As the end of the school year comes into view and I find myself thinking about sleeping in more, working in my yard, and going to the beach, I have to stop and remind myself that first, I must finish strong. The students in my class deserve the absolute best of my teaching until the last minute of the last day of school. Just like an athlete in a long race, I must find enough gas in the tank for one more push to the finish line.

This is not the time to coast. As I think of my students and how far they've come, I am proud of them. They have worked diligently to grow as readers, but there is still more to do. There is time for one more reconfiguration of my flexible groups or to consider who needs more one-on-one conferring. I must use my time wisely to help those students who have not yet made it to grade-level standard. I need to consider which goals and strategies each student has not yet mastered and reteach them either in my mini-lessons or in small groups, or just revisit them with individual students. I also need to find a way to keep my accomplished readers engaged and excited about reading. Finally, I need to promote summer reading to avoid the summer slide.

As I look forward to the finish line that is the last day of school, I want to feel certain that I truly gave my students my best teaching and every opportunity to be strong readers, and that I used the time we had together strategically. I want every child to feel that they've accomplished their "personal best" in their race that was the school year so that they can go confidently into summer and next year ready to race again.

What is your plan for finishing strong?

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