As of today, there are twelve more days before summer vacation. During some of the trickier times this year, summer seemed so far off. Now, it’s at our doorsteps, and ready to be welcomed in. As the opening song of one of my favorite childhood movies (Sarah, Plain and Tall) echos in my mind…
Sumer is i-cumin in—
Lhude sing, cuccu!
Groweth sed and bloweth med
And springth the wude nu.
Sing, cuccu!
I’m also mentally organizing my reading list for the summer. Due to the effects of the pandemic this year, personalized learning topped the list of pedagogical methods that made the difference in the lives of our students. From the meetings, conferences, and PDs in my little neck of the woods, it is clear that teachers worked hard to customize learning and make curriculum accessible to all students; virtually, hybrid, and in-person. Even in the face of all the technology, the programs available, teachers and parents are the ones at the helm of differentiating and making learning meaningful to students. We’re faced with the continuous challenge of improvement. My intent this summer is to gain a better understanding of how to effectively and efficiently engage students in their learning. Two books on my list so far are as follows.
Preparing to address the social and emotional needs of our students upon their return for the coming school year is also on my list for this summer. I hope to refine my book bin with the kind of literature -old and new- that will lend to healthy, fruitful conversations.
Have a wonderful summer. Happy reading!
