing during the summer. They are involved in different activities, incorporating what they learned in the school year across settings in the community and at home. That's what it's all about. Increasing the quality of life for children and their families through the education and interventions we implement during the school year. Ahhhh. That is success! Let's celebrate this summer!
More good things ahead,
Jean
As you reflect and plan, please visit my store and see research-based resources that will help you: Autism Resources by Jean K. Lawson