The struggle with getting back into teacher-life routines is real.
As the summer progressed, I began sleeping in more and more and stopped following the routines that I used last year to make time for rest and loves. It’s been challenging to wake up hours earlier to drive to work and figure out how to get grades in and lesson plans without staying two hours after school ends. I still haven’t figured it out, but I’m starting to set my alarm earlier with the hopes of getting work done before the kids get in. I’m too tired in the afternoons to keep staying so late.
This year, I’m teaching English III and AP English Language and Composition for the first time, so I’m going to need to put in a little extra time and effort to keep on top of lessons. My current goal, however, is to bring no work home, even if it means staying after, and to eventually free up one weekday and my Saturdays.
I’ve been MIA the past couple of weeks partially because of all the work that’s been pouring in and partially because I’ve needed to get my Introvert time in. Blogging’s a social activity for me. As much I love the bookish community, I needed a break from communicating with people after interacting with 200+ students and co-workers after a relatively quiet summer. My family does have plans to attend my grandparents’ 60th wedding anniversary, so I’m looking forward to some belated vacation / family time this fall!
My Bookish-TV Life
Read
I’m on information overload with all the lesson planning and professional development, so I’ve been reading graphic novels (outside of the short stories and news articles I’ve been reading as I plan curriculum).
- Inuyasha: VizBig #1 by Rumiko Takahashi
- Inuyasha: VizBig #2 by Rumiko Takahashi
- Inuyasha Vizbig #3 by Rumiko Takahashi
- Inuyasha: VizBig #4 by Rumiko Takahashi [ongoing]
- Beauty and the Beast: The Graphic Novel retold by Michael Dahl, illustrated by Luke Feldman
- Rapunzel: The Graphic Novel retold by Jeffrey Stewart Timmins, illustrated by Stephanie True Peters
- Snow White: The Graphic Novel retold by Martin Powell, illustrated by Erik Valdez Alanis
Watched
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba // this relatively new anime has a great mix of action and humor, like demonstrating what would really happen after someone delivers a touching speech (hint: Zenitsu and Inosuke after their adventures in the Tsuzumi Mansion).
- American Ninja Warrior [ongoing] // we’re in Vegas now, and it’s crazy to watch the athletic prowess of the top ninja warriors!
- Master Chef Season 10 [ongoing]
- America’s Got Talent [ongoing]
New Additions to the Classroom Library
Thanks so much to Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction for gifting Shadow of the Fox #1 & #2 by Julie Kagawa and Malka @ Paper Procrastinators for gifting Dear Martin by Nic Stone for my classroom library.
I’m excited to share these books with my students! In particular, I’m looking forward to sharing the Shadow of the Fox books because I see so much for anime lovers to enjoy in these books (and I’m the sponsor of the Asian Appreciation Club, formerly the Anime Club and Korean Club). Dear Martin because approximately a third of my students are African American and because I remember one of my students telling me about this book last year.
My Hopes for My Classroom Library
Books have been such a large part of my life growing up. By the time my students reach me, most of them have fallen out of love with books. I need more books for my classroom library in the hopes of helping even one more student relearn the magic of the written word. I don’t believe my classroom library can have too many books.
If you have any gently used books or ARCs you can donate to my classroom, or if you can help me purchase one (or more!) books off my classroom wishlist, please send me an email or visit the links below. I teach high school English, so anything from young adult to general fiction and nonfiction is appropriate. I can also use middle grade books for English Language Learners and struggling readers.
Links
- Classroom library wishlist: If you’d like to purchase books to send to me, feel free to browse this list.
- I am also happy to accept donations of new or gently used books not on this list. You may have heard of a wonderful book that I haven’t heard of, and chances are it’s not in my classroom library yet. Send me an email, and we can make arrangements!
- Amazon wishlist: if you prefer to purchase specific supplies to go towards my classroom.
For more about my classroom needs, read this blog post.
Week in Puppy
Skylar has been adjusting her schedule to match mine and my brother’s now that both of us are working. (My brother started a financial analyst position in July, and I’m now back at work with the new school year in progress.) Before, she used to get sleepy and start dozing by 8 p.m. Now, she’s still hyperactive at 9 p.m., and she’ll wander in and out of our rooms once we split for the night. This is a picture from one of the rare moments that I caught her napping. We were probably watching T.V. at the time.
