Wrapping Up the Year with Summer Reading

It always seems as though I dream about the ending of school more than beginning school. Many people have told me about their school dreams right before school starts. I don't usually have those. I have end of the year dreams that actually are nightmarish. Last night, I had one about the duties I have as department chair and making sure everyone accounts for their textbooks, books, etc. This really cut into my sleep and I'm not very happy with what my brain is doing.

With it being the end of the year, I've been reflecting on some things that I need to continue to do as well as some new ideas. My principal sent an email regarding our summer reading for our students. That got me thinking. It's becoming an expectation that blogs are utilized in our Language Arts classroom as well as using Twitter. I'm wondering how successful it would be to have our students get ahead of our 25 book campaign over the summer by being part of a special summertime blogging group devoted to summer reading. I was also thinking of incorporating Twitter with it too.

I haven't thoroughly thought it out yet but I am seriously thinking about this. I must get on top of it since the end of the year is quickly approaching.

What do you think? Do you have plans for the end of the year? Do you have summer reading expectations for your students?

Have a great week everyone!

July Currently and a FREE Reading Log!

Today I'm linking up with Farley for July's Currently! I feel like I'm late to the linky party since it seems like every other blog I read has already posted. Oh well! Today's the first day that I've had a chance to really sit down and gather my thoughts. I'm also linking up with 4th Grade Frolics for Monday Made It (I know it's Tuesday :-/).

This past weekend, we've had family visiting, Avery's swim lessons, and then just normal every day life! I've been trying to make sure I have everything we could possibly need (ha!) ready to go to the beach next week. This will be the first vacation for Avery and our first big vacation away with Avery as a family. It will definitely be an adventure! I also released control of things and let my husband make the reservations and the plans. 

So, let's talk about July's Currently:

LISTENING: I'm listening to the Wendy Williams Show while I blog. I pretty much have the TV on when I'm in the house to keep track of the time of day. Silly I know. I'm not even watching it.

LOVING: I love the time I get to spend with Avery this summer. We've been going shopping, to the pool, playing games, and going for walks. She is so much fun at this age (7 months). I could talk and brag about her forever.

THINKING: I can't help but think I need to get organized for next week. I'm trying to make sure I have everything I need. I guess we'll find out next week if I was successful or not. I can't imagine why I'm going to need 10 spray bottles of sunscreen, but you never know! 

WANTING: I went ahead and did it. I ordered the Erin Condren lesson planner. It shipped last week and now I'm just waiting for it to get here. I. Can't. Wait. Any. Longer! Hopefully it'll be here today. I just love stationary and office supplies.

NEEDING: Well, I'm taking care of one part of the needing. I finished The Book Whisperer and am currently reading Or Give Me Death by Ann Rinaldi. It's young adult historical fiction about Patrick Henry's family during the time of the American Revolution. It's told from his daughter, Patsy's, point of view. The way Ann Rinaldi writes through Patsy's perspective really teaches you a lot about Patrick Henry's family and what all was going on during that time period. I'm only on Chapter 5 (hence the reason for the needing category) but it's a pretty easy read that's holding my attention. Now, I just need to read it!

TIPS/TRICKS/HINTS: For my tip, I would say never be afraid to share what you've created. I used to think "Oh, no one's going to want this" but now I think "Share! Share! Share!" As a result, I created a new reading log to use in my classroom this year. I was inspired by what I learned in Donalyn Miller's The Book Whisperer. She gives her students a goal of 40 books to read. Our school's goal is 25 books, but I wanted to give my students an idea that 40 books is totally doable! I made this reading log and printed it over at one of my favorite printing places, Vistaprint, as a rack card. It's about 3.75"x 8.25". They're perfect for bookmarks. You can download for FREE from my Teachers Pay Teachers store. Thanks to Lovin' Lit for the free Chevron frames I used in the reading logs.

Whew! That sure does seem like a lot. Have a great week everyone! Enjoy the Reading Log. I'm going to start trying to get organized for this beach trip.

Summer Reading

As week 1 of summer vacation winds down, I'm looking around my house and I see this brown paper bag. I know I brought it home with me from school at some point while cleaning my classroom but can't remember what's inside. I look. Oh yes... books I need to read this summer.

Summer Reading!

Four of these books are part of a collection of books for the American Revolution themed book club we will be doing next year. The Notorious Benedict Arnold, The Fifth of March, Or Give Me Death, and Chains. They will be paired up with Woods Runner by Gary Paulsen. Our kids loved Woods Runner the past couple of years. Hopefully, we will have just as much luck with these four novels. 

Reality Check by Peter Abrahams was recommended by some of my students last year. The best that they could describe it was "Mrs. Bush, this is a really good book! I would read it again." Now, if my 8th graders are telling me they would read it again then I definitely need to check this out. 

The Fourth Stall by Chris Rylander was also recommended by my kiddos. They liked it because it was funny. I started it (noted by the green flag) but I got sidetracked by the other things going on during the end of the year madness. I have to agree with them that so far it is quite humorous!

I'm really looking forward to reading The Sunflower. This year we used The Sunflower in my PreAP Language Arts class as part of The Holocaust book club study. It reminded me of the book The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult (my favorite author ever!!). The first half of The Sunflower is a story of a dying Nazi asking for forgiveness for the crimes he committed during The Holocaust. The remainder of the book is commentary from different authors and individuals about their thoughts on the situation. 

The final book, Bounce, a colleague of mine recommended. It's non-fiction. It takes on the idea of talent vs. practice and what sets people who are successful apart from those that aren't. I thought it might be an interesting read. 

I suppose I have a lot of reading to do and I guess I better get busy!

Oh! I've also finally linked up with Farley. Here's my June Currently!