I have a problem. I consistently read too many books at one time. I am almost always reading at least two books, sometimes it's three or four. Here's why I think it happens.
I finish one Really Awesome book. Then I start a new book. The new book is not as awesome as the just finished Really Awesome book. I feel anxious about not loving the book. I go to my reserve of books to be read and pick another. I start it. I feel bad about leaving the other book. It was a book I wanted to read. I should keep reading it. But I like this second book I just started. Oh, I should also be reading a professional development book (usually something related to reading or teaching or education). I'll pick one from my stack and read that "during the day" like it's "work". So now I have three books going. Then along comes some Facebook post, or a cool book on display at the library, or a friend with some book recommendation. I'm excited to start a SUPER AWESOME book! So I can't wait until I'm finished with the three I have going. I MUST START ANOTHER BOOK NOW. And there you have it, I'm reading four books at once.
At this very moment I'm reading Wringer by Jerry Spinelli, The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier, Matilda by Roald Dahl, and Mindset by Carol Dweck. I'm about to download a book to my Kindle too. Shoot. That will be five. I will try to finish once tomorrow so I can keep a good balance between just four books.
Someone please tell me I'm not the only one who does this!
Saturday, June 27, 2015
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Books to Read Again and Again
I'm not typically one of those people who likes to watch my favorite movies over and over again. Except Mary Poppins twice a day with my sister while we were growing up. And Grease a few times a year through high school. And every now and then I like to watch The Jerk. And every year at Christmas I like to watch Elf. But that's it. I'm not a repeat movie watcher.
What about books? I found this post about 100 Books to Reread and felt bad after reading this quote from Oscar Wilde, "If one cannot enjoy reading a book over and over again, there is no use in reading it at all." But then I thought, why feel bad? People don't have to read a book again and and again to enjoy it, right? So, like with movies, I'm not really a repeat book reader. Once I read it I'm usually done (except for pictures books when I read them to kids). But, again like the movies, there are a few exceptions to my once and done reading habit.
I'm sure I'm not the only person who likes to read and reread this classic. It's just so good. I think I just read it last year, but maybe I'll pull it out and read it again in the fall, when I finish my summer reading list!
I loved Roald Dahl's books growing up and I did an author study of him for a children's literature class in college. I think Matilda is one of my favorites from Dahl. I love the tricks she plays on her dad. I love her teacher Miss Honey. And most of all, I love Matilda's love of books! I'm actually reading this book right now with my husband because he claims he NEVER READ IT!! Tragedy!
I LOVED when my second grade teacher, Mrs. Grady, read The Boxcar Children to our class. I loved it so much that I played "boxcar children" with friends at recess. We pretended we didn't have a home and collected sticks and leaves and made our fires and cooked our food. I wonder if these friends still remember doing this. I recently read the book again and while I was glad I still remembered most of the story, I found I definitely enjoyed this better as a second grader than as a 30-something adult reading it!
I really think these might be the only books I have read more than once. Is that weird? Do you read books again and again? What titles do you return to?
What about books? I found this post about 100 Books to Reread and felt bad after reading this quote from Oscar Wilde, "If one cannot enjoy reading a book over and over again, there is no use in reading it at all." But then I thought, why feel bad? People don't have to read a book again and and again to enjoy it, right? So, like with movies, I'm not really a repeat book reader. Once I read it I'm usually done (except for pictures books when I read them to kids). But, again like the movies, there are a few exceptions to my once and done reading habit.
I'm sure I'm not the only person who likes to read and reread this classic. It's just so good. I think I just read it last year, but maybe I'll pull it out and read it again in the fall, when I finish my summer reading list!
I loved Roald Dahl's books growing up and I did an author study of him for a children's literature class in college. I think Matilda is one of my favorites from Dahl. I love the tricks she plays on her dad. I love her teacher Miss Honey. And most of all, I love Matilda's love of books! I'm actually reading this book right now with my husband because he claims he NEVER READ IT!! Tragedy!
I LOVED when my second grade teacher, Mrs. Grady, read The Boxcar Children to our class. I loved it so much that I played "boxcar children" with friends at recess. We pretended we didn't have a home and collected sticks and leaves and made our fires and cooked our food. I wonder if these friends still remember doing this. I recently read the book again and while I was glad I still remembered most of the story, I found I definitely enjoyed this better as a second grader than as a 30-something adult reading it!
I really think these might be the only books I have read more than once. Is that weird? Do you read books again and again? What titles do you return to?
Thursday, June 11, 2015
Confession
I would say I read a lot. While I've never counted how many books I read in a year, I would guesstimate I read at least 20. This year I am keeping track and so far I've read 15 (novels/nonfiction/etc.) and I'm working on books 16, 17, and 18 to be finished by the end of this month. I know a person can't possibly read all the books out there, but I can't help but feel like I've failed when I think about all the classic, celebrated, acclaimed books I have NOT read. Here's a different book list, the ones I haven't read but probably should.
Please don't judge.
This is just a start. There's plenty of others I know I should probably attempt. This list of 100 books everyone should read was helpful in writing this post. I can confidently say I have read 20 of the 100. There are several that I know I've started, or thought about reading, but can't remember if I've read. There are also a few that have been on my "to read" list for a while. I guess I have a lot more reading to do! Which ones have you read? What books have you not read but know you should? What book do I need to put at the top of my list?
Please don't judge.
