ReadingRockets

Teachers take the summer off, right? Ha!

May 26, 2009, 04:28 PM

I don't know a single teacher who stops thinking and learning over the summer. Whether we're teaching summer school, doing curriculum development, taking summer classes or observing flowers and insects at the pool, there's a small piece of a teacher's brain associated with sharing information with kids that doesn't shut off (OK, there are no fMRI's to support that statement, just a bunch of anecdotal evidence).

Here are a couple of relatively painless ways for teachers to stay in touch with teaching and learning this summer, besides of course browsing Reading Rockets!

IRA's Gateway newsletter: While you might feel e-newslettered to death, this one always has links to free book chapters and downloadable materials. For example, The May Gateway contained free Storytelling Ideas for Developing Comprehension, a free chapter on Supporting Reading Comprehension, and a podcast on comprehension.

The Big Fresh: This newsletter from Choice Literacy is designed with literacy coaches, teachers, and school leaders in mind. There's always something worth reading, and a video worth watching. Many articles are available to the public, others require a subscription.

Jen Robinson's Book Page: I've just started reading this blog and her Growing Bookworms Newsletter pretty regularly. There are many, many, many children's literature blogs, but this one came across my radar several times. I appreciate her friendly tone and the fact that Jen isn't selling or endorsing any particular publisher.

Picture Book of the Day: This is one of several blogs written by Anastasia Suen, and I usually click through her various blogs (listed in the right nav) when I browse. In general, I like her simple presentation of a book paired with a teaching suggestion. This may introduce teachers to a new book or two to consider using next year.

So, there's a random collection of things I routinely read and that I think teachers might enjoy getting to know this summer. If you've got something bookmarked you would like to share, please do!

Next Week: Sorting and sending home summer reading bags

Note: Comments are owned by the poster. We are not responsible for their content.

Teachers take the summer off, right? Ha!

Posted by: Anonymous on May 27, 2009 01:50 PM

Thanks so much for recommending my blog, Joanne. I love all of your other recommended sites, too. Happy summer reading!!

#

Teachers take the summer off, right? Ha!

Posted by: Anonymous on May 28, 2009 06:29 AM

What a great idea. I do try to make sure all of my middle schoolers have a book for the summer, but they are not great at planning ahead. You are to be praised for such a wonderful and time consuming project!

#

Teachers take the summer off, right? Ha!

Posted by: Anonymous on May 31, 2009 06:16 PM

I appreciate your summer reading recommendations for teachers. I've already checked into IRA's Gateway Newsletter and think it will be very beneficial. Thank you!

#


Keywords :
  • Activities
  • Professional development
  • Teacher education