Thanks mostly to Goodreads, I have both figurative and literal piles of books waiting for my attention, and even though the professional books in my stack are top-notch, my draw to fiction is hard to resist. Let's face it. I spent nine months knee-deep in all things educational. I deserve a break. Yet as I mention in my book, Gatekeepers: Let's Talk about Teaching, I'm in charge of my own professional development, and spending quality time with authors who know their stuff feeds my teacher heart. So how do I do both? How do I attack that pile of enticing fiction and read about my practice at the same time? Well, I've found a system. I've been intentional.
Every morning after I read my Bible and devotional, I read the next portion of whatever professional book I'm working on. It's become part of my routine, and I have to say, I look forward to it every morning. If I missed it for some reason, I'd be bummed.
So that's my solution to the dilemma. Whether it's fiction or myriad other viable reasons for just not getting the professional reading done, what intentional moves will you make this summer? You're in charge of your own professional development.
Read on, friends.
I so admire your commitment Tammy! :) You have inspired me to pull out some of the books I bought last summer and never read. Happy Reading!
ReplyDeleteThank you Joelle! Now you've got me wondering what books you're going to pull out. :)
DeleteHi Tammy,
ReplyDeleteWhat are your top five professional reads right now? I agree with you about Regie Routman. She inspires me too. I teach 1st in a small Christian school, so I'm always trying to keep up with what is going on in public school so that I can be teaching with excellence no matter where I am. I'm a little behind the ball on reading Daily 5, but have heard so many good things about it that I'm determined to read it this summer. But I am also really drawn to learning about number sense in Math so I have Number Talks by Sherry Parish on my pile too. I love your idea about adding professional reading to the end of your devotional time. Hopefully it will become a helpful discipline!
Hi Tracy! I commend you for tackling Daily 5 and Number Talks. Those are both great reads. I also love: The Book Whisperer, Kids 1st From Day 1, A Mindset for Learning, Reading Essentials, and Writing Essentials. Good luck with your professional reading this summer!
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