Why Summer Matters... for teachers and students #tlap #sschat #sdechat

This Summer is a time of change for me. I'm moving schools, which also means moving towns. That has been a stressor. 

Other than that,  Summer matters for the time to reflect and do things that I've not had time to do all school year. I'm still reading YA books to be able to recommend them to middle schoolers. It allows me time to research new projects, find new resources, revise lessons, and read all the wonder resources written by other educators. 

I've taken the time to just sit to think about anything that comes along. I've taken the time to ponder everything I've read and figure out if I agree with it if I can use it as it if I can modify what I've done to make it fit into my teaching style. I've also found that this time is valuable to just take - professional development is great, but my Twitter PLN is very helpful throughout the year. However, during the Summer I have more time to look at what I implemented in the school year, adjust for the new year, and make new connections for new projects for the coming year! 

#PokemonGo and #Geography

Ok,

I know this is all over the news. I get it. Trust me, I have succumbed to the craze. I downloaded the game to get a sense of what my students will be talking about the first days of school (let's face it - school isn't that far away!).

I can see the possibilities with this app as a way to explain maps and map reading skills to students. I know putting information in the context of PokemonGo will make more sense than just a general map will.

Additionally, I have started saving articles related to issues of PokemonGo, from people being injured, potential security issues, and what places are picked as gyms and stops to discuss the cultural issues included.

All in all, I must say, I may not catch them all... I will, however, catch more students in my hooks to understanding Geography!

Change...

This summer has proven one of change.

I've taken a break from blogging and reading as many Professional Development books, mainly because I'm working on getting moved.

I've accepted a job at Mobridge - Pollock Middle School. I'm looking forward to the new opportunities and challenges this will mean. It's bittersweet at this point, I am going to miss my former students and community, but I am excited to meet new parents and students! Plus, the community seems very friendly.

I've found it's when you move that you find out how much stuff you have!

A couple of things I've changed: my skype is now mielke2016, not fhs7th. I've also changed my website to https://mielkel.wordpress.com/.