It’s Tuesday and I am joining the community of writers over at Two Writing Teachers today. Check it out!

Summer is on the horizon with only twelve days of school remaining in the 2017-2018 school year. As of writing this post my summer plans include a short vacation with the kids, leading a few PD opportunities, participating in the learning at #cyberpd, and of course some summer reading. Yes, learning is typically at the top of my agenda, but I also realize that I need some time to read fun books, relax, exercise, and catch up with friends. Unfortunately for the last few summers I have found my balance of fun and professional reading has been unbalanced, the catching up with friends has not happened as often as I’d like, and plans for fun quickly go by the wayside. The days of summer fly by and suddenly it’s late August and my dreams for summer fun fade. So this year I am taking a page from the book: It’s All About the Books by Clare Landrigan and Tammy Mulligan. Clare and Tammy suggest giving our students a calendar to block out their summer activities and add where and what they can read. My idea is to take that calendar idea and adapt it to plan out my summer.
After printing out a blank calendar, I’d start with my number one priority, putting in my family vacation and days to play with the grandbabies. I’d add my summer reading goals on the side margins, making sure that the professional and personal books are balanced appropriately. I’d make note of a few days to do something fun with friends, and even a day or two here and there for something fun for myself. Finally, I’d leave a few day intentionally blank so that I can get lost in a great read!
As I think about the possibilities that this calendar idea holds for me and my summer wellness, I grow excited. I want to print out that calendar and get started right away. I see the possibilities for balance within reach using this tool. Sharing this post publicly means I now have to follow through with making this a reality so I guess the second entry on this calendar will be Tuesday SOL check-ins to share my progress!
Stay tuned.