Summer is one of my favorite times to teach. Yes, I enjoy teaching summer school. Granted, when the first day of summer school arrives only two weeks after the school year has culminated, I always ask myself, "What was I thinking?!" But once the six-week summer program begins, I am quickly reminded how many opportunities teaching summer school presents.The opportunities that summer school creates are the ones that I wish for throughout the regular school year. Longer class periods, manageable class sizes, relaxed students, and few "do or die" standards makes the experience enjoyable and worthwhile. I use summer school as my avenue to experiment with new lessons, innovative teaching strategies, and best of all, building relationships with students who I will eventually teach during the upcoming school year.
This summer, my colleague and I, who normally co-teach English/Social Studies during the school year, decided to combine forces again and teach a summer course called, The Restaurant. In a nutshell, the students learn both the cooking side and business side of the restaurant industry with a culminating project that has them opening up their own "restaurant," which is in competition with the restaurant their classmates' created. The winning restaurant is the one that makes the most profit from the "teacher-customers" who are invited to opening day of their restaurant. My co-teacher focuses on food safety and nutrition, teaches the students cooking basics and kitchen safety. The section of the course that I focus on is the business side. We learn about the self-discipline and creativity that successful entrepreneurs have, as well as learning advertising strategies and writing a formal business plan.
With two weeks left in the summer school session, I am reminded that there are many creative ways to teach our students the skills that will help them succeed while still keeping them engaged. Summer school is a great opportunity for them to continue to learn in unique ways that keep the excitement of summer alive... for both students and teachers.
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| Baked Salmon, Week 2 |
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| Chocolate Chip Cookies, Week 3 |
