I'm a Bookaholic

My name is Sandy, and I'm a bookaholic. 

I love opening up the first page of a new book and discovering the creative way this author will draw me in to their story. I relish being in the middle of a book: far enough in to be completely lost in the characters and their dilemmas, yet quite a distance from the end that I know anything can still happen. Then, there are the final few chapters, when I simultaneously drag my feet (not wanting it to be over) and speed read to discover the plot's resolution. 

I enjoy watching my bookmark make its way through the pages of a mammoth novel, traveling through the story's highs and lows with beloved and despised characters. Yet, I stick a shorter one in there from time to time so I can devour it in one sitting. My favorite genre is science fiction, but I love an emotional YA realistic fiction filled with drama and teenage angst. Granted, there was plenty of teenage angst and drama in most of the science fiction I've read this summer. 

I brought home a box of about 50 books from my classroom library to read over the summer. Books that I bought during the year that I haven't yet had a chance to read. Books that students raved about and were never on my library shelves. Books outside my preferred genre that I decided deserved a chance. Books I want to read so I can book talk them to my new students (channeling Donalyn Miller and Teri Lesesne). 

I'm such a book junkie, however, that I've hardly touched that box. Instead, I've engaged in my summer addiction at the public library. My heart races every time I head to the YA section to see which new titles are available. I'll spend time reading the book flaps to see which stories I want to dive into. I'll scan the shelves for books the librarian stood with covers facing out to entice us readers. I do the same in my classroom, so I know they are books worth checking out. I'll seek out authors I've read and loved since they're also solid choices. Then, there are the titles suggested via tweets or blog posts by respected book junkies like myself. Chats like #titletalk increase the likelihood of another huge stack at the public library checkout counter. I've read over 30 books this summer that I didn't even know existed at the end of last school year. I'm so glad I did, but that original box of 50 is still waiting.

Today, I am driving ten hours home from a wonderful visit with family. After finishing a book, I Am Shadow, last night, I had a slight case of withdrawals when I started driving this morning. I have no current book. No first pages read and no characters that I'm getting to know. No plot that's thickening. No twists or a-ha moments. No bookmark in any book. No worries since I have many books to choose from while my son takes over driving for a few hours. (I brought a large book bag full.) 

I'm excited as I consider which book to sink my teeth into next. I know there's another engaging plot and interesting characters to discover, all contained in its pages. Maybe it will be one of my favorites: science fiction or realistic fiction. Maybe that exciting new fantasy everyone's talking about. Maybe one of the books I brought home back in June. 

I love all of these feelings, and I want classes full of bookaholics next year. Students who enjoy reading for pleasure. Students who have and rely on either physical or online book stacks. Students who move their bookmarks as fast or slow as their lives allow. Students who have a favorite genre, but give other books a chance when a peer (or teacher) recommends them. Students who are addicted to reading and might even experience similar "I'm in between books" withdrawal. Students who don't need an incentive or reading log for motivation. 

If I do my job well, I'll create or stimulate students' book additions. When that happens, consider my ELA class one big self-help group.

Who I Read For

Every summer, I read lots of books. I mean lots! Yes, I read for pleasure because I truly love reading. However, I also read for my students. Students I haven't met. Lives I know nothing about. Struggles I have yet to hear. Joys I have yet to share. Children whose lives will soon become intertwined with mine. Names, faces, and hearts that will become part of my world. So, yes, I read books in the hope that I can find titles and stories that my students need. Books that I can put in their hands at just the right time. So far this summer, here's who I read for.

I read We All Looked Up for students who need to appreciate the little moments in life. Those who enjoy stories of the "what ifs" of catastrophic events. Those who have read books like Life as We Know it

I read Shooter for students who may have questions about gun control laws or who struggle with feelings of isolation. Those who like books written in a different format. Those who liked Nineteen Minutes.

I read Memory Key for fans of science fiction. Those who find government control of people's minds creepy, yet alluring. Fans of Bar Code Tattoo and Unwind.

I read Make Lemonade for students who like down-on-your-luck stories with a plucky main character. Those who need an "I can overcome obstacles" tale, especially one with a female lead.

