Wow! I’ve actually made it to week 2 of Currents: Listens & Reads! Perhaps a trend is happening here, friends! Here is what was on my radar this week.
Listens:
The Atlantic Interview: Maggie Haberman Maggie Haberman is a White House Correspondent for the New York Times. She is doing some very honest and challenging work. I really liked her perspective on her early years of journalism and coming up in a “man’s world.” (I really like this podcast, if you’re not currently listening to it.)
Outside Podcast-Science of Survival: He That is Down Need Fear No Fall As someone who is terrified of heights and falling, this story of survival and problem solving was really intriguing (and a bit scary.) It offers us some insight into the minds of those who take physical risks, on purpose.
Reads:
Leadership + Design: Monthly Recharge (newsletter) This month’s wisdom from L+D focuses on Disobedience over Compliance. As the group and its cohort reads Whiplash–How to Survive Our Future Faster, analysis and insight have been shared to dig deeper into each chapter. This month’s chapter on disobedience over compliance shares the stories of those who have broken the rules to develop truly innovative and creative ideas. I’m particularly drawn to Executive Director Carla Silver’s story of her classmate as I may have known a kid or two who broke some school rules but have gone onto creative and successful lives. (Just as Mr. Bruce, my 4th grade Principal.)
Harvard Ed. Magazine: Troublemakers This really speaks to the deep need for educators to build strong relationships with all students, especially those who might be on the more “spirited” side. How can we dig deeper into the how and why kids are causing disruptions rather than just issue a punitive response?
Beyond the Whiteboard Blog: A Teachers Regret, a Lesson Learned Laurie Smith offers a true life story of a heart-breaking missed opportunity with a student. We have all had moments like these in our practice and hers is a reminder not to miss out. (You might need a tissue for this one.)
BONUS-Watches
We had two snow days this week so Amazon and Netflix got a little extra time in my life. I watched two extreme sports documentaries that I think offer quite the insight on persistence, responsibility, planning/organization, problem-solving, grit, positive thinking, friendship, and just a twinge of nutty.
Meru-the story of three mountain climbers as they make their ascent up the 21,000 ft Shark’s Fin on Mount Meru. Follow their trials and tribulations as well as observe truly stunning cinematography.
Desert Runners-follow the quest of several non-professional runners as they attempt to complete the Grand Slam of the Desert Run series by running 4 ultra marathons in one year in the Sahara, the Gobi, the Atacama, and Antarctica. You find yourself rooting for these “average janes and joes” as they run up to 100 miles a day in 100+ degree heat while carrying all the gear they need for four days on their back. It’s crazy but offers a lot of clear applications to our classrooms.
Will next week be a trifecta? Stay tuned!
Teach2Connect 