Last summer, I was focused on landing my first full-time teaching job. I had spent the previous year as a long-term substitute. In fact, the previous couple of summers were just like that. This summer is different, as I am returning to the school where I taught in 2012-13. I decided to not seek a summer job for several reasons.
First, I am planning out what went right and what went wrong in the classroom. What could I do better? What could I do differently? What aspects of the classroom management plan worked? What parts need improvement? That takes plenty of time.
Secondly, I am attending a seminar for English teachers. (Last year, I took an online course). I still do not know which subject or subjects I will be teaching. But I figured that I would benefit either way by going.
Third, I am reading a book which I am planning to be the class novel--Animal Farm--and am designing a lesson plan around it. I read Animal Farm quite awhile ago, and it just does not seem to apply to Lenin & Stalin any longer. So, for Civics or Language Arts, this novel by George Orwell seems time appropriate.
I am also designing some lesson plans for use in the classroom and am planning how to better organize the classroom. If I can save 2-3 minutes per class period by not having to find classroom materials, that will make life for all of us run more smoothly. The layout of the classroom is important. Knowing what supplies to purchase will make the school shopping a bit easier as well. Having the whole summer to adapt any changes sure does make it a lot smoother than starting the job a few days before the students come back.
Yes, I am planning some recreational activities such as a trip to Maine for a wedding and a trip to my old hometown which I have not seen since 1985. I am also going to get out onto the golf course a few times. I am officiating basketball and volleyball games periodically. And there is always walking the dog.
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