excitement

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Home : 2002 : July : 31

excitement
By Lorie

I've taught for 23 years and still try to reinvent the wheel every year. I try to go back and use things from past years, but new things are so much more fun! I spend my summer in three phases, like one other teacher said
in her post. I also spend too much time gathering ideas and need to get better at narrowing it down sooner. One way I'm learning to quit buying so much is to tell myself that so much is available online now. I have also learned more about organizing things on my computer to save on paperwork.
I love a new challenge and usually have two or three new projects going. This year it's been

taking computer courses and practicing my new skills. I also have taken on a project in my community to bring 2 artists in residence here to do writing and artwork. It has been really exciting for me to combine two things I love: teaching and art!! I love working with artsy people, too. I'm also teaching a slightly different kind of class than I've taught in the past; not quite as much work as totally changing grade levels, but lots of new things to try. I'm going from first grade to a developmental first grade. I got to order some great new materials the other day!

I try to fit in a few hours in my classsroom here and there so I don't burn out. Most of the schoolwork I do in the summer is from home: reading professional books, doing things online, etc.

This is a fun conversation. I'm glad I'm not the only crazy out there who works even when I don't get paid!