Everyone has a Summer Bucket List

Good morning.  As I prepare to officially embark on summer vacation, I find myself thinking of all the things I want to do this summer.  Lay by the pool, begin writing that book stored in my head, going to that workout class I always say I don't have time for,  reading for school, reading for pleasure, and so on. 

I am sure that I will accomplish much of what I set out to do, however some items I insist must end up on my "must do this summer list."  For me, the last two items in the list above are already there. You see, I love reading and identify myself as the following: A

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So, I will lay by the pool and rock my mirrored lensed sunglasses and through those glasses I will be reading/watching things that will make me a better teacher and person. 


Nerd-side Reading /Watching List

1. https://youtu.be/iE9HMudybyc  Got a meeting? Take a walk.
2. Read Rethinking Education in the Age of Technology: The Digital Revolution and Schooling in America by Allan Collins

Diva-side Reading /Watching List

1. The Circle by Dave Eggers
2. Black, White, and Jewish by Rebecca Walker

Measuring Success

How do I internally measure success?  The success of my students? The success of my teaching?

 Mmm, these questions seem best answered using a list.  



Hearing stories from parents about how their child uses Hebrew at home.  (UNPROMPTED)

Students talk to one another about a concept that we’ve learned about while working. (UNPROMPTED)

Having to ask my students to stop working when it’s time to go.

Students using Hebrew in other classrooms.  From labeling their snack to singing Hebrew songs.

Having my students greet me outside of my classroom in Hebrew. (UNPROMPTED)

EASE AND EXCITEMENT READING IN HEBREW

ASKING LOTS OF QUESTIONS

Confidence and success when  working independently.

                                                     To name a few.

This is a great question and is bound to be answered differently by each individual educator based on subject. My answers are based on being a Hebrew and Jewish studies teacher to young students.  In reflecting on my answers it occurred to me that much of the way I measure success is based on how my students internalize the knowledge I give them.  I know it sounds rather odd, but when the language becomes a part of who a student is the walls of fear and hesitation seem to melt away.  You are then left with a classroom of students that are all moving forward and having fun at the same time.