Going on Summer Break?

Wishing those of you who are now on Summer Break a very relaxing time. As someone that taught for 33 1/2 years, the very first FULL day of vacation was always the beginning of possibilities of things to do that I didn't get to do during the school year. In fact, I remember dreading the alarm clock going off at 6AM during the school year yet during the summer, I gleefully got up at 6AM because the day was all mine! I wanted to seize every bit of the day.

Enjoy each and every day of your vacation. It will go too quickly! Read a book, garden, listen to music, take a pottery class, visit with friends and family, try a new recipe, take a trip, sit by the pool (or visit someone who has one), binge watch a series (so many great ones on Netflix! See below) and most importantly, take a break from thinking about school! Really! Even if it is only for a couple of weeks, place thinking about your classroom on hold for just a wee bit!

Of, course, if you are on the computer, please check in from time to time as I will continue to make blog postings, update my website for teachers/kids and add new teaching resources to my Teacher store.

For those of you who have school or summer school during July and August, I will continue to update my blog posting as well as my website for teachers/kids. Please continue to check in as you may find something of value to use with your students!

Recommendations of shows to Binge watch on Netflix:

• Safe (Harlan Corbin) Kept me guessing until the end.
• The Five (Harlan Corbin) Very Good mystery!
• Midsomer Murders ( Amazing how many murders take place in the villages of England!)
• Murdoch Mysteries (Historical mysteries that will make you look up some information!)
• Doctor Blake Mysteries
• Longmire
• Father Brown
• Death in Paradise (Think Columbo in Paradise)
• Doc Martin (Love Cornwall, England, where this quirky doctor series is filmed)
• The Crown
• Turn
• Call the Midwife (awesome) Really...I didn't think I would like it and I am hooked.
• Poirot
• Broadchurch (powerful police story told in several season)
• Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries (1920 flapper solves mysteries in Australia) It is being made into a movie!

Acorn TV:

• Good Karma Hospital (two seasons so far). Very GOOD!
• 800 Words

Recent Books I have enjoyed which I'd recommend:

• Pamela Flavey's books about Ireland: The Linen Queen, The Yellow House and The Girls of Ennismore.
• Ruth Wares's books.
• Karen White's books.
• Melanie Dobson's books(most set in World War 2) are all excellent.
• Try Chateau of Secrets and Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor.
• Patricia McDonald's Books-GREAT!
• Fiona Davis' Books: The Address, The Doll House-great stories and you learn about the Barbizon Hotel for Women and The Dakota. The latest book is the Masterpiece and it's on my list to read.
• All Sarah Jio books are great! (Most take place in two eras and are intertwined by the end.)
• Pam Jenoff: Wow, I really like her historical books (mostly set in WW2-at least the one's I've read: Try The Orphan's Tale and the Diplomate's Wife.)

Gail

Note: Illustration from wpclipart.com