Summer Reads

Many teachers look forward to the summer for lots of reasons. We want to rest, relax, and have fun. As an ELA teacher, one thing I enjoy doing is reading the books that interest my students. This year, I read Forged by Fire, Tears of a Tiger, and Darkness Before Dawn by Sharon Draper. I laughed, I cried, and I vowed to make sure I am aware of what my students may be experiencing in their lives. Sharon Draper follows the teenage lives of three boys, and Angel, the sister of one of the boys. They go through some sad, hard times, and yet remain strong. This series started off as a short story called “Forged by Fire” and it was loved so much, it developed into a book. Tears of a Tiger came next but it actually takes place before Forged by Fire. The series ends with Darkness Before Dawn. I strongly suggest that you read these books, especially if you teach middle or high school. They will give you great insight on some of the children we teach and they will be some of the best books you ever read.

Lesley University

One of the most exciting things I did this summer was go to Cambridge, Massachusetts. The architecture is beautiful and the first place I drove through was Harvard. There was probably more brain power from one scruffy looking guy I saw standing on the street corner than my entire household! The buildings at Harvard were breathtaking, yet, I was more interested in the “girl next door.” Lesley University, to which I belong, is located next to Harvard Law School. The Victorian houses are deceiving; you think you are in a community of homes. I was so proud that I was actually at my school! I attend a cohort in Sumter, SC. For all of us in the class, our school is beautiful and we are a part of a fantastic community. The neighbors are great. Not only is Harvard right there, but MIT is right down the street. It’s not quite downtown Sumter, but believe me, it’ll do!

Use every Opportunity as a Teaching Moment

This summer has afforded me the opportunity to go from one end of the country to practically the other. While either flying in an airplane or driving through various states, I couldn’t help but think how I can bring my experiences to my students. One reoccurring thought kept popping up in my head; writing. Regardless of what we teach, students need to write. It is part of PACT and a part of the SAT’s. How can we make students better writers? Let them write about their experiences. I have seen the deserts in the west, drove through one of the biggest cities in our nation (New York, yikes!), and seen the beautiful coast line of the northeast. One way I can help my students write better would be to model how to write. I can show them how taking personal experiences will help them over the stumbling block of what to write about. New teachers, start writing about, or at least listing, what you have experienced as you begin your new journey. It will do you good and if the occasion arises that you can share your written pieces with your students, they will know you from a personal side, which will strengthen the student/teacher bond.