Ahhhh…summer. Ice clinking in lemonade. Cool shades. Sweet smells of coconut sunscreen. And long, long days to…(fill in the blank).

Of course this is our time to relax and rejuvenate. But, it can also be a time to think ahead and get energized for the next year. If you are anything like me, turning school off completely can be a challenge. Set limits for yourself: don't check school email for x-days, take time to read uninterrupted for x-hours. Here are some ideas to think about as your summer leaps by...

Catch Up on Your Reading (and Listening)

I love my audiobooks. If you have a good one going while you're running, you may end up doing a half marathon. I've got at least one recommendation for you--On The Come Up by Angie Thomas and narrated by Bahni Turpin (@TheRealBahniT). This book was MEANT to be listened to. I'm still rapping the song and I finished the book over spring break. Also check out SYNC (https://www.audiobooksync.com) a program offering new free audiobooks for teens every week during the summer. And of course, don't forget your public library's OverDrive account.

Hang Out at the Public Library

Summer may be our down time, but it is the busiest time of year for the public libraries. When my kids were little I relied on all the nearby libraries for entertainment. In the summer, you can find something to do nearly every day of the week. Whether you have your own kids or not, pop into an activity at the library. You might get ideas for guest speakers or programs. Talk to the librarian. Your conversation will either forge a new relationship or make your current one stronger.

Visit a Museum

Now is the time to check out those small, unique museums or historic sites in your community. Maybe there is an exhibit that fits in with your third grade curriculum. Or, you just read a new historical fiction novel and the local museum has artifacts from that time period. I am always observing and reading my local paper to find connections. You never know what's in your backyard and you just might discover a new community collaborator.

Find Your Windows and Mirrors Outside

A beautiful book coming out this fall is River by Elisha Cooper. It is about a woman who canoes down the Hudson River, the challenges she faces, the animals and fauna she observes, her perseverance, and of course, it is a tribute to the adventurer we all have inside us. What books can tie your community to your curriculum? We live on the Hudson River so I'm already planning STEAM and art related activities to go with this book. Maybe you live close to another river. This book is relatable. No river nearby? Use River as a window into another community or find a book that is a mirror for your students. Summer is your time to explore.

Connect with Book Creators

Was there a book you read this fall that really had an impact on you or your students? Did you just finish an ARC (advanced reader copy) on NetGalley (https://www.netgalley.com) that you loved? Tell the author, illustrator, and/or publisher via an email, tweet, or other social media outlet. One short note could turn into a virtual or in person school visit someday. You make the initial contact and now every time you think of something from the book, tweet about it. Then come the fall, you continue to connect but this time with students!

I am always on the lookout for debut authors and illustrators. Check them out on Twitter at: @NewinNineteen (debut picture book authors and illustrators in 2019) and @soaring20sPB (debut picture book authors and illustrators in 2020) or on the Internet (https://newin19.weebly.com, https://www.soaring20spb.com). Want to find out about debut middle grade and young adult authors in 2019? Check out the Twitter hashtag #novel19s or http://novelnineteens.com/authors/middle-grade-authors. Remember when you are tweeting to always include the publisher too, especially their school library feed (e.g., @penguinclass, @RHCBEducators, @lbschool, @mackidsSL, @bloomsburykids, @SBKSlibrary, @Dina_at_Disney, @CandlewickClass).

So grab your iced tea, a blanket, and a book. Spread on the sunscreen and escape. Be sure to keep some sticky notes nearby because that next paragraph could just be your leap to a new collaborator, connection, or school visitor. Happy Summer!

Resources

On the Come Up: https://angiethomas.com/on-the-come-up

SYNC https://www.audiobooksync.com

NetGalley https://www.netgalley.com

New in Nineteen https://newin19.weebly.com

Soaring '20s High Flying Picture Book Debuts https://www.soaring20spb.com/

Novel Nineteens http://novelnineteens.com/