Last Two Weeks on the Blog
- [Review] Fullmetal Edition Vol. 1 by Hiromu Arakawa
- [Creative Review] Brave the Page: The Writing Process in 7 Songs
- [Review] The Dragonbone Chair by Tad Williams
- [Review] Wizard’s First Rule by Terry Goodkind
- [Review] The Willful Princess and the Piebald Prince by Robin Hobb
- [Review] Teen Titans: Raven by Kami Garcia and Gabriel Picolo
- [Review] Sailor Moon: Eternal Edition #1 by Naoko Takeuchi
This Week on the Blog
- [Discussion] YA Books I Think Would be Fantastic Additions to a Classroom Library
- [Review] Assassin’s Quest by Robin Hobb
In the Blogosphere
I haven’t been around the blogosphere much the past couple of weeks, so I don’t have anything to share. 🙈 I plan to visit blogs again starting this week!
Chat with Me
What’s new with you this week in life and books?
Shannon @ It Starts at Midnight says
Ugh, I feel you. My summer schedule was pretty light and I spent most days at the park (so like, casual obviously) and now it’s all getting up early, putting on annoying clothes, getting the kids dressed into their OWN annoying clothes. Honestly ugh. And one of my clients starts school at 7:45 so I am going to be getting up even earlier! Well, at least we can commiserate!
I actually was going to look for #ownvoices readers for a copy of Color Me In, but I’d love to pass it on to your class if you don’t have it already! DM me your address if you’d like it! I also have Magnolia Sword, I just remembered if you’re interested in that one!
Crystal says
Yes, it’s rough getting up early for the school day! Thanks so much for the offer. I sent you an email and look forward to sharing these books with my students!
Lindsi says
I love Inuyasha! It’s one of my favorites. Also, Shadow of the Fox and Soul of the Sword are AMAZING! It did feel a little like reading anime, and I loved it. I cannot wait to see how the story plays out, especially after that ending!!!
My son started school this year, and getting into a routine has been HARD. I haaaate waking up so early. We typically start our days around 8 AM, and now I’m up before 6 AM. *zzzzz*
Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear? 💬
Crystal says
Inuyasha is one of my favorites too! I haven’t read Soul of the Sword yet, but I plan to soon. I need to find out what happens next!
Same here. I’ve been getting up before 6 a.m., so I can beat the morning rush to work – and it’s hard not having the luxurious slow-start to my day that I had in the summer. I hope things settle down soon for y’all.
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction says
Once again, I’m glad that you got the books—I really enjoyed this series, so I hope your students do too!
I figured that the new school year was probably keeping you crazily busy. Hopefully you’ll get into a solid groove soon.
Crystal says
I’m really excited to share these books with students. Quite a few love anime and asian culture, so I think they’ll love the Shadow of the Fox books.
Thanks, Nicole! I really need encouragement and prayers. I’m overwhelmed by everything there is to do.
Genesis @ Whispering Chapters says
Gah, my comment didn’t go through. Anyway, in summary, I’m still getting used to teaching. I’m hoping I find a balance and routine really soon so I don’t have to bring home the work.
Crystal says
I’ve been there! Teaching is a challenging occupation. I confess that I had a break down this last week. There’s just so much to do that it feels like I can’t fulfill my primary role as a teacher. Teaching reminds me how much I tend to to fall back to trying to do things on my own – and how I can’t do this on my own. I hope you find a working balance and routine, Genesis!
Angie Elle says
Your dog is adorable!
I think that would be the worst part of being a teacher; having to re-acclimate to the new schedule every single school year. I hated it when I was younger, and I would be no more disciplined about keeping a regular schedule now that I’m older.
Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Crystal says
Thanks, Angie!
Yes, it’s amazing how much there is to re-acclimate myself to!
Natalie Aguirre says
Good luck with getting into a good routine as you start the school year. I hope you enjoy the new classes that you’ll be teaching and that you won’t have to bring work home.
Crystal says
Thanks, Natalie! It’s been stressful, but I’m hopeful.