Summer Professional Reading

I try to stay current on best practice and research related to literacy instruction all year by reading as much as I can on the topic. The school year can be extremely busy, so I find I don't always have as much time for reading professional books during these months as I would like. With more flexible days, summer provides the perfect opportunity to delve into professional reading. These are the books that are on my to-be-read list for the upcoming summer.

Books I Plan to Read...

The Art of Comprehension: Exploring Visual Texts to Foster Comprehension, Conversation, and Confidence by Trevor Andrew Bryan

I have gotten to talk with Trevor about his book and with a teacher who has implemented some of his ideas and I am really intrigued. Many of the books I read on literacy instruction confirm a lot of what I know about teaching kids to read and write, but I'm thinking this book will give me a perspective I haven't thought about before.

Brain Words: How the Science of Reading Informs Teaching by J. Richard Gentry and Gene P. Ouellette

I am fascinated by how the brain is able to learn the complex process of reading. This book is on my summer reading list because I want to know more about the research concerning the brain and how children learn to read.

Breathing New Life Into Book Clubs: A Practical Guide for Teachers by Sonja Cherry-Paul and Dana Johansen

I have read Sonja and Dana's previous books and seen them present and they always have practical suggestions for enhancing literacy instruction. I am looking forward to their thoughts on implementing book clubs.

Building Bigger Ideas: A Process for Teaching Purposeful Talk by Maria Nichols

Engaging students in authentic conversations that drive their literacy learning can be a challenge, so I find books about classroom talk useful. I'm hoping to read this book for some new ideas.

Spark! Quick Writes to Kindle Hearts and Minds in Elementary Classrooms by Paula Bourque

Students need frequent opportunities to write to build their writing fluency and to grow their skills as writers. Providing opportunities for students to engage in "quick writes," low-stakes writing, is something I've always wanted to incorporate more into my lessons. I'm hoping this book gives me the jumpstart I need.

Understanding Texts and Readers: Responsive Comprehension Instruction with Leveled Text by Jennifer Serravallo

This book is on my list because I bought it months ago and still have not gotten around to reading it. Leveled texts are great tools when there is thought and care put into how they are used within literacy instruction. This book is sure to enhance my thinking around the use of leveled texts.