What Are You Reading: February 2017

We start each month by sharing what we're reading - both for work and for fun. Join us by using the comments to share what you're reading. Click here for previous reading lists.

Meghan says, "While on maternity leave the past few months, I was able to stay connected to educational topics by following posts from Edutopia, EdWeekly, and Mindshift on Facebook.  These contain very quick, inspiring reads that I was able to save for further use when returning to work."

Jaimie shared a few more digital texts. First, books on the EPIC app. Jaimie says, "If you haven't heard or seen this app, I suggest you get it NOW.  Tons of digital books for FREE."

Jaimie is listening to Jen Serravallo's Podcast. She finds that, "This is a great resource to stay up to date on what is happening around us and to get great insight from Jen herself.

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Andrea says, "I am re-reading The Art of Coaching by Elena Aguilar as well as The Art of Coaching Teams, also by Elena Aguilar. I am also reading How to Build an Instructional Coaching Program for Maximum Capacity by Nina Jones Morel and Carla Staton Cushman (which was recommended to me by Julie Schwartzbauer!)We have been referencing these as well as several other titles as we work on establishing our district coaching model.  All of these have been very helpful as many guiding questions are provided for us to think about as we work through the process."

Meghan is participating in a book study about Better Conversations by Jim Knight with fellow K-12 coaches and the Director of Instruction of our district: "This book group and PLC is something new we've started this year as our district grows in it's coaching capacity.  It has been awesome to support each other and grow in our learning together."

Julie is reading Every Young Child a Reader by Sharan A. Gibson and Barbara Moss. This professional text highlights how to use Marie Clay's concepts for classroom instruction.

Carrie is reading For a Better World: Reading and Writing for Social Action by Randy Bomer and Katherine Bomer.

Meghan is reading Vocabulary Their Way as her middle school works to implement this system in 7th and 8th grade.  Our district has adopted Words Their Way in grades K-6, so this will help grow our word study into the upper levels and content areas after students have moved through the five stages of Words Their Way.

Meghan and Sharon are both exploring Universal Design for Learning by reading UDL Now! By Katie Novak. Sharon reminds us of the purpose of UDL, "Clearing the path for one, clears the path for all!" This cartoon reminds Sharon of this important idea:

Meghan says, "One of our elementary schools participated in a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) grant.  This book club is being offered district-wide to grow our capacity to implement UDL at all schools."

Maggie is reading The Boys in the Boat (Young Readers Adaptation) by Daniel James Brown. Maggie writes, "The powerful nonfiction tale of Joe Rantz and the other working-class rowers from the University of Washington Crew who broke down barriers and records across America in order to attend the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. This is a true story of overcoming adversity and the power of the underdog."

Maggie and Barb are both reading The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon. Maggie says, "This incredible story is told through three different perspectives: Natasha, Daniel, and The Universe. Natasha is a teenage girl who should be worried about where she'll get into college but instead is on the verge of being deported to Jamaica for being an undocumented citizen. Daniel has always been the good Korean son, living up to his parents' high expectations, but when he first sees Natasha, he forgets about everything except what fate has in store for them. The Universe: Every moment in our lives has brought us to this single moment." Maggie strongly recommends listening to the audiobook version!

Heather is reading The Raft by SA Bodeen. Heather says, "A student of mine recommended this book. He told me he was actually reading it at home it was so good.   I picked up a copy and he was right.  Saturday I read the book in practically one sitting.  It is about a girl whose plane crashes and she is trying to survive.  This book is full of a lot of action!"

Maggie is also reading Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk. Maggie says, "This is the sweet coming-of-age story of a young girl named Annabelle. Set during World War II in rural Pennsylvania, Annabelle enjoys a quiet and simple life until a bully named Betty Glengarry arrives in town and at her school. Betty is cruel and threatens and inflicts pain on Annabelle and her young brothers. Her malice continues to grow until one day she mysteriously goes missing. Annabelle's quiet and quirky neighbor Toby, a veteran of World War I, becomes a prime suspect in Betty's disappearance. Annabelle is sure of Toby's innocence and is determined to prove it. This book bears a strong thematic resemblance to To Kill a Mockingbird and provokes much thought and discussion."

 Jaimie is reading The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman. She describes it as an "interesting and unique story about a light house keeper and his wife who find a life boat containing a live baby (and dead man) on the shore of their isolated island. They decide to raise the child as their own and not inform the authorities of the child's existence." This book has also been made into a movie.

Barb just downloaded and is looking forward to reading The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead. She says, "My reading routine has grown to always include at least one eBook. I always have my phone with me, so the eBook is something that I can pick up while I'm waiting somewhere without an actual book."

Lisa is reading The Dinner by Herman Koch.

Jaimie is reading The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. She says, "After being on the wait list at the library for over 6 months, I finally have the book!!  I have only heard great things about it!"