One of my favorite parts of summer is being able to read fiction books but also professional development books. I just can't get enough. Summer is a time to refresh, recharge, and reignite the spark and magic of teaching. I don't know about you, but for me, it is SO hard to turn my brain off. I feel like all the shiny things are all around me, and I want to go to each one! Hmmmm. Too much! Soooo I started my summer with the book Where the Crawdads Sing - this is a MUST read!! If you read any fiction book, read this!
For professional development, I decided to focus on Reading and Phonics. I have several books on my list, and I may not finish all of them, but I am going to try!! A few of them I have read, but I like to go back and reread certain books that I know I can get more from after reading it again.
I also bought the book Purposeful Play. This one is next on my list and looks amazing! Sometimes it is so easy to let play go to the side because of ALL the things we have to teach. Whether I am tutoring one on one or with a full class, I always see the importance of play. They stay so much more engaged and actively involved when they are having fun. If you make it a game, they are all in! Right?? This book goes into the research and reason for play, the work in play (using play for social and emotional growth), and the play in work (making the whole day feel playful). This is another must read!
Whole Brain Teaching is an amazing program that is FREE and changes the classroom management, the engagement, and makes such a positive classroom environment. You can get everything from their website and YouTube has so many videos on how to get started. I have read the book Whole Brain Teaching for Challenging Kids, but there is also a simplified version called Fast Track. This is perfect for learning the basics! Check it out! This has changed my management style so much and focuses on the positives!
Another book that I love that goes along with classroom management is Creating the School Family by Dr. Becky Bailey. I love, love, love this book!! Building relationships with our students and creating a safe place- our school family- is HUGE! It makes such a difference in the classroom. My classroom jobs are based off of this book. Classroom management is the hardest thing to learn for most teachers. I know I struggled so much in the beginning, and still have years where I am trying new things to reach them. This book always leads me in the right direction and is definitely a winner!
The Morning Meeting Book is a wonderful book on how to start your day. We start with a morning meeting every day, and not only did the kids LOVE it, they connected and became closer to each other. Everyone felt welcome and enjoyed starting our day together.
The Next Step Forward in Guided Reading by Jan Richardson is fantastic!! She gives you everything you need for guided reading books. She has sample lessons, planning, and tools for levels pre-A to fluent readers. This is the Bible of guided reading! There are modules to cover comprehension strategies, intervention suggestions, and a framework for the lessons at each level. This book also provides gives you access to online videos of Jan modeling the lessons at every stage. This is definitely a must have for teacher resources. I also listen to Audible any chance I can. Not all these books are available as an audio version, but some good ones on there are The Wild Card, Teach Like a Pirate, Go See the Principal just to name a few.
What are you reading this summer? What is your favorite PD book? Please comment and share! I would love to add more to my list!
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