Thanks for always being there

Here I am, writing again, I have so missed this part of my life. I was really getting worried I had lost my motivation to write. Then as I was browsing blogs I said I have to write, I want to rejoin my online community!

I have experienced more than a few life-changing events that have forced me to step back and focus on family. In January I lost my sister unexpectedly, her loss has taught myself and my family so much, many lessons we are still discovering.

We miss you Diana! 1962-2012

I have also been learning how to support my senior as she says good-bye to the life that has shaped her and welcomes the new opportunities that will refine her. 

As I rejoin the online community I am grateful to find my PLN is still here, in fact- you never left! You were (and are) always here to inspire and collaborate, I can't express how comforting it is to know the PLN never leaves.


Ready? Set! Write!
Now as I am sitting here inspired to write, but I am challenged to choose a focus. So many ideas clamoring to be told. Do I write a personal post about my new normal, do I share the closing of my year, celebrate the belated first birthday of my blog or even The Global Classroom? All these ideas still feel relevant to me, but not timely to the reader. So I moving forward, and sharing my summer reading and PD.


Inspiring Bloggers~
After visiting just a few of my favorite blogs I knew where I would jump back in! Cathy of Reflect and Refine, Jill of Primary Passion and Laura of Our Camp Read-A-Lot shared the books on their TBR list along with announcing this years #cyberpd what a great place to rejoin all of you! 


Moving Forward~
# CyberPD
I built my summer reading list on goodreads (see right margin) and I am diving into #Cyberpd. I was excited to see this year's book will be Opening Minds by Peter Johnston. Last year I read Choice Words by Peter Johnston and wondered why I had waited so long to read this book! I love learning about the importance of language and how we can best use our language as a tool to facilitate growth and learning. I won't be one the last to read Peter's new book! 
I am currently reading Mindset by Carol Deck. I think this book will be a compliment to Opening Minds! You can follow my tweets as I read by searching #mindset on twitter. 


Staying Connected
Inspiration from a favorite blog strikes yet again! In Reflect and Refine Cathy explains how she is using her class blog to stay connected with her class this summer. It's similar to It's Monday, What are You Reading? that many bloggers are familiar with, you can read more here. I chose to use a similar format to connect with my class. Just after a few days I've already had 4 kids post and or comment on our class blog!


Building Knowledge of Early Chapter Books
This summer I am also expanding my knowledge of early chapter books. Cathy and other bloggers who participated in the 48 hour Book Challenge are a great resource for learning about new books!  As I read these new chapter books I will be updating goodreads and sharing them with my class on our blog! 


Once again my PLN has been there for me! Sharing ideas, new books and words of encouragement, just at the right place at the right time! I would be remiss not to mention my gratitude for the extra reminders and opportunities working across the hall from Cathy have offered me. The opportunities for personal growth and professional development are ongoing and thanks to Cathy's blog, great coffee shops, twitter and Verizon summer doesn't have to interrupt the learning!