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End Of the Year Rumination

The end of the school year is typically a stressful time. Report cards need to be written, assessments need to be completed and final projects need to be turned in, and not necessarily in that order. Nevertheless, I have always had time to enjoy my students before we say goodbye on the last day of school.

This year feels different.

I feel rushed and more stressed than usual. Part of it is that I am just recovering from a very bad cold that kept me bed ridden for four days, the longest number of consecutive days I've ever missed school in 30 years of teaching. Another part of it is that the amount of things that need to be completed is greater this year than in previous years. Being in a school environment that is actively implementing new projects is exciting, but it can also be exhausting.

As I finish assessments and the kids turn in final assignments, I am looking forward to our last week of school where we can slow things down just a bit and have some fun before we say goodbye for the summer.

So, on the last day of school I will be taking some time to reflect on the year before it becomes a distant memory. I will think about what went well and what could have gone better. I will take notes so that I can make intentional plans in August to change and/or enhance the teaching and learning in my classroom. I will make a list of routines and activities I want to keep for next year's class and those I want to tweak or change completely.

Summer is always a time to rejuvenate, spend time with family, read and write a lot and just relax. The first day of school will come much too soon. But by then I will be ready to set out on a new challenge with a new group of students.

Here's wishing that your summer break is all that and much more.

Cross posted to Two Writing Teachers Tuesday Slice of Life Challenge.
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