Marking the end of my summer

 Every summer for the last two decades I have gone to our State Fair (minus last year’s covid summer.) It always marks the end of my time off from school.  I get to wander through the buildings looking at projects (my muffins won a ribbon this year!) and all sorts of animals, including the World’s Largest Hog weighing in at 1,134 pounds. Do you also have something that makes it feels like our break is almost over?

But even as I watch my son on the Midway rides, my mind heads toward the first day of school.  What plans have you begun to make? Here are a few of my ideas to save you time planning during your last few days of freedom.

Last year I designed a One-Pager to go with the book Be You by Peter H. Reynolds and I think it would be perfect for a get-to-know-you activity.  I might read the book to my class or find a video online where the author is reading.

I also like the read-aloud book Weslandia by Paul Fleishman to introduce our year, making connections to social studies.  The students pull out elements to explain how the boy’s country has its own culture, government, and economy. This is a
FREE lesson link.

Check out these two lessons I have used in my first few days. TPT is planning a sale starting tomorrow (August 3-4) and our store will be 20% off. You can also use the code BTS21 for an additional 5% off for a total of 25% off.

Hope you’re enjoying a good book!

-Blue Binder Lessons

Summertime - relax and read!

Summer is finally here for us in Indiana and while the temperatures are climbing, I’ve been spending more time hanging out with the air conditioning on my couch.  Lots of books on my To Be Read pile, and I have been enjoying a few new pieces. If you are not already, you should join us in our Facebook group Bookchat from the Middle for discussing what we are currently reading. It’s always great to hear from other teachers on what they are enjoying or suggesting for their students.

As we all relax a bit during the break, it’s hard to not think about what the fall will hold for us. Normal class numbers? Still social distancing? Hybrid learning? No matter what happens when we return, one thing will always remain the same. BOOKS! :) Focus on what we love to share with the kids and the rest will work itself out.

So no matter where you decide to spend your time off, please enjoy the stories you fall into. And if you find one that you love, head online to share it with us.

 📚

Hope you’re enjoying a good book!

-Blue Binder Lessons