Back in the Saddle Again

I'm always assured that I'm not alone in having a 'mental countdown' right before school begins. With only a few days left of summer, I'm preparing my household (buying convenience foods, organizing closets, etc.) for my return to school. I think this inner drive to prepare myself for my return is seeded in one of the many traits that my parents instilled into my character - being organized. I recently read that organizational skills help boost grades. These skills also help kids stay on track and finish tasks on time. Using a calendar helps children set short time lines so nothing is surprising them at the last minute. Holly Johnson, PhD from the University of Cincinnati (published in Woman's Day magazine) suggests that when a goal is met, place a check mark on the calendar so your child can see their progress toward their goal. Sounds like something that we could initiate for our new school year.
I'm sure that you would have a real chuckle if you could only see my calendar. From supporting my spouse in his medical treatments, pouring a cement slab for my one storage shed, erecting privacy fence and making homemade grape jelly, my calendar looks cluttered with red check marks. For myself, I feel inner satisfaction with knowing how accomplished I am.
I'm looking forward to being "Back in the Saddle Again".

Robust Vocabulary

February and March are wonderful months to be on the lookout for robust vocabulary. As the research has confirmed, there is a strong connection between vocabulary and learning to read. If our children are exposed to robust vocabulary, their ability to learn to read is improved. As we read aloud to our little ones before bedtime, they will hear words that may be unfamiliar to them. But through our voice, an illustration, and surrounding words, our children begin to build a vast vocabulary that will carry them through many literature selections. Read-alouds and think-alouds are important for children to experience. Our kids may not need some of these unfamiliar words in the future, but the exposure to new vocabulary causes them to absorb words that they may call upon in their future. For an example, being a 'word' geek, I love to play SCRABBLE. About a year ago, my middle child and her husband who also love this game, thought it would be fun to 'stump' the old lady with their expertise. Determined not to be outdone, I pulled out a vintage word, trivet (hot pad or plate to protect the surface of the table). Her remark was: "Where did you get that word?" I simply told her of my grandmother's policy of protecting her prized dining room table. My daughter continued by saying that 'no one calls them that anymore'.
My point is this. Read to your children, expose them to new and robust vocabulary and be surprised how much their brains will absorb. By the way, the last time I was at my daughter's house for dinner, she asked her husband to get a trivet out of the drawer for the table. YEAH for Vocabulary!

Happy New Year Mayport!

Well, I made it through (I should say that I ate it through) all the Christmas cookies & every chocolate candy dish. I even made it through the 'visit' from the "grand-dogs". Believe me when I say that truly tested all my parenting skills. But that will have to wait for another day and a clearer mind to share the details.
I have always looked forward to every vacation that is scheduled during the school year. I think it gives me a much needed fresh perspective as I return to work. Even though I was able to easily fill each vacation day with 'choices', maybe clean out a closet (not!) or sew some quilts for Hospice (with love), I find myself missing my school family. I may not touch base each morning with everyone on Mayport's campus, but I always keep them in my thoughts. Did they have as much fun as I did? Are they feeling calm and peace as I feel this morning? Will anyone come back to work with any surprises?
This fact will always be true.....I love Mayport Elementary, the people I work with, the children I teach each day, and the community that I feel apart of. Happy New Year, Everyone! See you in a few days. ;o)