Really? Already?

I don't want to really point this out, but it just kind of dawned on me that summer is already halfway over (I know, I'm sorry if I just ruined your day). But, like every summer, it has just flown by! A couple getaway weekends, a trip to Disney, some curriculum development (which isn't as useful now that I made my recent switch to 7/8 science, but still worthwhile to get in the middle-school mindset), time at the gym and on the treadmill, working in the concession stands at the ball diamond, going to Olivia's sporting events, a binge session or two (or three or four) on Netflix; all of these and more have helped to fill my days. I can say that I have enjoyed my summer thus far, and I will continue to work hard to make sure the second half is just as good as the first!

So, I mentioned that switch to 7/8 science. I have some additional information I can share now that it seems to have settled in. I will be teaching a block of 7th grade science and two blocks of 8th grade science. It looks like the blocks will be divided nicely with 7th grade and prep time in the morning, and 8th grade in the afternoon. I've had the opportunity to email with the other 8th grade teacher who will be teaching the other science blocks, and he provided me with a scope and sequence of what he had done in the past. This is going to be such a great resource to help me get started with planning and digging into the standards. The middle school science standards are different than the elementary versions that I was used to. At the elementary level, the standards are broken down by grade. The middle school standards, however, are simply listed as middle school. So having this scope and sequence will be fantastic! My next step will be to get in touch with my 7th grade colleagues and see what insights they can offer me. Knowing who they are already, I am sure they will be able to help me a ton!

For all my fellow educators, make this second half great!

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