>My to-do list for Spring Break is much too long. If I work on at least one pile of schoolwork each day, I’ll get through everything in my bag. Well, that is the correcting and scoring part. I also have lesson plans to prepare. Social Studies is ready (did that before I left for break, and even ran the copies). Math is ready for the first day back, but I need to run the copies when i get there Monday morning.
Reading. Writing. Language Arts in general. That’s still hanging over my head.
Spelling is ready.
But before I start a Book Club or Literature Group unit, my class needs a little more practice in teamwork. Cooperation. Reminders that every Me is part of a We. No, not a Wii, a group of individuals where the total can be greater than the sum of its parts – if the kids can learn to work together instead of fighting against each other.
Fighting isn’t as much a problem as the attitude of I Am King of the World. Do Not Disturb me with Learning; I Am King. Cooperation is a little tough to come by with kids who imply they’re getting interrupted when I tell them to put down their Pokemon books and pick up their math. Then there are the kids who are highly gifted, but don’t lift a finger to do the regular work, much less the advanced work of which they’re capable, and then go home and whine, “I’m bored.” but that’s another story. I won’t worry about them during break.

Writers Workshop needs to be planned, too. I brought home the next book in the series we’re using, and I’ll examine it and sketch out the unit while I’m home. This takes thought and analysis. I’ll have to plug in some strong coffee to get this unit planned, I can tell. Oh, such a sacrifice.
Maybe that’s the philosophy I need for the next week. Coffee + Schoolwork. The only variable will be the coffee type and flavor. My supply may run low before the week is out. Jo to Go, I’m on my way! I saw my favorite hazelnut listed in your whole bean flavors!