I read Between the Lines for students who like Jodi Picoult books with teen main characters, like My Sister's Keeper and The Pact. Those who are interested in the idea of characters from a book interacting (and falling in love) with their readers. Those who are intrigued by the idea that book characters lead a different life when the book is shut. (The companion book, Off the Page, is on my book stack. I'm sure my students and I will enjoy it as well.)

I read Ignite Me and Unravel Me for students who read and loved the first book in the trilogy, Shatter Me. Those who wonder what it would be like to never be able to touch anyone, for fear of killing them. Those who fear the idea of the wrong people harnessing that power for evil.

I read This World We Live In, The Dead and the Gone, and The Shade of the Moon for students who loved Life as We Knew It. Those who want to hear other perspectives of a world where a meteor pushes the moon off its axis, causing havoc. Those who need other points of view to help make sense of a tragedy.

I read Blood Wounds for students who like Susan Beth Pfeffer and realistic fiction stories with characters who are either hunted or on the run. Also, for those who like a back story that the main character didn't see coming.

I read Blood Will Tell for students who (like me) love April Henry "Point Last Seen" mysteries. Those who would like to put themselves in the shoes of a teenage search and rescue team, and who love trying to solve the crime before the main character does. Those who think adults don't give kids enough credit.

I read Claim to Fame and House on the Gulf for fans of Margaret Peterson Haddix books (like Game Changer, Double Identity, Turnabout and Full Ride). Those who liked the Among the Hidden and The Missing series and who sometimes want a little science fiction mixed in with their realistic fiction. Those who want science fiction books with female main characters and not much romance or violence.

I read The Bunker Diary for students who like a good kidnapping/adventure story. Those who revel in ambiguity: who are ok with all the loose ends not necessarily being tied up. Those who like to analyze a criminal's motives.

I read What Waits in the Woods for students who like to get a little scared when they read. Those who think hiking in the woods with the feeling like someone is watching you is exciting and terrifying. Those who like scary movies.

I read The Five Stages of Andrew Brawley for students who like to root for the misunderstood or isolated kids. Those who may have trouble fitting in, or those who like family and relationship drama.

I read Bruiser for fans of Neal Shusterman (like me). For those who like science fiction with the emotional pull of realistic fiction. Those who appreciate a loner they will care deeply about within the first few pages. Those who love a good story of friendship.

I read Grasshopper Jungle for students who like gory science fiction-the more unrealistic, the better. Those who like a story written the way teenagers think, like Winger. Relatable, raw and real. (Excited to read and introduce students to Andrew Smith's new book Stand-Off, due out in September.)

I read Boys Don't Knit (in Public) for students who feel they need to keep their hobbies and interests secret for fear of ridicule. Those who are intrigued by the title and maybe even those who want to learn the ins and outs of the knitting world.

I read Challenger Deep for students who are ready for a fabulous ride through the mind of someone with mental illness. Those who love Neal Shusterman's writing and wonder how he can blend an adventure tale on the high seas a la Pirates of the Caribbean with teenage life in a mental hospital.

I read Lost in the Sun for students who feel for characters who can't catch a break. Those who relate to small incidents that seem to magnify in the middle school setting. Those who loved Fish in a Tree and Absolutely Almost.

I read 13 Story Treehouse for students who like series books. Those who appreciate lots of pictures in their chapter books. Those who like wild stories and creativity. Fans of Timmy Failure, My Life as a _____, and The Creature From My Closet books.

I read None of the Above for students who feel disconnected with their gender, for whatever reason. Those who are misunderstood, or those who need to understand others' differences. Those who love a great story of friendship and acceptance.

I read Me Being Me is Exactly as Insane as You Being You for students as intrigued as I was about a story told only in lists. Those who have a gay parent, friend or family member. Those who struggle with who they are supposed to be. Those who like stories with characters on a journey of self-discovery.

I read Call Me By My Name for students who seek to understand a time when the color of one's  skin directly affected friendships and opportunities. Those who need to read about characters who are brave in the face of hatred. Fans of The Lions of Little Rock. Those who like a good football glory story.

I read Vanishing Girls for students who are fans of Lauren Oliver books like Panic, Before I Fall, and the Delirium trilogy. Those who like a great teenage rebellion drama. Those who like mysterious circumstances and twists. (I can't wait to introduce students to her new MG book, Curiosity House: The Shrunken Head, out in September)

I read Be Not Afraid for students who like horror movies. Fans of supernatural and creepy stories. Those who can handle being scared out of their wits.

