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When we have our first staff meeting, our principal asks for one highlight from our summer. Last year I mentioned that I had read about 50 books. I had some great cheers from my table and amazed looks. I wasn't trying to brag (remember, most are picture books and middle grade novels), but one colleague looked over and made a face.
"I read a lot of books, too."
I responded with excitement and encouragement to her statement, but I could see in her face that she thought I was bragging and seeing myself as an "elite reader" or something.
I really just like to read.
I'm not too much into fitness, I can barely cook a meal, my house is disorganized (until I slide all the papers into the drawer), and I like to shop a little.
I really just like to read. I'm good at it and it's fun!
My plan for this year is to be part of helping my family, friends and students find what they are good at. Then I will cheer them on, wholeheartedly. I will help my developing readers figure out ways to get better at reading, even if they are wayyyy better at drawing, soccer or video games. I will coach them to use their fine motor or large motor skills to approach a book with confidence.
We all can't be great at everything (my oldest daughter begged me to stop pinning dinner recipes --- they never turn out like the picture!) but we can be awesome at something. We should share that talent with our circle of friends and colleagues in a positive way.
Now I'm going back to my book, Charlie Joe Jackson's Guide to Summer Vacation.
Happy _________ (insert what you love to do awesomely here)!
