Teacher Tip Tuesday: Be Well-Read
I don't consider myself REALLY well-read. I haven't read many of the classics, and I don't read much adult fiction, BUT I think it's important for teachers, particularly, to be as well-read as they can be.
I know about the unending hours of correcting, planning, and meetings. I know about starting and never finishing books. You can do it!
Yesterday, I stopped at the library to pick up five books I had requested (I requested one that very morning, after I read who won the newest Newbery award.) I also saw an audiobook that looked good, so I picked it up too. I walked to my car with my stack of goodies wondering how I would ever read them considering the pile I have next to my bed.
So, I decided right then and there that I would take a little reading vacation that night. It's a bit nippy outside, so the house was cold when we got home. I turned up the heat in my bedroom, grabbed a book, and snuggled in my bed for hours before sleeping. It felt so good to read and be comfortable. I skimmed one book (adult fiction) and started reading another (similar topic.)
Can you afford to take a reading vacation? Maybe you can't set aside hours, but how about a half an hour before you nod off? Or, maybe while you're eating your Special K? How about grabbing some kids' fiction and reading it with your class during silent reading time?
What should teachers read to be "well rounded?"
1. Read for professional development. Whether it's a book from the library or a pamphlet from Master Teacher, keep up with the educational theories and practices.
2. Read what your students read. Even if you don't like Captain Underpants, if half your class is reading it, it would be a good idea for you to know what they're putting into their heads.
3. Read award winners. There are more awards than the Caldecott and Newbery, but they're a good place to start.
4. Read outside your genre. Most people prefer a certain style and type of writing. If you always read murder mysteries, try chick lit. Make sure you get a recommendation, though. If you read one that isn't a great example of the genre, you may never return to it.
5. Read your Bible. Even if it's only one verse a day, you need to keep that relationship a top priority. God's Word will help you keep perspective no matter what your day brings.
Don't think you have to read all those books in one day, but perhaps you could make a list of books and give yourself a year to check them all off. You'll be glad you did.
I know about the unending hours of correcting, planning, and meetings. I know about starting and never finishing books. You can do it!
Yesterday, I stopped at the library to pick up five books I had requested (I requested one that very morning, after I read who won the newest Newbery award.) I also saw an audiobook that looked good, so I picked it up too. I walked to my car with my stack of goodies wondering how I would ever read them considering the pile I have next to my bed.
So, I decided right then and there that I would take a little reading vacation that night. It's a bit nippy outside, so the house was cold when we got home. I turned up the heat in my bedroom, grabbed a book, and snuggled in my bed for hours before sleeping. It felt so good to read and be comfortable. I skimmed one book (adult fiction) and started reading another (similar topic.)
Can you afford to take a reading vacation? Maybe you can't set aside hours, but how about a half an hour before you nod off? Or, maybe while you're eating your Special K? How about grabbing some kids' fiction and reading it with your class during silent reading time?
What should teachers read to be "well rounded?"
1. Read for professional development. Whether it's a book from the library or a pamphlet from Master Teacher, keep up with the educational theories and practices.
2. Read what your students read. Even if you don't like Captain Underpants, if half your class is reading it, it would be a good idea for you to know what they're putting into their heads.
3. Read award winners. There are more awards than the Caldecott and Newbery, but they're a good place to start.
4. Read outside your genre. Most people prefer a certain style and type of writing. If you always read murder mysteries, try chick lit. Make sure you get a recommendation, though. If you read one that isn't a great example of the genre, you may never return to it.
5. Read your Bible. Even if it's only one verse a day, you need to keep that relationship a top priority. God's Word will help you keep perspective no matter what your day brings.
Don't think you have to read all those books in one day, but perhaps you could make a list of books and give yourself a year to check them all off. You'll be glad you did.
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