I decided that since it was summer, and I didn't want to think about school (yet), I thought I would share what my family has been doing for fun. After all, don't we all need a short break from thoughts of our "other" lives?
This summer has been exciting for me. This is the first time in 14 years that I haven't spent nearly every summer day at school preparing, stressing, prepping, stressing...
What changed this year?
Good question.
By all accounts I should be freaking out. I have 3 writing classes that are using a new writing program this year which I have barely glanced at, AND, I am teaching all the science for 4th, 5th, and 6th graders. I know 6th, and most of 5th, but 4th grade science is ALL new to me.
BUT- I realized that if I didn't start taking time for my family, and for me, and for creating (which I enjoy doing), that something would give, and, I realized, it just might be my job! Best part is, I have thoroughly enjoyed the break. I am actually looking forward to school starting for the first time in years. WAHOO!
So...
What has the Hughes clan been up to then, with all this extra "together" time?
Well, just this week we took this idea from pinterest:
OH MY HECK! The kids LOVED IT! We used dollar store glowsticks and cheap-o water from the store. We didn't have a soccer ball, so we used a mini-basketball. This is a keeper, and we will be doing this at my wife's family reunion next month. WAHOO!
We go swimming twice a week and the kiddos are LOVING that. We bought a season pass for the local pool here in town. I am not a big fan of swimming, but the kids get me to go at least once a week. I even get in the water and play with my cutie-pie 2 year old girl (pictured below).
One of our most favorite events is hosting the Hughes Summer Cinema at least once a month. We started this tradition last summer and we have really improved on it this year. In fact, we got all sorts of serious this year and invested a small fortune to make a viewing screen. We bought the materials for and created a HUGE screen for our back yard. We used 2" PVC for the frame we designed and a painter's cloth for the screen itself. My wife sewed it all up in about an hour while my father and I played measure and cut with the PVC. We break it down between viewings as the finished screen is about 10 feet tall and 18 feet wide! WAHOO!
So far this summer we have watched: Brave, Life of Pi, and Emperor's New Groove. We are planning our next showing a week from Friday.
As part of each movie, we have a theme for a treat. We made this for Brave. I think the theme was BRAVE something new, or maybe it was just bring a tasty treat to share, I don't know... ha ha. Whatever it was, this is what we made. S'Mores Mix. It was super easy to make and OH SO TASTY! I think I ate most of it myself.
(Click on the picture to see the Pin on Pinterest)
We have also made and played Kick Croquet (idea on pinterest, but couldn't find the pin). Dollar Tree hula hoops cut in half, small balls (1 per person), and 3- 36" dowels but into 6" lengths (from our local ACE Hardware).
I have also been busy creating resource for the FOUR on-line stores I sell in. It is very relaxing (most of the time) to take a blank screen and turn it into a resource that will help my students learn a concept better. I enjoy sharing those with others as well. Here a few of my latest:
There are many more, but I will let you find them if you are interested. :)
As you can see, I have been enjoying my summer. This is all new to me, and I think I can handle this EVERY summer. I didn't realize how much a break can truly do for the soul of a teacher.
How about you? Are you MAKING time for you? What is your favorite summertime activity?
I wish you a restful summer!
Cheers!
-Mr. Hughes
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