The Lull After Report Cards

I was explaining to the class a few days ago that this is not the time of year to get lazy. It's tempting for everyone, because of the familiarity with routines and a high comfort level with each other's personalities, to become lazy. When students (and teachers!) start to think that they know all the important stuff already, then their minds start to wander, and they lose interest in making the most of the learning moment.

We've worked hard to get two-thirds of the way through our school year. We've all made great gains in our writing and reading skills. We are more confident communicators, and we're better at taking responsibility for our work time. It would be a shame to let it all slip away now, because we just didn't feel like paying attention or working our hardest. It would be wrong to be happy with a B or a C grade and then start to "coast" to the end of the year.

On the contrary, this is the time when we should see the very best of our students' work. This is the time of year that should be the most exciting, because ability levels are increasing. Capacity is growing.

carpe diem - seize the day

This is my Easter challenge to myself, my students and my parents: Seize the day and make the most of every opportunity to learn or practice something new. Don't throw away the moment. Press toward the last day of school and bring all of the year's learning to a fine culmination!