The Race

Today is our last day of teacher workshop before summer break.  I always leave school with a box full of curriculum and texts that I want to review and revamp before the fall.  I promise myself that I am going to take a break from school work until after the 4th of July......at least.  Sometimes it is longer, and sometimes I work most of the summer.

At our workshop today we watched and discussed this documentary:

Have you seen it?  I know it is a few years old, but I had only seen parts of it until now.  The film discusses the pressure students, staff, and communities are under to produce high achieving students who go on to be high achieving adults.  Many more students are suffering from anxiety and depression as a result of the stresses put upon them by parents, schools, and themselves.

As a teacher and a parent, I am going to take some time this summer to think about how I can lessen the stressful burden on myself, my children, and my students.  I am going to relax and do activities that I am passionate about (such as continuing to develop this blog) and encourage my children to do the same.  I hope to revamp my lessons to focus more on deep thinking activities and less on busy work.  I will still be ready for school in the fall......but I'm hopeful that I will feel more refueled and ready to go than ever before.

WHEW!!

Only a week left of school and I cannot wait!  As much as I love my job as a high school business teacher, summer always becomes a time to refresh and renew for the next year.  Most of the time I start out with great aspirations to clean and organize my house, rewrite my class curriculum, and go on wild adventures with my family.  Turns out we mostly just relax and revel in the peace that is created in our lives when we don't have to think about homework, projects, and lunches.  My one goal is to work on posting to this blog more and see what I can do with it.....wish me luck!!

Under Cover

So, its been raining for four......yes FOUR......days.  It is super difficult to keep students focused on days like today, because they just want to take a nap (who can blame them!).  But I guess it can be hard for students to focus when it is sunny, or windy, or close to prom/graduation.  Since I am a lover of coats (living in Minnesota a girl can never have too many) I thought I would post some of my favorite spring coats...enjoy!

SPRING?

Taken from Pinterest Author Unknown

Spring if FINALLY starting to show its smiling face every once in a while here in Minnesota.  This winter has been really tough on me.  I have felt blah, uninspired, and unmotivated.  Now with the change of seasons underway, I hope to get my mojo back and take this blog in the direction that it needs to go.  Stay tuned!!

Tunic Love

Tunic Love by helloteacherblog 

On Sunday, the ground hog saw his shadow, which means six more weeks of winter.  Well, we in Minnesota know that we will have six more weeks of winter no matter what!  Even so, our thoughts are turning to spring:  a little less clothing and the option of not wearing socks!  One of my favorite go to transitional items is a tunic.  A tunic is so versatile, comfortable, and packs easily for weekend getaways or spring break.  

In the winter months, I like to wear my tunics with tights, boots, and a scarf.  As we move towards spring, I ditch the tights, boots and scarf and add leggings, cute flats and a statement necklace.  

Currently, I have two tunics that I keep in rotation; but after looking at the options above, I know there are plenty more to add to my collection!

Cold Day Again?

Students do not have school today for the third time in three weeks.  In Minnesota, this is highly unusual.  Most of the time, we just add an extra layer and head on out.  As a teacher, I am enjoying a day in my classroom.....alone!  Its a time to get caught up, get organized, and plan for the future.  This type of time is a rare commodity in the education field, so I'm making the most of it.  Coffee, layers, and a pop of color will get me through the day!

Brrrrrrrr

I live in Minnesota, and like much the rest of the country, we are in the deep freeze.  With daytime high temperatures not reaching higher than -13, school was cancelled today and it will be again tomorrow.  Since this NEVER happens (and I mean NEVER), I am enjoying my extra time to the fullest.  I've been reading, watching movies, and working from my couch!  If you are dealing with frigid temps, stay warm; if you are enjoying sunshine and warm temps, please send them our way!