I read Awkward for students who love graphic novels. Those who worry about fitting into middle school and wonder if they would be upstanders or bystanders. Those who liked Drama, Sisters, Smile and Roller Girl.

I read A Handful of Stars for students who like a good dog story. Those who enjoy stories of unlikely friendships and characters who challenge norms and expectations. those who liked Because of Winn Dixie.

I read Pivot Point for students who have a tough time making decisions and would jump at the opportunity to search into the futures of both choices. Those who wonder what would happen if we could harness more of our brain's potential. (I am excited to recommend the sequel, Split Second, out earlier this year.)

I read Cut for students who struggle with self-injury. Those who are trying to understand a peer who cuts to escape the pain. Those who want to root for a character to find a way to deal with her mental illness.

I read By the Time You Read This, I'll Be Dead for any student either contemplating suicide or with symptoms of depression. Those who have been bullied and need to read about a character like themselves. Or those who seek to understand what goes on inside the heads of teens who think death is the only option. Fans of Thirteen Reasons Why would like this story.

I read Circus Mirandus for students who love magic, the circus, mean old aunts, and wonderfully mysterious old grandfathers. Those who enjoy unlikely friendships and fantastical journeys. Those who hope for a happy ending right up until the last page. Those who loved The Real Boy.

I read Extraordinary Means for students who are intrigued by the possibility of previously eradicated plagues resurfacing. Those who wonder what they would do if infected with tuberculosis. Those who loved John Green's The Fault in Our Stars.
I read Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (graphic novel) for students who are not ready for the novels, but need a gateway. Those who like Greek mythology and/or other graphic novels.

Currently, I am reading I Become Shadow for students who love science fiction. Those who think the idea of people trained to be human weapons, protecting valuable citizens of the future, sounds right up their alley. Fans of Hunger Games and Divergent.

Next, I will read Tesla's Attic for students who love Neal Shusterman's books. (I guess I read a few books for these students. Yes, I am a Neal Shusterman fan.) Those who like the idea of a strange magnetic vortex in the attic, which causes objects to have extraordinary properties. Those interested in Nikola Tesla and a book with scientific details as explanations for wild occurrences.

I read for myself and my students. I'll keep reading on their behalf.

Maybe my next book will be the perfect one to recommend to a student who just hasn't found the right book. YET.

Multiple Personalities

The more books and blogs I read from my education mentors, the more confused I become.

I have found the best ideas from the brightest and most innovative educators, but they can't all fit inside my head.

Luckily, I found a solution. Take the best piece of each one and work to make it part of who I am as a teacher. Give in to the multiple personalities, so to speak.

Instead of trying to be Donalyn Miller, the book whisperer, I'll take her passion for helping students find the right books for them. I will talk about the books I read and give students time to read every day in my classroom because that's what I value. I won't bog students down with language arts and crafts. I will be nerdy.

Instead of trying to be Kelly Gallagher, I will take his passion for avoiding Readicide and guiding students through the six real-world writing purposes. I will write (sneeze) in front of my students and never teach a book to death. I will always consider what is in the best interest of my students.

Instead of trying to be Erik Palmer, I'll take his passion for teaching effective communication skills. I will teach PVLEGS from day 1, provide tons of practice and make speaking and listening an integral part of my ELA curriculum. I will also teach students how to build a speech and help them understand the difference between argument and persuasion.

Instead of trying to be Kyleen Beers and Bob Probst, I'll take their passion for finding signposts in fiction (and soon to be non-fiction) in order to help my students make connections to achieve better understanding. I'll help students ask questions to push their thinking.

Instead of trying to be Dave Burgess, I'll take his passion for creating experiences and hooking students into an excitement for learning. I'll look for ways to immerse my students in what we are doing and transform my lessons. I'll share my personal passion with students and build rapport with play-doh, Legos,  and the occasional teacher-flying-around-the-room-like-an-airplane experience.

Instead of trying to be Paul Solarz, I'll take his passion for students leading the classroom and I'll create a climate of mutual respect. I'll use "give me five" and allow all students to feel the responsibility for the way the classroom is run. I'll use peer feedback and eportfolio reflections to help students take ownership of their learning.

