Book Snap #2 Why did you choose this book?

Throughout the webinar, the instructor referenced how Bain's work sought to uncover how students remember details.  Usually, I am somewhat reluctant to jump in to such literature as much of the scholarship tends to have a narrow focus on a specific age group or grade level.  Similarly, I was aware of similar research related to Mindset and the Science of Reading.  These previous trainings were helpful, but not always easy to translate to an approach that can work for high school Social Studies students.  However, with Bain being a former Social Studies teacher, I was intrigued how she might employ the research specifically for courses that require high levels of content knowledge.

Mr. Hyde recommended Sedita's book in response to some of our discussion in the English department about reading and writing instruction.  I hope to gain more information about research-based strategies for improving reading comprehension skills in high school students.  I have noticed more students struggling with Regents multiple choice questions.  I'm looking for practical strategies to help students improve their vocabulary, reading pace and inferential thinking skills.  I'm also interested in new ideas for providing writing instruction.  Since Artificial Intelligence has become so tempting to use, I want to provide my students with opportunities to express their own original thoughts in their own authentic voice.  

I chose "Teach Like a Champion" by Doug Lemov.  I chose this book to pick up some helpful tips for my students and for myself to become a better, more engaging teacher. 

I chose the book Reading Conferences by Jennifer Serravallo because the book walks you through six different types of reading conferences. The book teaches   assessment conferences to goal-setting to strategy lessons. I hope to learn how to make  otherwise informal “conversations about books” into purposeful, organized teaching opportunities.

I kept hearing about this book from counselor colleagues, and saw posts that made me curious about the message.  I love the idea that I can be more conscientious about my emotional well-being and that I have more control than I realize.
I believe this book will help me be a better counselor, and I will be able to share the message with so many students.  Junior high years are riddled with drama, insecurity, and emotional roller-coasters.  The Let Them Theory is another tool to share with students to support them on this journey.

This book has been on my "Must Read" list for a long time!  It has been highly recommended by friends and colleagues as an essential read for anyone that wants to learn more about intelligence and mindsets.  I talk with my students (and my own children!) about "Growth" vs. "Fixed" mindsets.  I am hoping that after reading the book I will have more insight and a better understanding of how to provide constructive feedback to my students that values effort and perseverance.  My hope is to help students take ownership of their learning and reach more of their potential.

One of my goals as an English 8 teacher is to help my students write well. Written communication is a gateway skill, even in the age of AI. It is also one of the most challenging skills to learn and teach.

Hence, I am always searching for the best instructional practices for writing, and this book has been endorsed by many of my esteemed elementary colleagues. I look forward to reading it to see how I could incorporate elements into my English 8 classroom.

I chose Tiny Humans, Big Emotions because I had heard about the author through a professional development training. I teach young children and have young children at home, so I thought this book would be great to give me some ideas to help children manage their emotions. 

I chose Big Kids, Bigger Feelings by Alyssa Blask Campbell because I work with first graders, and helping them handle their big emotions is such an important part of our day. I’m hoping to pick up some practical tips and language I can use to better support my students when they’re feeling overwhelmed or upset.

I chose to read Anthony Everitt's The Life of Rome's First Emperor Augustus because I have my honor's students evaluate the reign of Augustus through challenging primary sources. I personally wanted to gain as much knowledge regarding this historical figure so I can better educate my students and better help them understand these documents. I also have read another book by Everitt and he is a great writer who can bring history to life.