A Window into Summer Joys and Classroom Inspiration

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Hey, Chalkboard Chatter family! It’s Candice here, and I just want to start by saying thank you—truly—for being part of this community. Whether you’re tuning in from your porch swing, your living room, or maybe even in traffic via Spotify and YouTube, I’m so grateful you’re here. Today’s episode is all about summer joys, sisterhood, and a little bit of soul food—literally and figuratively. We’re gonna talk about our girls’ retreat, some playful learning, my favorite summer reads, and, yes, a recipe that’ll make you wanna dance in your kitchen. So, as always, I’d love for you to jump into the comments, share your summer moments, and let’s keep this conversation going. Alright, let’s get into it!

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

So, let’s start with a highlight that’s still making me smile—the Chalkboard Chatter Camp Retreat for our third and fourth-grade girls. Y’all, it was pure magic. We kicked things off with some gentle yoga; imagine a bunch of giggling girls trying to balance in tree pose, and, honestly, I was right there wobbling with them. Then we had a scavenger hunt that turned into a full-on adventure. I mean, who knew you could find so many “nature treasures” at one retreat? The girls were so creative with their nature journaling, too—drawing, writing, just soaking it all in. But the part that got me right in the heart was our send-off ceremony for the fourth graders. We circled up, shared what we admired about each other, and there were a few happy tears, not gonna lie. It was all about building leadership, and, of course, a whole lot of laughter. These are the moments that remind me why I love what I do.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Let’s dive into something I’m incredibly passionate about—our Teach. Play. Learn. Initiative. At its heart, this movement is about reimagining how we engage students by combining play-based learning with purpose-driven instruction. In a time when student attention is divided and classroom fatigue is real, Teach. Play. Learn. gives us a new approach grounded in whole child development and 21st-century skills. We’ve all seen the data—engagement drives achievement. But what if we told you that integrating play and curiosity into your curriculum doesn’t mean sacrificing rigor? Quite the opposite. Research shows that when students feel emotionally safe, intellectually curious, and physically active, their cognitive retention and social-emotional learning (SEL) outcomes soar. This initiative aligns beautifully with your district’s strategic goals—boosting student engagement, improving academic performance, and embedding SEL integration across all grade levels. We offer hands-on training for teachers, customized implementation plans for principals, and ready-to-launch activity kits that meet curriculum standards while encouraging collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking. Whether it’s a STEM-based building challenge, a movement-and-math game, or a reflective journaling activity tied to identity, Teach. Play. Learn. is about nurturing both head and heart. If you're a school leader looking to deepen your school culture, enhance your classroom engagement strategies, or bring more joy back to your building, this is for you. Let's move from burnout to breakthrough—together. For more information or to bring the Teach. Play. Learn. Initiative to your school, let’s connect. Because when students are seen, inspired, and moving, they thrive.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Okay, before we all get swept up in the August back-to-school rush, I just wanna pause and remind you—summer’s not over yet. There’s still time to soak up those simple joys. For me, that means morning walks before the world wakes up, backyard dinners with the people I love, and, now and then, a good old digital detox. I know, I know, easier said than done, but even just putting your phone down for an hour can feel like a mini-vacation. So, what’s your go-to summer joy? Let me know, because I’m always looking for new ideas to savor these last golden weeks.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Let’s pause and flip a few pages—literally. It’s time for a summer reading list check-in! If you’ve been following Chalkboard Chatter since the start of the season, you might remember we kicked off with a list of books to inspire, recharge, and challenge us as educators and individuals. Whether you’ve been curled up on the porch with a novel or sneaking in chapters between errands and kids’ activities, I hope you’ve found at least one title that has fed your spirit. For me, I’ve been slowly savoring a mix of fiction and professional growth titles, because balance is everything. One of the standouts so far? The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama. Her words reminded me that leadership starts with self-awareness and that vulnerability is strength. I’ve also dipped into Culturally Responsive Teaching and The Brain by Zaretta Hammond—a powerful reminder that equity in education isn’t just theory; it’s strategy and intention. If you’re still working through your list, that’s okay. This isn’t a race. It’s about reconnecting with your why, expanding your lens, and allowing stories to stir something in you. So—what’s been on your bookshelf? Head to the comments and let’s swap favorites. Happy reading!