Instead of trying to be Matt Miller, I'll take his passion for creating a digital, paperless classroom and ditch my "textbook" ELA curriculum in favor of experiences that engage my students. I will look beyond textbooks and worksheets and give my students freedom to connect with the world outside our classroom.

Instead of trying to be the fabulous members of my PLN (you know who you are), I'll take their passionate ideas and find ways to incorporate them into my own. I'll continue to read their blog posts, scroll through their tweets, listen to their Voxes and scan their emails. I know that I can't be just like them, but I'm happy that even a little part of their brilliance can be shared with my students.

How lucky my students are to have a teacher with  multiple personalities.

My PD Stack

Feeling overwhelmed just looking at my PD stack.

The stack of PD books from teachers and authors I deeply admire. Who've written words that I believe in and who have shared strategies that I know will help my students learn, create, collaborate and engage in learning.
The stack of PD books that I purchased, read, highlighted and fell in love with.
The stack of PD books that has grown over the years as new teachers and authors generously share their wisdom and what they have found works for their students.
The stack of PD books that I'm rereading this summer as I prepare for this new stop on my teaching journey-6th grade ELA at middle school.
The stack of PD books that, quite honestly, contains a wealth of teaching goodness that can't possibly fit into my 53 minute/5 days a week/36 weeks a year teaching time next year.

There are many books in my PD stack with ready-to-use activities and surveys and lists. I'm in the midst of finding ways to replace boring methods with these new, more engaging ideas to meet the 70+ ELA standards I am expected to teach my students this year. Some methods need to be adapted to my age group (11-12 yr olds), but all will only happen if they are what the students in my classes need-once I meet them.

There are books in my stacks that help me better understand how to engage my students in reading, writing, speaking and listening. A few books contain best practice in teaching and using various technology. We will be 1:1 iPads next year, so I need this support to help both me and my students in our digital (somewhat paperless) classroom.

Most of the books inspire a change in mindset and many have transformed my teaching philosophy. These books might change the layout of my room or the decor on my classroom walls. They might influence the way I confer with students, how I structure my schedule, or the frequency of peer collaboration. Others will definitely impact how I engage my students and hook them into learning.

These shifts in philosophy don' take time out of the 53 minutes I have each day with students in my ELA classes. However, it takes time to process, time to discover how they mesh with prior philosophies, and time to incorporate into lessons I'll share with my students. It's often these philosophical PD books that take the most planning time because they are woven into the fiber of my teacher being. They guide every decision I make in the students' best interests.

Yes, the stack is tall and overwhelming. At this point in the summer, I am reading and picking out the best of these PD books based on what I think my students will need. They are starting middle school: a critical time to either turn them on to reading, writing and speaking or to turn them off. Honestly, any and all of the strategies and ideas from these incredible teachers and authors will benefit my students.

Like I said, there's just not time to do it all. Once my students feel and experience the joys of reading and writing, and I get to know them, I'll return to these stacks and choose what they need next. In the meantime, my PD stack will continue to grow (I already have 2 books coming soon), and my philosophy will continue to shape and mold my teaching.

Overwhelmed? Yes.
Feeling lucky to teach on the shoulders of my PD stack mentors? Most definitely, yes!

The Little #stu2stuchat That Could!

Last fall, I had an idea.

I had fallen in love with Twitter chats. Through my participation, I met many amazing educators, shared philosophies and teaching ideas, formed friendships and found inspiration to connect my students to the world outside our classroom.

I joined in a number of different chats over the spring and summer, with every one filling a need and giving me an online voice, or presence. As I looked ahead to the 2014-15 school year and thought about what I could do to give my students that same voice, I came up with an idea.

A student Twitter chat.

One of my favorite group of Twitter friends is made up of amazing #5thchat educators. I love my Teach Like a Pirate crew, but since I teach 5th grade- these are my "people." (We do have our fair share of pirates in this group as well.)

Before school started, I reached out to this group and a few other awesome educators I'd met on Twitter, and started a Google Spreadsheet of Connectivity. I asked these educators if they would be willing to collaborate throughout the year via blogs, Skypes, etc. Overwhelmingly, they shared their information and our group was formed.

