So, Now What?

I just finished reading the 72 comments to a teacher on the Scholastic FaceBook page. She was beginning her first teaching job on August 1, didn't get into her room until July 22, and was wondering what she needed to do in between! After gleaning some awesome ideas for myself this year, I commented about putting dates into her calendar during the most hectic of times throughout the year, like conferences, report cards, Christmas Break, state testing, and spring break.  Now, all I have to do is take my own advice!
Also after reading another teacher's comments of her amazing work done thus far (she's been out for 3 weeks), I am spurred into gear, actually accomplishing all the things I want to do this summer instead of looking back in October and saying "Why didn't I do that?!?" Step one will be to create a master list (journal!) of things 'to do', 'want to do', and 'wish to do'. Next, adding to that journal will be all the things I can do now, before I get into my new classroom. Sub plans, parent letters, classroom procedures, first day & week activities, and, oh yes, writing those all important 'me' dates in my new pink day planner (thanks Mo!!) Then, I will take those books we are 'supposed' to read & hang by the pool. Wong's "First Days of School", "What Great Teachers do Differently", "Brain Based Teaching", "Teach Like a Champ", and of course, my favorite, "First Day Jitters".

Off to make that list...