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Alright, let’s get into something a little spicy—today’s recipe! If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that’s easy, flavorful, and just a little bit Southern, you’ve gotta try my small red beans and Cajun sausage. It’s one of those dishes that fills your kitchen with the best smells. You’ll need small red beans, your favorite Cajun sausage, onions, bell peppers, a little garlic, and, of course, a good Cajun seasoning. I like to add a pinch of smoked paprika for that extra depth. Let it all simmer together, and you’ve got comfort in a bowl. And for my listeners who love a little heat—don’t be shy with the hot sauce! If you make it, tag me, because I wanna see your creations.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Now, let’s talk summer style—because, listen, just because we’re off duty doesn’t mean we can’t look cute, right? My go-to this summer has been maxi dresses—so comfy, so breezy, and you can dress them up or down. I’m living in sandals and, of course, my trusty teacher tote bag. Oh, and I finally found the perfect pair of sunglasses—big, bold, and just a little bit extra. My “teacher off duty” look is all about comfort with a pop of color. If you’ve got a summer style staple, let me know—I’m always looking for inspo, especially as we start thinking about back-to-school wardrobes.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

When I first received the call that I had been named the 2023–2024 Michigan Teacher of the Year, I was overwhelmed. Grateful. Honored. And—if I’m being completely honest—a little emotional. It was one of those moments that felt both surreal and sacred. It wasn’t just a recognition of the work I’ve poured into my students, my classroom, and my school community—it was a spotlight that reminded me this work matters. Since then, the journey has been nothing short of transformative. I’ve had the privilege of speaking on behalf of educators across the state, participating in statewide panels, meeting with education leaders, and lending my voice to conversations that shape policy and support teachers. It’s more than a title—it’s a platform. One of my main goals this year has been to advocate for teacher wellness, literacy equity, and culturally responsive classrooms. I want to ensure that every student—regardless of zip code—has access to high-quality education, and that every teacher feels seen, supported, and celebrated in their role. This honor has reaffirmed my purpose. And while I may be one voice, I carry the stories, struggles, and successes of thousands. Being Michigan Teacher of the Year isn’t just about me—it’s about us. Let’s keep doing this work together.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Switching gears a bit—let me tell you about my day at the Plymouth Art Festival with my mom. It was such a vibrant scene—music, art, food everywhere. And, okay, confession time: I broke my diet for a donut. No regrets! We found this amazing mango-infused honey, which I’m now obsessed with. The art itself was incredible—wood engravings that told whole stories, photography that just stopped you in your tracks, and portraiture that felt so alive. It reminded me how important art is for storytelling and expression, not just for kids, but for all of us. Sometimes you need to see the world through someone else’s eyes to remember how much beauty is out there.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

This summer, one of the most joyful parts of my routine has been lacing up my sneakers and hitting the pavement—literally. Walking has become more than exercise for me; it’s a practice in mindfulness, connection, and care. And the best part? I haven’t been walking alone. My husband Vern has been with me every step of the way—cheering me on, challenging me, and sometimes, trying to beat me in our friendly step-count rivalry. We’ve made it fun by comparing our totals at the end of the day, but beneath the playful competition is something deeper: accountability and shared intention. Just this past Sunday, we completed over three miles together. It wasn’t about speed or distance—it was about presence. The rhythm of our steps, the conversations we had in between, the breeze, the laughter—it all reminded me how simple acts of movement can lead to meaningful moments of connection. Whether it’s a quick morning stroll or an evening walk after dinner, this wellness journey has become a grounding part of our relationship—and my self-care. So, if you’re looking for a way to reset and reconnect, start by walking. Sometimes wellness is just one step away.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Alright, friends, that’s a wrap for today’s episode. Thank you for spending a little bit of your summer with me. Remember to take joy in the season, feed your passions, and check on your people—because community is everything. And don’t forget, next time we’ll be diving into “A Letter to August”—all about preparing our hearts and minds for back-to-school. Until then, keep shining, keep sharing, and I’ll see you soon on Chalkboard Chatter.