We have Skyped together, had our kids comment on each others' blog posts, collaborated on TodaysMeet, and participated in a book chat for Smoky Night by Eve Bunting, led by the incomparable Jess Lifshitz @JessLifTeach . Last week, a few of us started a 5thchatters Voxer group, with the goal of collaborating around a shared book, using padlet. Plans are in the works.

This post, however, is not about those collaborations. It's about that student Twitter chat, called (with input from the group), #stu2stuchat .

There didn't seem to be anything else out there like it. So, we started with just a few of our classes. The purpose was for our students to chat with each other. At first, they were learning the ins and outs of Twitter, from hashtags and character limits to retweets and answering questions with A1, A2. We were working on digital citizenship in real time. In the beginning, my students were so excited when our tweets would get retweeted or favorited.

However, something clicked in me, realizing I was not practicing what I preach. We learn more from listening to the ideas of others rather than doing the talking ourselves. I needed to shift the tide and help my students see that the real value in Twitter chats is what others bring to the conversation. We lurked for a chat, when I moderated. We read the comments from the participating classes, and retweeted and favorited those tweets that resonated with us. Yes, we learned much more that way.

Over the past few months, my students have chatted with other classes about books they like, engaging math lessons, #oneword and New Year's Resolutions, speaking/listening, and being leaders.

Just this past Wednesday, we had our largest number of students participating. The topic was passion, genius and wondering. I was amazed at how quickly the time flew! Our four questions, starting with one that asked students to define the difference between these three concepts (if any) generated a wealth of passionate ingenious ideas! Since Angela Maiers is such a champion of the #youmatter movement and encourages students to share their genius, I alerted her to our little chat. Lo and behold, she joined in, offering her insight and wisdom. #daymade It was a huge moment for our little chat!

Fellow teachers like Kim @khurdhorst , Heidi @MrsJones_Merton , Paul @PaulSolarz and Jess @JessLifTeach helped promote the bi-monthly chats on Twitter, Facebook and Voxer. We even were featured on the @edtechbaton (thanks to Kim) one day. This recent chat was also a first for a few other reasons. A fellow teacher, Leslie @LPralleKeehn 's 3rd grade daughter tweeted from home on her snow day, while fellow Health/PE teacher Jenny @JennyWamsley had her classes compose written answers to the questions, with a few of her students live tweeting as well.

In the tweeted words of Angela Maiers, "It is so beautiful and affirming to see so many students talking about their passions!" I couldn't agree more.

Our next #stu2stuchat is scheduled for Wednesday, March 11th from 2:10-2:30 pm CST. My students hope you can join us to discuss "What motivates you?"

Give your students a voice outside your classroom. Aren't you just the slightest bit interested to hear what they will say?

Mutual Admiration Society (MAS)

This post is inspired in part by a dear Twitter friend, Jess Lifshitz @JessLifTeach . Actually, it's directly influenced by a few incredible tweets she recently posted.

The first was about one of her students, whose op-ed piece was published in their local paper. The other tweet was about @TheWeirdTeacher (Doug Robertson) reading a book to her students via Skype.

Both of these tweets just scream awesomeness! Both are phenomenal opportunities for her students. Both could make me, a fellow 5th grade teacher green with envy. But they don't. That's because we are part of a growing Mutual Admiration Society (MAS) on Twitter. For a while now, I've joked with Jess that I am the president of her fan club. However, she doesn't need me in her fan club since we have a mutual respect for the passion we each bring to our students in our respective classrooms. We are excited for each other's highs (like when both of us had our first Nerdy Book Club posts within the same week), and support each other during the stresses and struggles of a job we love that can often leave little time for the people we love the most...our families.

It would be too easy to become jealous of the wonderful ideas and creativity shared by my Twitter PLN. However, the power of a MAS keeps everything in perspective. I surround myself with an amazing group of educators at all levels, from teachers to administrators. Here are just a few.

Greg Armamentos @dashthebook writes an incredible blog, leads a running club, and inspires his students to become service-minded. He's in my MAS.

Heidi Jones @MrsJones_Merton has her students create and film a monthly video newsletter, leads the pirate movement at her school (along with her fabulous principal), and brings the joy to all she meets with her "awesomesauce." She's a fellow pirate in my MAS.

Scott Akerson @MrA47 seeks out every opportunity to connect his students using technology. My students and I have been lucky to be collaborating on our third project with his classes. He is another pirate in my MAS.

