Done.

Okay, so it is totally not hitting me. I mean, it has hit my brain that school is out, but nothing else seems to realize it. When I was a kid I loved school. The last day was always a little sad for me because not only did it mean the end of school but it meant that that year will never again be. You think at the moment that something is so important and all of a sudden it's not there anymore. That's how school is. Really important for a long time and then it's not there.
So, now as a teacher it's kind of the same. It's all you think about for ever (it seems) and then suddenly it's as if someone says "Go, think about something else for 2 months and then come back and do it again." There is very little guidance for what I am supposed to do during the weeks ahead. Of course, I have plans--lots of them. But, I mean, I don't have to go to work anymore. That is a strange feeling.
Plus, I can't believe that I have been graduated a year and finished my first year as a teacher. I won't be the "first year teacher" next year. (That will be GREAT). I won't be "the new person." Both are titles I am not sorry to see go (although when you make a mistake it's great to be able to say, "sorry about that, I didn't know. I'm new") However, next year will be a whole new adventure in a new grade with new curriculum. I'm excited. Which is good...because the excitement needs to be there...and there were times this year that I thought it was gone; it's such a great feeling to have it back again.

Well, those are my reflections on my first year. Of course I could talk about my students and those that I work with and there would be lots to say...but those would just be much better told in person.

Enjoy work everyone! I'm on vacation! =)

Four Days

All I have to say is... Four Days. It's great being a teacher. I love summer. =)

Okay, how can no one have commented on my Harry Potter post (see below)????? I was trying so hard to spark some hot topic of debate. Do we have opinions here? Can we discuss?

What do you think about all the adolescent books that are being made into movies? Harry Potter, Chronicles of Narnia, Ella Enchanted, Princess Diaries, Lord of the Rings (kind of adolecenty), Holes, Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen, etc????

I find it very interesting myself because first of all it is targeting a major movie goer audience. Plus it is turning into multiple sequels, (see above mentioned listed; all but two have at least one sequel out or coming out).
I guess I find this interesting because of the age group that I teach. I don't know. I just wanted to post...strike up some conversation. =)

Harry Potter

So, I couldn't think of anything to blog...but wanted a May posting. So I decided to share one of my favorite topics. Harry Potter.

See, in one month from tomorrow Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban will be out in theaters. I am counting the days. So far one and two have lived up to all expectations and I am anticipating a great third movie. (You know Peter, you should see one and two so that you can come and see three with me!)

I guess you could say that I am a little into Harry Potter. Okay, really into it. I've read all the books...mulitiple times; I enjoy scholarly discussions on the books (yes, those are possible); I have read two whole books on commentary about Harry Potter (one pro and one con); and I own both movies which I watch on a regular basis. The real question is though, Why? What is it about these books that make them so...addictive?
Well, first of all, it's about the characters. Throughout each book you get to know Harry, Ron, and Hermione. They are real because Rowling created characters that everyone can relate to. So they might be in battles of good and evil that none of us will ever face, but they face all the other problems of our world including family, bullies, friendship, relationships, and other conflicts such as jealousy, misunderstandings, and confusion.

Why else do we read the books? Because within these books is a constant battle of good against evil and our inner nature desires to know that good is going to overcome. Rowling writes her books in such a way that you never know if just maybe she is going to surprise you and stray from the "normal" fairy tale ending. So far, good overcomes; but the battle is still on just as it is still on in our world today.

Finally, we read the books because they are interesting and well-written. Rowling has talent. Her books are filled with imagination and suspense. Throughout five books she has kept her readers interested and surprised. No matter anyone's opinion of Harry Potter, I hope that they will at least recognize the talent that she displays in her books.

And in closing, Harry Potter books and movies are a great form of entertainment. One where the battle between good and evil rages, and good always wins.