A year ago today, I started this blog by posting this picture, and by introducing myself as a 23- year veteran kindergarten teacher who was anticipating the upcoming school year, my retirement year. I promised to write about my favorite lessons and also my reflections on a long, fulfilling career. I also raised the question, what will I be planning a year from now?
Now, that final year of teaching is done. I'm officially retired. For the first time in my whole life, July 4th doesn't signal that summer is half-over. I'm not a student, a mom of school-aged kids, or a classroom teacher anymore. I'm not writing a list of "To Do's" to prepare for a new school year. So, what am I doing? I thought some of my faithful followers might like to know.
As you can see from the above photo, I am baking! Yes, although it is 93 degrees out with sweltering humidity, I baked a small blueberry pie and four cherry pie tartlets. Happy Birthday, USA! I'm hoping to learn to bake a few more delectable pastries and breads to share with my old colleagues at school next year.
And I'm studying French, as well as teaching beginning French to 5 delightful little girls (ages 7-11.) It has been 45 years since I studied French in school, but I have rediscovered something from my own childhood which I enjoyed. In fact, my husband and I are planning to spend a week in Quebec City in August, taking a French immersion class. I'm thinking that several of my adult friends and colleagues might like to practice French and enjoy a cup of café au lait once a month or so... And, I hope, I will continue to privately teach beginning French during the school year.
I have purchased seasons tickets to the football games at my alma mater, Northwestern University, and I'm looking forward to some fun Saturday afternoons and evenings with family or friends this fall.
I'm reading some BIG books with lots of pages! I'm thinking about joining a book club or two with like-minded people or, maybe, starting one of my own. And, I'm really hoping to spend some time writing a few books of my own....
I'm following the news more closely than ever and hoping to do what I can this fall to get out the vote!
And I'm knitting, gardening, biking, walking, going out with friends, planning a vacation for three generations of my family up in Door County. There is plenty to do, for sure.
But, here is what I want to know, faithful readers of this blog: Do you want me to continue writing my favorite teaching ideas and reflections?
Here are some topics I was not able to write about last year:
Original songs and chants for helping children attend
Pretend Trips Around the World
The Wedding of Q and U
Tips for Field Trips
How to Teach Big Ideas to Little Kids
More Ideas for Morning Meeting
Please let me know if you are interested in reading posts on the above topics. Please comment below or let me know on Facebook, via email, or in-person!
