Professional Reading

I'm glad this prompt came up when it did.  I was actually working planning on doing a post about my recent readings anyway, but the timing works out nicely.

I don't get to read nearly as much as I want, recreationally or professionally.  Between my work schedule and a toddler who requires a lot of attention (why is it that such tiny, destructible humans seem to come with an instinct for self destruction?!?) time to sit and really read is rare.  That is one of the big reasons I love Twitter, by the way.  I can get a lot of information in as much time as I have available.

However, Spring Break is just about to end and I'm on my fourth book in nine days.  The ability to read while the tiny human was napping or to actually stay awake past her bedtime (making it to 8:30PM around here is a big deal) allowed for some quality reading opportunities.  Here was my list:

He's The Weird Teacher
I follow Doug Robertson on Twitter and enjoy his posts.  I'd seen reviews about his book and it was first on my list for a reason.  Education books are good, but I've read some pretty dry ones, especially during my Master's program.  I was looking for something different and this provided it.  It was good to know that I'm not alone in my desire to mess with kindergartners as they walk by and my husband asked if I needed my inhaler because I was laughing so hard during the chapter regarding how gross it can be dealing with kids.

The Fred Factor
This wasn't originally on my list.  I saw it mentioned in someone else's post for April Blog a Day and the next day it showed up on our doorstep as a part of my husband's required reading for work.  It was a quick and easy read with some good common sense stories about the power of doing what you do well and recognizing others when they do well.  Nothing earth shattering, but an enjoyable read.

Invent to Learn
Wow.  Honestly, I keep switching between writing this blog and looking things up to put in a grant to create a maker space.  My band kids have been playing with Makey Makeys off and on this year and I was recently approved to teach a STEAM (STEM + Arts)  class next year.  This book was full of ideas, practical advice, and resources.  It was also one of those books that helps you see what education can be and makes you frustrated with what it often is.  I may be the band teacher, but I'm planning on finding as many ways to help students become makers as I can.

Teach Like a Pirate
This is another one that I came to through Twitter.  It's so popular that there's even a Teach Like a Pirate chat (#tlap) and the posts I read from that hashtag are frequently inspirational and filled with great ideas. I'm only through the first chapter, but I've enjoyed it so far.  Maybe I'll post on this one by itself after I've gotten to read more.  It's definitely one I'm looking forward to finishing (hopefully before heading back to the madness on Monday)

I'm really looking forward to starting my summer reading list with the books other share from today's prompt.  What are you reading?