While it is wonderful to take a break in the summer (and I do find time to do that) I usually find myself agreeing to teach summer school. We always sign kids up for summer school during Spring conference. A lot of our kids love school and are eager to come but a few take a little encouragement. I don't find it too hard to muster this encouragement as I actually kind of enjoy summer school myself.
Summer school is easy. It is test free. It is so much different to be able to teach without the constant nagging pressure of testing in the back of your mind.
In summer school, we really try to build life experiences. We take lots of field trips. The kids get longer recesses. In writing we write fun and imaginary stories. They research fun topics like space and make power point presentations of their findings. They use dice and playing cards to practice math skills.
I know summer school is, and should be, more relaxed than regular school. But when I see how enjoyable things are without the pressure of testing, I find my self wishing school during the regular year could be a little bit more like summer school.
