Books:

Reading substantive, supportive, inspiring, insightful books, essays, poetry, and people’s thoughts on a host of topics, especially education feed my learner’s mind and heart. I will update this resource page every month with only those writings that you might find helpful. It is good to remember that only a chapter or two, or perhaps, just a particular idea can provide juicy seeds for thought.

Nurture Shock by Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman

Like Malcolm Gladwell’s The Outliers. Bronson and Merryman ask fascinating questions that dig deeply into long held assumptions about children. Such questions as What’s up with praising our kids too much? Why do kids (all kids) lie? Are test scores more important than sleep? The good news is that they support their findings with copious research that bodes well for changing some of our behavior as parents and teachers. I was particularly struck by the chapter on testing for gifted programs prior to kindergarten strongly suggesting that we are missing out on real discovery of talent and gifts by testing so early. The second chapter that stands out is the chapter titled Can Self-Control Be Taught?  So much of the meat of this chapter reflects my own experiences with my children and in the classroom.

Play by Stuart Brown, M.D. with Christopher Vaughan

The subject of this book is very dear to my heart. The subtitle How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul provide all the clues we really need as parents and teachers to once again be committed to play in our lives. We already know from our own experience the power of play in learning how to be that critical thinker, that person who sees another way of doing something, that resilient, resourceful, relaxed person who can manage their life. Remember Einstein’s statement “that we can’t solve the problems we face with the same, tired solutions of the past.”

Reading Magic by Mem Fox

This is one of my all-time favorites. I loved reading all Mem Fox’s children’s books to my kids and now to my grandchildren. Time for Bed, Possum Magic, Tough Boris, many, many others, but my all-time favorite Wombat Divine. Reading Magic is Mem Fox opening her heart and her mind to us. To me, this is essential reading for every teacher and every parent. Believe me, magic is the operative word.

Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv

Loving the outdoors the way I do and leading my school in developing an outstanding outdoor education program, I was thrilled when this book was published.

It is a must-read for every parent, especially now as we fight childhood obesity and the lack of wonder and amazement many of our children miss when they have never camped out, climbed a hill, trekked through piles of leaves, or written a poem after viewing a sunset that left them speechless. It is not only inspiring, it is also a wake-up call to all of us shouting out loud that our children are experience what Louv calls “Nature Deficit Disorder.” His website is filled with many, many ideas and resources.

Whatever It Takes: Geoffrey Canada’s Quest to Change Harlem and America by Paul Tough

Ray Bradbury said “The only part of the world you can change is the part that comes directly into your own hands.” I carry that quote within me all the time, because I believe it is true. Read this book and you will say the same thing. Geoffrey Canada is doing something quite extraordinary. He believes in the potential of every kid in Harlem and he is systematically and consistently finding all the available avenues to bring his belief to fruition. It is happening with great effort and tremendous energy in Canada’s part of the world. Imagine what could happen if all the parents and educators believed in the potential and possibilities of each child?

A Whole New Mind by Daniel Pink

Brain research fascinates me. We are learning so much about how we process information, what triggers responses ranging from creativity to compassion. The use of the fMRI allows us to see those responses and is breaking down old assumptions about how we learn. Daniel Pink has accomplished that with this fascinating book. His six senses of: Design, Story, Symphony, Empathy, Play, Meaning resonate so loudly with my 46 years of experience. I wept with the shared belief in a new future.

Currently Reading: I will report on these next month.

The Book Whisperer – Awakening the Inner Reader in Every Child by Donalyn Miller

Brain Rules by John Medina

The Global Achievement Gap by Tony Wagner

Websites:

Children and Nature network – Richard Louv
richardlouv.com

www.brainrules.net

www.memfox.net

passageworks.com

Holiday Reading

If you are going to read any books on education during your holiday breaks, these are the two I most highly recommend for the very simple reason that they not only pinpoint and understand what is not working in American education, they also pinpoint and document what must happen, why it must happen and how and where it is being done. If you are invested in the future of education, these two books will support your quest.

21^st Century Skills by Bernie Trilling and Charles Fadel

Here is what one of the reviewers has to say about this book. “Trilling and Fadel describe in very readable, practical terms how to infuse 21^st century skills from standards all the way into the classroom. The DVD is full of wonderful ‘ah-ha’ moments to illustrate the possibilities. A terrific traveling companion for educators, parents, and business and government decision makers concerned about the future of our kids.

Paige Johnson – 2009 Chair of the Partnership for 21^st Century Skills; Global K-12 Manager, Intel Corporation

The Global Achievement Gap by Tony Wagner

Why Even Our Best Schools Don’t Teach the New Survival Skills Our Children Need – and What We Can Do About It.

This must read book is not just about the state of our schools today, it is about the future of our nation. Wagner

points us in a direction that each of us can follow and implement. He cuts through all the complexity, the polarization, the posing and comes to grips with what must occur to get us back on track. It is a roadmap leading to a re-thinking of how to educate our children for the 21^st century.

These educators point the way to a bright and possible future for our children. Will it be another example of ignoring their wisdom and doing so at great peril?