I feel like it’s been awhile. How are you? Are you out of school? Do you work in the summer? Have you been able to go on that long-awaited vacation yet? So many questions!
I will start this post with a disclaimer: “This post may contain some rabbit-trails. Sorry-I have so much I want to share with you! If you hold on until the end, I made a freebie just for your listening.”
Here’s a little of what I’ve been up to:
1. My brother graduated with his masters degree. Bittersweet for me because I’m proud of him…but now I also can’t claim to be the only sibling in the family with a masters. I guess I’ll just have to consider that PhD….or not.
2. My sister also graduated…from high school. My parents had my brother and I and then saw that we were growing up too fast and wanted more so they had my sister 10 years later (and another brother 12 years later). My sister Alex has now made it through high school….we only have one more to worry about :-). Here’s the beautiful graduate with my proud parents. Her plans-to become a lawyer. Watch out University of Akron Law Program!
3. My dad, brother’s finance, brother and husband all participated in a Zombie Run 5K. Each runner starts out with 3 flags on their waist and zombies chase you while you complete the 5K. I was there for moral support but despite this, no one kept all their flags (my husband lost his last one at the very end).
Here’s the before:
And the after…
Yeah, my family’s tough-stuff.
4. For my birthday, my wonderful husband took me to Gervasi-a beautiful vineyard restaurant in Canton, OH. If you’re ever around, I highly suggest it.
5. One of my big summer goals I made was to spend a considerable amount of time fishing. Some people think it’s boring, I know, but I absolutely love it. It’s quiet, beautiful and for a given amount of time, you have one simple goal-to catch a fish. So…that’s what we’ll be doing this week. And on Saturday, my family and I leave for Disney World. Life is good. 🙂
One reason I’m sharing all of this is because (like most educators), I still think of my kiddos during the summer. They’re always on my mind. I wonder what they’re doing, where they are, if they’ll come back to my school and what they’re learning.
I’m keeping a little file of pictures on my iPad of places I go and things I do so that I can share it with them in the fall. At my district, some of my kiddos have very little experiences. One of my teacher friends once brought in a soundtrack of the ocean so that our kids could listen to it. Most of them had never heard the ocean waves and some were even scared.
My first week of therapy during the fall is “sharing time.” Each student (and me) goes around and tells something they did during the summer. If they would like to bring in a picture the following week, I allow them. It’s a great time of imagining and sharing.
I made a freebie for you to use if you would like to incorporate a “sharing week.” If you have a chance, feedback is always appreciated! Click HERE to download.
Come as you are. Leave encouraged.
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Mommarum says
June 18, 2013 at 4:27 pmHave a great trip!
Nicole Allison says
June 18, 2013 at 11:13 pmThank you!
Laura Deeken says
June 18, 2013 at 5:22 pmThanks for sharing everything, love it. Have a wonderful trip – I love Disney World – lots of memories!
Oh, How Pintearesting!
Nicole Allison says
June 18, 2013 at 11:13 pmSo true-I knew you were a Disney fan! I’ll bring back pictures to share!
Sharon says
June 18, 2013 at 11:10 pmIt sounds as if you have been busy! I have followed your blog (love it!) for most of this past school year and just now realized that we are practically neighbors! I live in Hartville and work in the Lake Local school district. I am a KSU graduate, however (don’t boo!). Keep up the good work!
Nicole Allison says
June 18, 2013 at 11:15 pmWhat a tiny world, Sharon! I’ve heard good things about Lake and knew a teacher from Lake Christian (not sure if it’s the same). I won’t hold KSU against you-lol! Thanks for keeping up with me!
Katie Orr says
June 19, 2013 at 2:15 amWow…you and your family have been busy! Enjoy your trip to Disney!!! I am glad you aren’t mad at Sharon for being a KSU grad—because I am one too!! You must have a lot of Wildcat fans following you…hehe 🙂
Katie
Mind Sparks
SLP Gone Wild says
June 23, 2013 at 12:44 amYou are coming to my neck of the woods! Lol, enjoy Disney! And thank you for the freebie…perfect for back to school!
Jenn
Crazy Speech World