It’s time for that summer reading list and Joy in Teaching is here with some recommendations. During the long hot days of summer teachers everywhere pick up new books. Some read books to relax. Some read books to be inspired. Some read books to hone their practice and prepare for next school year. Personally, I like to keep a personal and professional book going throughout the summer and switch back and forth. I have gathered together books to consider as you gather your summer book list.

Lifelong Kindergarten: Cultivating Creativity through Projects, Passion, Peers, and Play
By Mitchel Resnick & Ken Robinson

I picked this one up this school year. Actually, I was on the pre-order list and I was super excited about it even before it was released. Not only does it have a forward by the one, the only Ken Robinson, but it is on a subject of which  am incredibly interested (and wrote part of my doctoral dissertation on). Play and project-based learning beyone early-childhoold. This book in a nutshell describes “How lessons from kindergarten can help everyone develop the creative thinking skills needed to thrive in today’s society.”. If you are looking for some new perspective to teaching and learning this summer this is a great choice.

Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance
By Angela Duckworth

 

If you are looking for an empowering read this summer and you haven’t yet picked up Grit, this could be one of your favorite reads of the season. If you ended the school year frustrated by a linear focus on the hard-edge of assessments and data point and long for a pedulum swing toward soft skills this book can help you see the way and importance of perseverance.

How to Be an Explorer of the World: Portable Life Museum
By Keri Smith

An oldy but a goody – this decade old classic can be exactly the perspective shift you need this summer. It is aetheically pleasing and filled with great quotes, prompts, and ideas to look at your surrounding in new and exciting ways. This has been on my bookshelf for years and is probably the book that I pull out the most when I need a lift. Also, if you haven’t ever picked up the Smith’s Wreck this Journal-please do. If not for you, then for your students. I have gone through many copies of this book with students over the year (and filled in one or two myself). The prompts encourage easy out-of-the-box innovative thinking and hands-on creativity.

Joy in Teaching: A Research-Based Framework of Action for Educators
By Dr. Tiffany A. Carr

Yes, this is my book. It just came out this May and is filled with inspirational ideas and actionable strategies to build resilience, fight burnout and help you to reclaim your joy in teaching. If you found yourself stressed or frustrated this past school year then this book could be what you need to refresh your perspective and recharge to enter the next school year with strength and resilience.

The book, written for educators at all stages, clearly lays out methods and tools to boost teacher resilience, reduce job-related stress, and support career retention in schools.

And…

The Definitive Joy in Teaching Workbook by
Dr. Tiffany A. Carr

If you are planning some summer PD, perhaps a book study or PLN/PLC discussions, the Joy in Teaching book has a companion. The Definitive Joy in Teaching Workbook guides educators through the book Joy in Teaching and provides discussion prompts, conversation extenders, and fillable resources. Perfect for book studies and professional development.

The Joy in Teaching book & workbook together create a meaningful departure from the impersonal approach of professional development and offer refuge for educators seeking to nurture their well-being and reclaim their joy in teaching.

You can read more about both of them here.

Many teachers try to cram in their Professional Development over the summer – taking classes, online and in person, scheduling book studies, and committee meetings. It is an easier time than during the hustle and bustle of the school year, but still, it is fleeting. So, make sure to choose books that are meaningful to you and consider what you want to get out of them. If you do choose one of the Joy in Teaching books and enjoy it, please leave a review on Amazon. Also, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

No Matter What…

Those summer days don’t last forever so it’s important to choose your summer activities (or lack thereof) thoughtfully. Check out this article of 10 Ways for Teachers to Carpe the Heck Out of Every Diem this Summer and make the most of your time off. Have a great summer, relax, and enjoy!