Every year, I put forth my “summer reading list” in hopes that I will grow professionally. I usually get through one and skim the others. This summer, I have loftily chosen three to engage my cognitive side while my the brain wants to be at the beach.
Integrating Differentiated Instruction & Understanding by Design (Connecting Content and Kids) by Carol Ann Tomlinson and Jay McTighe
This selection is part of my “school assigned” reading but I’ve had the book a while and it has been waiting to be read. We are working to use more DI strategies in the classroom school-wide and I am very interested in reformatting my curriculum for K-4 in a UbD mode.
Why Don’t Students Like School: A Cognitive Scientist Answers Questions About How the Mind Works and What It Means for the Classroom by Daniel T. Willingham
My twitter PLN was all a buzz about this particular book so I became intrigued. I have struggled a lot with motivating my middle schoolers. I feel like I’m not reaching them. I hope this book provides me with a research point of view regarding student apathy.
Using Technology With Classroom Instruction That Works by Howard Pitler, Elizabeth R. Hubbell, Matt Kuhn, Kim Malenoski
I’m taking an official role to work with MS teachers to connect curriculum to ISTE standards for Teachers and Students. I’ve been a fan of the Marzano “folks” and thought this might provide me a springboard.
I do also have a stack of “read for pleasure” books a mile high, but am certainly open to both professional and personal recommendations.
As I say to my students, “Here is your summer homework: get dirty, play outside, eat ice cream, ride your bike, read at least one good book that no one told you to read, and WEAR SUNSCREEN!”
Happy Summer!
Teach2Connect 