This will be a potpourri of summer topics since I’m feeling a little scattered today. Feel free to jump in to this summer pool of conversation!

On ending the school year…

What can I say but I already miss my kids? This year’s was a really special group of children and parents, and we grew a lot together. And as much as I’d hope they’d remember the novels we read, they types of rocks that make up our Earth, and the names of the native plants and birds we studied, what would make me really proud as their teacher is to know that they’d remember my most important lessons… to keep asking questions and searching to find answers, that reading can open worlds and that writing from their hearts can inspire themselves and others, to listen to and respect people, and to always work hard, be positive, and try their best. I’m looking forward to hearing about their continued successes as they enter a busy and exciting fifth grade year!

On my summer home…

For the next month, I’ll be teaching a Sky and Space summer school course for fifth graders at the University of Hawaii’s Curriculum Research and Development Group (CRDG) summer program. Although I felt a little out of my element this week while preparing my new curriculum in my new classroom, everyone I’ve met involved with the program have been wonderful. I’m looking forward to an exciting summer as we explore weather, flight, astronomy, and space!

On my summer tips for students (I think all teachers say this)…

*Read, read, read! Check out your local library for exciting summer reading programs. My step-son, Kainalu, signed up at Manoa’s library this past week, and is especially motivated to keep reading by the weekly prizes (awarded for reading at least one book per week) and fantastic drawings.
*Keep practicing those math skills you learned throughout the school year so you’re ready to go next year!
*Keep a journal about the things you see and do this summer- then you’ll be set with lots of topics to write about when school starts
*Play a lot (enjoy the sun- with sunscreen, of course!)
*Have fun! You deserve it for working so hard during the school year!

On things for kids to do this summer…

Kai is enrolled in summer school at Nu’uanu Elementary School, and I know he’ll learn a lot there. He just finished participating in the annual UH men’s basketball camp, which he loved.

Always one of the highlights of the summer

Aside from enforcing all of the “academic” tips listed above at home with him, we’re looking for lots of ideas on how to play and have fun this summer. Any suggestions? Know of a good family movie that’s coming up? Games to play? Parks to visit? Hikes to go on? You get the idea… let me hear ‘em!