Erik Palmer @erik_palmer is an author and speaker, but at his core-an incredible teacher. He leads by example, spreading the message that teaching speaking & listening is critical to student success. He's in my MAS.

Jenny Wamsley @JennyWamsley teaches Health/PE, and knows the value of accessing her resources to learn and use any available tech tool in her lessons. Recently, she integrated literature into her health classes to engage her students. She's also a Voxer queen, who is a master of voice motivation in the mornings. She's in my MAS.

Brad Gustafson @GustafsonBrad and Mark French @PrincipalFrench are elementary principals in my home state of Minnesota. Both are leaders in their buildings and districts. They also serve as leaders among principals all over the state and the larger Twitter community. However, it's their devotion to their students and passion for their profession that inspires me. They are both in my MAS.

Shauna Pollock @misspollock and Melissa Eddington @melsa777 started the Weird Teacher book club on Twitter and Voxer. They share amazing stories and have organizational skills galore. Shauna recently invited a few of us on #weirdtbc into a collaborative story writing project, which Melissa and I jumped on. They are both in my MAS.

This is just a snapshot of a few members of my MAS. I could go on and on describing its many members, since I never cease to be amazed by all of the brilliance surrounding me on Twitter. Instead of letting the noise of their accolades drown out my voice, this idea of a Mutual Admiration Society lets all of our accomplishments sing in the choir. We take pride in each other's successes. We celebrate the exciting projects in each other's classrooms, and often get our own students involved. We don't let jealousy cause us to feel unworthy, because we know we are better when surrounded by an inspirational PLN.

I'll bet you are part of a Mutual Admiration Society, too. Just look around you.

I Feel Like I'm Home Again

Oh, Kelly Gallagher! How you have forever changed my teaching for the better.

I have always loved teaching reading and writing, but it wasn't until a colleague introduced me to Readicide four years ago that I was on my way to becoming the teacher I am today.

Yes, Readicide was the beginning, I read it cover to cover and felt like he was speaking right to me. Then came Reading Reasons, which I lovingly shared with all of my students on a mission to spread the importance of reading. Next was Deeper Reading, which pushed me further away from novel packets, worksheets and arts & crafts. This book empowered me to encourage deep book discussions, and caused me to lose my remaining grip on literal questions as the only way to check for understanding. 

Finally came Write Like This. Two years ago, I had the absolute pleasure of attending a 3-day writing workshop from my reading/writing hero. I went alone, paid my own way, and soaked up every bit of writing knowledge from Mr. Gallagher himself. When I had the opportunity to meet him and shake his hand, he signed my Write Like This book, with its numerous dog-eared and highlighted pages, chock full of post-its. The funny thing was, just about every lesson he shared, I had engaged my students with wild success. Hearing him share the reasoning behind these writing activities, and watching him talk the talk, was nothing short of amazing. I got a photo with him, which I had made into a framed 8x10 and now proudly display in my classroom (and on my website). My former students returned to my room that fall to see the picture I promised I would have, and I didn't disappoint. 

Kelly Gallagher was the reason I joined Twitter (because he said it was the best thing any teacher could do). His forward in Erik Palmer's Well Spoken was the reason I bought that book, which transformed my teaching of speaking and listening. (That's a whole other story!)

Now, I am devouring his latest book, In the Best Interest of Students. The print book will come a bit later, but I'm reading the ebook now. Again, I am wowed by his educational pedagogy that is right on the money. I especially love the way he breaks down what the text says, what the text does and what the text means. I appreciate the lengthy section devoted to sharpening speaking and listening skills, which is a huge focus in my classroom. Also, I love the overall idea that we must stay true to what is best for our students, no matter how strong the pull is away from that.

Although he is preaching to the choir in my case, his words bear repeating to the masses. There's something about the wisdom of Kelly Gallagher that rekindles the belief in my teaching methods. I don't over teach a novel because of him. I move beyond the four corners of a text because of him. I teach students that you get better at reading by writing, and better at writing by reading because of him. I teach the Six Real-World Writing Purposes because of him. My students are the lucky benefactors of Kelly Gallagher's wisdom, but I am the lucky vessel through which they experience it.

Go now. Run. Get your copy of In the Best Interest of Students. You won't regret it!