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Monday, June 11, 2012

Summer Slide: It's Just Not for Students Anymore

As I sit here on my very first day of summer vacation, making lists in my head about what I should do to prepare for my flock of firsties this coming August, it seems that I now have ADHD and cannot think about, oh look there's a squirrel... You get the idea.  I have wanted to jump on the book study bandwagon, but can't seem to commit; I have wanted to share my classroom management ideas, but can't manage the time to put it all in writing; I have wanted to blog about my experience with Common Core, but other experiences are getting in the way; and I have just wanted to clear my head enough to think good teacher thoughts so I can share them with all of you, my blogging buddies, who share consistently and wholeheartedly.  


Is summer the time for me to recharge and get ready for what is to come my way in August or is it the time for me to allow the summer slide to have its way with me?  I can almost hear your thoughts as you might want to agree with me, but maybe afraid that big brother is watching!  Fellow bloggers and faithful followers, it is OK, it really is.  The Summer Slide is something that we also face and we probably didn't even know it.  This is the first time I have put  a name to the feeling of not wanting to look at anything teachery during my time away from work (the work that I love so very much).  


I say, let the slide in, for a few days or a few weeks, use as much time as you need to be a mom, a wife, a person who is not a teacher.  You will know how much time you need and you will feel the little twinge of back to school butterflies when you are ready for it, which is not the same for everyone.  Sliding doesn't mean that you forget what you learned or what you want to share, it means starting at the top and realizing that when you hit the bottom, you have to climb back to the top in order to start over.  So, I will be starting over a few times this summer and when I finally no longer feel like sliding to the bottom, but standing at the top of the slide and not letting anyone pass me by, that is when I will know that I am ready to share, to read, to blog, and to experience what is out there for me, the teacher.


Are you sliding this summer?  You are not alone and you should not feel guilty about it, just slide.  In the end, you have to climb back to the top and I will be there to meet you, hold your hand and slide together!



5 comments:

  1. I think many can relate! Blogging (even though it's teacher related) is a bit of a great break for me from it all - oddly enough! Thanks for being willing to share. And you're right- it IS okay!
    -Leslie @KindergartenWorks

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  2. I identify with "the slide." I brought some things home for the summer with lofty goals for what I want to accomplish. But right now blogging and projects at home are winning out. Thanks for the reminder to not feel guilty. It's good to know you're not the only one.
    _Chrissy
    First Grade Found Me

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  3. What a fabulous post Janine! Whilst I am on the other side of the world and am in the middle of winter... I am nearly up to our 2 week winter break and I know what you have written is how I felt during our last autumn break! I have so much I want to blog about, share and create this break...but sometimes it really is just more important to 'slide'! Hope you enjoy a wonderful summer break, whatever it brings :)
    Tina
    Good Morning Mrs Rubie

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  4. What a fantastic post. I was starting to feel guilty that I haven't accomplished much in the past few days but you are so right. . .I need to slide into it.
    Stacy

    Simpson Superstars

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