Summer time, and the livin’s easy… and SO well-deserved for educators. While summer is a great time to rest and rejuvenate, educators are reading, planning, attending PD opportunities, and seeking inspiration for the next school year. One simple pleasure that summer does allow, however, is reading time. Whether you’re sitting on the beach, enjoying your backyard patio, or enjoying morning and afternoon walks with your pups, here are some books to consider!
You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll have a greater appreciation for those learners who need a little more and think a little differently. Embrace uniqueness and empower learners to do the same. My copy has flags on almost every page. Here’s to the crazy ones… and how they change the world and challenge the lens through which we look.
Catlin R. Tucker & Katie Novak
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is not a buzz word- it’s just damn good best practice for teaching. Now, more than ever, learners need to feel connected. Allowing room for autonomy and collaboration in learning is how we do this. Here’s a practical way to introduce strategies and proven results into the classroom. Learn how to be a guide on the drive to learner success!
Here’s the story of KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) charter schools. Through observation of extraordinary educators, and fearless determination, Feinberg and Levin created a new model for classroom design that engaged all learners. This is also a case for how and why public schools need to be reimagined- and kudos to the educators fighting for this change in their schools!
Teach Like Your Hair’s on Fire
I started teaching the year this book came out (2007). My dear friend, Rachie, gave me a copy of this book. It reaffirmed why I became an educator. Learners will work as hard as we do and as passionately as we do- be the one to reach the learner! We fail. We pick ourselves up, we learn, and we keep going. Sadly, this book has a lot of material that is currently in question for our public schools, but I’ve never been afraid to teach like my hair’s on fire- as Dylan Thomas says, “rage, rage against the dying of the light”. Educators, now is the time to be the change and to show learners just what being a hero looks like!
Annie Brock and Heather Hundley
A month-by-month practical guide- chalk full of strategies and activities, to help learners go from a fixed to a growth mindset. Each month focuses on a skill and a mantra. Great to have these mantras around your classroom. It’s also a great resource for us, as educators, too!
The Promise of a Pencil: How an ordinary person can create extraordinary change
”Your life should be a story you are excited to tell.” I took the titles of this novel’s chapters and put them around our classroom. They were our “classroom rules” (Know that you have a purpose, speak the language of the person you want to become, you cannot fake authenticity, change your words to change your worth, etc.). High school is such a strange and wonderful time. This book reminds us of the amazing capacity of our young adults and how one decision can make a world of difference.
I Can Learn When I’m Moving: Going to school with ADHD
A book written by a mother with the guidance of her ADHD son. Learning to work with our ADHD learners is not always easy. But once we give them the tools they need to succeed- a space in the room to stand and work, a job to bring a letter to the office or another teacher, opportunities to get the wiggles out- these learners thrive. A beautiful reflection and a reminder of why our learning environments need to meet the needs of all our unique learners.
Disruptive Thinking in our Classrooms
An ICLE Thought-Leader, Eric Sheninger discusses the importance of pedagogy, growth mindset, and higher-level thinking. We are no longer preparing learners for the Ford Assembly Line. Preparing learners for their future, in today’s classroom, is a collaborative task that involves everyone- especially the learners! Quick read full of resources and strategies.
From the Campfire to the Holodeck
Looking for inspiration on a new landscape for your environment? Consider creating spaces that address the different types of learning and all unique learners. This book discusses the importance of the learning environment and the impact it has on engagement. Another quick read understanding technological advances in the future- ready classroom and how everything connects together through PBL and IBL.
A Collaborative Project: OWP/P Architects, VS Furniture, and Bruce Mau Design
A one hour read full of pictures and short facts. The learning environment should function in the capacity of the third teacher. Environment plays such a crucial role in the aquisistion of knowledge and engagement. A must when considering the environment in which we learn and teach!
Share!
I am a voracious reader, and first before anything, an English teacher. Looking for good YA or adult fiction? I could go on for days! What are YOU reading this summer? Share your favorites below!
Edukater's Corner 