Replace “Do” with “Be”
With two weeks left of school, I am feeling the seemingly endless “to do” lists. Report cards, end of year assessments, last writing projects- you name it. I know I am not alone in this feeling so I am sharing my intention for the end of the school year: rather than focusing my energy on all that I have to DO, I will work to BE present. Here are the three ways I am channeling my energy.
Prioritize read aloud. We are currently reading Ferris by Kate di Camillo (a book I actually hugged after I turned the last page). We get cozy on the rug for reading time and then sit in a circle to discuss the book.
Make time for independent writing projects. I am giving my students time to live like writers and choose what they want to write for their last piece of the year. A few choice genres include fantasy stories, realistic fiction, essays and podcast episodes. I gather students with similar projects for small group and peer support.
Interview students about our year. I make time to sit with small groups of students and ask them about the literacy work we have done this year. Simple questions like: “What were your favorite reading and writing projects?” and “How have you grown as a reader and writer this year?” offer insight and direction into how I will structure next year. It also fills my heart with joy. These conversations serve as reminders that we teachers truly make a difference in our students’ lives.
Whenever I feel overwhelmed by all the things I have to do, I remind myself to take a breath and just be in that moment. Summer will be here before I know it so I want to savor the time I have left.
