My Summer TBR List

So - this list is actually a wish list. I am not likely to have the time to read all of these books or the financial resources necessary to purchase all of them. I currently own a few titles and I am on a library waitlist for others. I will rely on Twitter and blog friends for reviews to help me determine which titles actually make the I've READ list by the end of the summer! Click on each title for a link to the book.

Here we go.......


More Than Guided Reading by Cathy Mere 

I learn so much by following @CathyMere on Twitter. When I found out that she had a book about reading I knew I wanted to check it out! I truly believe guided reading is just one component in a successful literacy program, and I look forward to reading Cathy's thoughts on how to implement other aspects of reading instruction.

Assessment in Perspective: Focusing on the Readers Behind the Numbers

I teach in an independent school and I am lucky in that we are not as affected by standardized tests as our counterparts (students and teachers) in the public schools. However, assesssment is always an important topic. After reading So What Do They Really Know? Assessment that Informs Teaching and Learning  by Chris Tovani last year, I became intrigued with the various forms of assessment and the ways that assessment can impact instruction. I am always on the lookout for books that will help me improve the assessment/learning connection.

Smarter Charts K -2: Optimizing an Instructional Staple to Create Independent Readers and Writers

I believe in the power of anchor charts, and I am ready to examine any resource that can help me make better use of this essential component of mini-lessons.

Connected From the Start by Kathy Cassidy (@kathycassidy) - one of my teaching heroes!

Kathy has been influential in my teaching practice - she is a fellow first grade teacher, and I ♥ to see all that she makes possible for her young students. She is a constant motivation to me and I can't wait to delve further into her book. It is an e-book, complete with videos and links. Why would I expect anything different from Kathy? - she is all about being connected, and this book is a real example of that connectedness! (Not sure if that is a word, but it seems to fit Kathy!)

Mastering the Basic Math Facts in Addition and Subtraction: Strategies, Activities, and Interventions to Move Students Beyond Memorization

Whew! THAT is a long title. I am reading this book as part of a summer book study. I have only read the first two chapters, but I am finding that there is a lot to use and apply right away. It complements Math Work Stations - a book I read last summer and would highly reccommend.

Rules in School

This book is actually my (sort of) assigned summer reading. My school is a Responsive Classroom school and all faculty members were asked to choose one of four Responsive Classroom books.  There are MANY more than four books, be we wanted to have discussions based on specific books when we return for the new school year. I have read many of these books and I have found all of them to be helpful in implementing responsive classroom practices. My absolute favorite Responsive Classroom book is The First Six Weeks of School and I reread this book every August. It is my guide to creating a community of learners from the start.

Number Talks

I started using number talks last year, but I have never been trained in the use of number talks, so I am sure I could learn a lot from this book.

How Children Succeed

I am on my school's ethical literacy team, and this book was given to all team members at some point during the school year. I just never got around to reading it. I have heard enough about this book from colleagues to know going in to the book that I will agree with the basic premise: character is essential to success.

Teach Like a Pirate

From the Amazon book description:
             "Based on Dave Burgess's popular "Outrageous Teaching" and "Teach Like a PIRATE" seminars, this book offers inspiration, practical techniques, and innovative ideas that will help you to increase student engagement, boost your creativity, and transform your life as an educator."
What teacher would NOT want what this book offers?! There is even a Teach Like a Pirate online book club.  Check out Paul Solarz' (@PaulSolarz) class blog for more info:  What's Going on in Mr. Solarz' Class?

Comprehension and Collaboration: Inquiry Circles in Action

I don't know a lot about this book, but there has been a buzz about it on Twitter. For me, there are three main words that make it worth taking a look - comprehension, collaboration, and inquiry. These three words sum up much of what I strive for in my classroom. I will be looking for reviews of this book to determine if is is just a "maybe" or a definite on my TBR list!

There are so many more titles I could add, and I will probably extend this list after discovering other #cyberpd suggestions. I know I will at least read the book selected by the creators of #cyberpd - Laura Komos at Our Camp Read-a-Lot, Jill Fisch at My Primary Passion and Cathy Mere at Reflect and Refine.

Remember to check out the #CyberPD hashtag on Twitter for a sneak peek at TBR piles!

While I enjoy reading professional titles, I will also make plenty of time for summer pleasure reading. Teachers who seek to help students become passionate, connected readers need to make personal reading selections that are simply about the joy of reading. Let the reading begin!