Reading can fulfill so many purposes in life. You can read books for pleasure, or professional development; you can read to learn, to review, to research or help yourself.
It is interesting how with all the technology advancements books have not only adapted but have become more important than ever.
Let me just put it out right here. I believe that teachers, at least the ones I know (and I know many), are one of those people who always want to learn. Many give 150% to the students, and then go home to their families and give some more. Some make barely enough money to get by. Others have multiple degrees and certifications, which proves that they are more than qualified for their job. Yet, they go back to school for more. And they are constantly learning.
And just like some corporate employees get monetary bonuses once or twice a year, teachers also have a bonus – summer vacation. While a bonus in cash is something all of us would immediately say “yes” to, a summer break for a teacher is not a matter of just vacation. It is a matter of survival, recharging, going back to who you are and rediscovering all the energy that you have inside of you.
In my opinion, one of the best ways to fill your cup is reading.
It is true that sometimes it seems that your brain can take in no more information, consider this. When you are always on the go, you begin to second guess yourself. But when you have the time to remember your own name and have a peaceful cup of coffee, you begin to see things more clearly.
I know we all have many lists of books that we plan to read for the summer. Today I am sharing my summer reading list. I have broken it down into three categories: Books for Professional Curiosity, Books for Your Soul and Simply Good Books for Your Enjoyment.
Books for Professional Curiosity
Culturally responsive teaching
Culturally responsive teaching has been a big topic for the past few years. What is it? Where does it come from? And what are its elements? As ESL teachers, we likely are already implementing everything culture sensitivity-related in our classroom. We know the cultural iceberg by heart. Yet, as I mentioned earlier, learning is in our blood, and sometimes it is good to read something we think we know just to learn something new about it.
That’s where the next two books come in. And these are the ones that will allow you to look at your own practices and share the information with classroom teachers.
Culturally responsive teaching and the brain
Culturally responsive teaching: lesson planning for elementary and secondary grades
Collaboration
Collaborating for English Learners: a Foundational Guide for Integrated Practices
In quite a few of my blog and social media posts I talk about collaborating for our English learners’ success. It takes a village, as the saying goes. No matter what your teaching situation – being a sole ESL teacher for the district, or co-teaching with your colleagues in a classroom – this next book will shed some light on the models of collaboration and best practices. For me personally, it offered a welcome sigh of relief that I am actually on the right path!
Newcomer Teaching
The Newcomers: Finding Refuge, Friendship, and Hope in an American Classroom
This next book is on my to-read list for the summer and it is a non-negotiable. First of all, I think reading it is important not only for those who teach newcomer English learners but for one’s own general education. And second of all, I am looking for yet another perspective on how to help out my students and the teachers that I am supporting.
Problem solving
The Art of Coaching: Effective Strategies for School Transformation
Last, but not least, The Art of Coaching. While this book per se is not about teaching English learners but more for the teachers who are tasked with coaching other adults, I felt it necessary to include in this list for several reasons.
First, it is really well written.
Second, as ESL teachers we likely have to coach (whether our title mentions it or not) mainstream teachers about how to work with English learners.
Finally, it will open your eyes to your own belief system and provide you with the tools to help not only yourself but also other teachers.
There are so many good professional reads out there, and these are just a few choices. That’s why I created a board for you with even more titles to choose from! Click HERE to check it out.
Books for Your Soul
7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Here is the excerpt taken from amazon.com “One of the most inspiring and impactful books ever written, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People has captivated readers for 25 years. It has transformed the lives of Presidents and CEOs, educators and parents— in short, millions of people of all ages and occupations.” And I could not agree more. If you have not read this book yet, put it on your summer reading list now.
The Power of Now
In the world of go-go-go and bazillion distractions every second of the day, this book offers a different perspective. The simple truth that we have learned to ignore is that all we have is this moment. And how we deal with it makes our lives into what they are. The Power of Now will make you slow down, go deep into yourself and will open your eyes to the fact that all you have ever wanted is actually already here, now.
Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life by Wayne Dyer
Lao-tzu, an ancient Chinese philosopher, founder of Taoism, wrote 81 verses about human existence. The verses were written well before the birth of Jesus but they are as important today as they were back then. Dr.Wayne Dyer takes us on a journey of each and every one of those verses explaining it in a language and with examples that anyone can relate to. And by doing so, he gently uncovers the world of spiritual, moral and balanced existence.
Simply Good Books for Your Enjoyment
Finally, the following books are perfect to just get away from any kind of work.
All the Rivers by Dorit Rabinyan
This book was introduced to me by my father and let me tell ya – I devoured it in two days. An impossible love story between a young Israeli woman and a Palestinian man set in New York and then back in Israel. So many insights, so many questions, and not enough answers. Very insightfully and beautifully written.
Blackberry Wine by Joanne Harris
When Jay Mackintosh was a boy, he spent his summers with Jackapple Joe, and enjoyed the simplicity and wisdom that the old man had to offer. But Joe disappeared without a warning and left Jay devastated. As an adult, he wrote a book, whose main character was Jackapple Joe, but that was the only bestseller and he did not produce any more. We meet Jay at a time of total stall, lack of inspiration, and at a loss of where to go next. Until he sees an ad for a farmhouse in a remote French village, purchases it and the magic begins to happen.
Silk by Alessandro Baricco
Without going into any detail, I will just say this. The setting is mid 19th century, France and Japan. A love story without words. The writer’s expression is literally like silk as you read it. Read it and you will see for yourself!
And there you have it. Hope this list gave you some ideas and I certainly hope you enjoy at least one of the books mentioned here.
But wait, there’s more! I also created a board with more recommendations of books (and it is constantly updated, so make sure you follow me on kit.co)
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What are your recommended reads for teachers – both professional and for one’s leisure time? Share in the comments below!