August Already?

Back to school sales? Are you kidding? I first saw them in early July and I was floored. How about seeing Halloween decorations in late July? Why are they rushing us through the summer??? Oh, and what a great summer so far! Even though there is still half a summer left, the teachers out there will understand that the seed of school has already been planted in our brains. Even if we have no set foot in our classrooms yet, our minds are already racing with lesson ideas, goals, state assessments, class personalities, and the challenges of a new year.

I have just recently completed my second masters degree in Educational Technology, and I have passed the NYS Ed Tech certification test (YAY!). As I spend another few weeks soaking in those accomplishments, I must remember that in the real world classroom they are worthless unless the skills that I have leared are applied.

If you are a regular reader of this blog, you know that I love incorporating technology as both an extension of curriculum and just 'for fun'. I have been blogging with my classroom for 2 years. I have used collaborative wikis for two years (but last year was my first true successful year with it in my opinion). I like creating multimedia projects with my kids, and last year's class was able to truly take the video bull by the horns and create some great movies.

I am hopeful for this new year, as I usually am. I hope to be able to do more with new class both with and without technology. I will be working with a teacher that i really respect and that I am proud to call a friend. The state assessments seem to have moved along the calendar, so there will be challenges there as well.

Lots of challenges.. but who wants to be bored, anyway? But, no matter what the advertising executives tell you.. there's a whole lot of summer left.