Readings

In addition to writing a fair amount, which is evidenced by this here blog, I have been reading a lot this summer. A few of the titles are relevant to the blog and I wanted to share some that I thought were particular rockstars with all of you. I have provided you with links to purchase these titles at Better World Books because I know that after reading this you will want to buy copies for yourself and all of your friends :)

A Reason to Teach: Creating Classrooms of Dignity and Hope by James A. Beane

This book was recommended to me by a fellow member of the Greater Madison Writing Project. One of my current interests is democratic education and this book provides a practical and inspiring way of looking at education as a way to prepare students to participate in and to improve our democracy. It is a hard-hitting read; I found myself wanting to jump and cheer while reading it. Beane challenges the traditional system in a way that seems so obvious - why aren't schools like this already?! This is readable for teachers at any level and I am going to recommend it to all of my staff members.



Place- and Community-Based Education in Schools by Gregory A. Smith and David Sobel


If you are interested in what my school is doing this year and in the coming years (and I know you are!) this book is it. This book has provided me with a touchstone for understanding the basics when it comes to place/community-based education. They are clear and concise as well as helpful for starting projects in your own school or classroom.



Writing America: Classroom Literacy and Public Engagement This one is not available on Better World Books, so this link goes to Amazon. I recommend you buy it used :)

This lovely volume is written by a collection of teachers in the National Writing Project and focuses on their experiences with place-based learning. The experiences range in subject matter and grade level and is full of ideas as to how to engage students in community-based research, inquiry, and journalism.

Lastly, I just finished reading Bossypants by Tina Fey. I was scared by the cover, but I encourage you try to get past that. If you need a laugh after all that school related reading - I highly recommend it :)