We have 21 school days left. I'm trying not to get stressed out about all the work I have to complete in 21 days. I much prefer to spend the 21 days enjoying my days with my students.
I need to complete the next couple of weeks of our reading program, then the unit test, and then the end-of-the-year test!

Here's what I really want to happen in the next couple of weeks: I want to read all my very favorite books and leave the kids with a desire to read this summer!
I also want to finish the curriculum and all the tests, and I want to make the end-of-the-year memory books. I want the children to have pleasant memories of their second-grade year.
I want to be ready for my summer vacation!
But we do have to get through the next 21 days. Somehow!
So, here are some things I plan to do:
1. Play a lot of music- I do like a variety... soft music for concentration, lively music to get them moving, rowdy music to burn off steam...
2. Bring them outside- Work in opportunities to bring the children outside wherever we can.
3. Loving books- Celebrate books in every way possible!
4. Make 'em laugh- Find plenty of opportunities for laughter. Laughter is good, and healing as well!
5. Fun- Work plenty of games and fun learning into the day.
6. Move- Get them out of their seats whenever I can. Get their blood moving to bring oxygen to their brains.
7. Shake it up- Rearrange things... move desks, change the schedule, do something completely different.
8. Pair them up for projects- Being social increases learning and productivity. Plus, it's fun!
9. Have a contest- Get their pulses moving!
10. Visuals- Find some good educational videos.
These are all things the brain needs for learning. I try to do this stuff anyway. I suspect they need it even more than usual this time of year. It's a hard time of year for all of us, but it's even harder on the kids.
Summer vacation, here we come!

