Spring is coming, and that means some well-deserved downtime is heading your way! Spring break is the perfect time to recharge and pick up a book for some uninterrupted reading for pleasure (you remember what that is, right?). Whether you want to catch up on some great new techniques for your classroom teaching or just unwind with a great beach read, there’s bound to be a book you love on the list below.
Just for Fun
Sometimes you just want to escape during school vacation, and that’s fine! Try these titles and lose track of time while on break:
• Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty. This novel is a page-turning murder mystery set in a suburban Australian beach town with a competitive mommy culture. Teacher bonus: you’ll instantly recognize all of your most demanding parent personality types within its pages for a good laugh.
• Pioneer Girl: The Annotated Autobiography by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Think you knew everything there was to know about the famous Little House author? Her life story was originally written for an adult audience, and it’s utterly fascinating. You’ll never see Laura and Mary the same way again — just don’t tell your students.
• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Harper Lee’s recent death has the world singing her praises anew. Remind yourself what it means to be a child learning about the morality — and what it means to be an adult who teaches children to stand up and do the right thing.
Professional Development
Looking for practical advice and a shot of inspiration? These books have you covered:
• The Skillful Teacher: On Technique, Trust, and Responsiveness in the Classroom by Stephen Brookfield. This is the go-to guide for proven elements of classroom management. If your principal hasn’t already made it required reading, you owe it to yourself to see what the buzz is all about. The conversational tone makes this more readable than the typical teaching textbook.
• Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck. Though there has been some pushback recently about some of the research here, Dweck’s points about encouraging kids to see learning as a process that requires effort more than talent can be a game-changer. You might see your own attitudes about grit and intelligence change, and you’ll find new language to encourage your students’ efforts.
• 1000 Best New Teacher Survival Secrets by Kathy Brenny and Kandace Martin. Don’t let the title fool you: You don’t have to be a newbie to get a lot out of this book! Try new organization tips, check out the health and wellness advice, and pat yourself on the back for the things you already do well. This is a quick read that you’ll find yourself dog-earring for future reference.
What will you read over this spring break?