This is just a start. There's plenty of others I know I should probably attempt. This list of 100 books everyone should read was helpful in writing this post. I can confidently say I have read 20 of the 100. There are several that I know I've started, or thought about reading, but can't remember if I've read. There are also a few that have been on my "to read" list for a while. I guess I have a lot more reading to do! Which ones have you read? What books have you not read but know you should? What book do I need to put at the top of my list?
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
Motivation: TED Talks
I like TED Talks. The goal, according to the website, is to "share Ideas Worth Spreading". I really love when someone on Facebook has "liked" a Talk and I'm exposed to some passionate person sharing some idea that makes me think. I wish I was in a TED Talk club (like a book club but with video watching) to discuss the ideas from the various Talks.
If you read comments on some of the videos, you'll find plenty of people discussing and disagreeing with the speakers. When I watch a video, I tend be swept up by the speaker's passion. I think that's why these videos can be so powerful. And why they can spark so much discussion. A few of my favorites, about education, are below.
This is a fairly recent (May 2015) Talk from a principal who shares how she has attempted to turn around some failing schools in Philadelphia. I liked her "so what, now what" principle.
This teacher's perspective on being a champion for every child was refreshing. She speaks about the importance of relationships and asks us to think about building kids' self esteem as well as their academic achievement.
This former teacher believes that educators can learn from "master storytellers" such as rap artists and preachers in black churches. He talks about the importance of engaging students and believes that this magic can be taught to new teachers.
What TED Talks have you found particularly powerful, inspiring, or thought-provoking?
If you read comments on some of the videos, you'll find plenty of people discussing and disagreeing with the speakers. When I watch a video, I tend be swept up by the speaker's passion. I think that's why these videos can be so powerful. And why they can spark so much discussion. A few of my favorites, about education, are below.
This is a fairly recent (May 2015) Talk from a principal who shares how she has attempted to turn around some failing schools in Philadelphia. I liked her "so what, now what" principle.
This teacher's perspective on being a champion for every child was refreshing. She speaks about the importance of relationships and asks us to think about building kids' self esteem as well as their academic achievement.
This former teacher believes that educators can learn from "master storytellers" such as rap artists and preachers in black churches. He talks about the importance of engaging students and believes that this magic can be taught to new teachers.
What TED Talks have you found particularly powerful, inspiring, or thought-provoking?
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Favorite Picture Book Readings: May 2015
I read 44 books in May: 4 novels and 40 picture books.
Don't worry, I didn't love them all.
My favorites are below, in no particular order.
Perfectly Arugula
I picked this book off the shelf because of the title. A character named Arugula?! Her friends have names like Parsley and Clover. Arugula has to have everything just perfect. She plans a party that's so perfect her animals friends aren't having fun. After a while, Fidget the squirrel (who wasn't even invited) arrives and things aren't so perfect anymore. Or are they?
This Orq. (he cave boy)
I love this book for a read aloud. Kids will get a kick out of the cave-man voice needed to share the story.
Just in Case
I can relate to Charlie. He likes to be ready for everything and he's got a great imagination. In the end, Charlie learns that sometimes it's okay to NOT be ready.
Crabby Pants
Roger get's crabby a lot. When his brother tells him not to be such a "Crabby Pants", Roger gets an idea. You'll have to read it to find Roger's plan.
Veggies with Wedgies
Vegetables in underwear, how could I resist? The veggies in the garden are curious about the underwear hanging on the clothes line. After some experimentation, most veggies find a pair that fits just right.
Ewe and Aye
The title of this book grabbed my attention. Cute play on words book about two friends.
The Obstinate Pen
I laughed out loud when I read some of the things the pen wrote in this book. Kids will enjoy reading about this pen with a mind of it's own.
What is Part This, Part That?
I like the concept of this book. It's like an advanced opposites book, but more. Describes roller coasters as "part fun and part fright" and a rap song as "part talk and part sing". The illustrations are bring, there are a few fold out pages, and a list of extra "part this, part that" riddles at the end.
Battle Bunny
Gran Gran sends a boy a book for his birthday. It's the "Birthday Bunny" which is for babies. The boy rewrites the story and adds to the pictures to create "Battle Bunny". I can picture kids who are a little defiant enjoying the idea of this book. Could be fun to have kids do this with another "babyish" book.
I Don't Want to Be a Frog
I'd love to do this as a readers theater book. It's basically a conversation between frog and his dad, until wolf comes along. The dad was my favorite character.
The Snatchabook
This is a cute book about a creature who steals bedtime stories. The text is written in rhyme. A nice book that celebrates the ritual of bedtime reading.
You Call That Brave?
A frog wants to have a competition to see who's the bravest animal. Mouse, frog, snail, and sparrow compete and show readers that bravery is personal and different for each.
Perfectly Percy
I found myself smiling a lot throughout this book. I liked the pictures and the text was great, "Percy thought it was time to go back to thinking for himself. He thought things all the day. He thought thoughts through the night." I really liked this cute porcupine.
G is for One Gzonk
It's an anti-alphabet book. I is for Ick (twin brother of Ack) who is always sick. The picture caption says, "If this were a normal alphabet book, I'd say he has INDIGESTION. But it looks like a COLD to me." The picture captions made me laugh out loud while reading this book.
Brief Thief
Leon the chameleon has a bathroom emergency. He steals underwear and then hears a voice. This book has a fun ending.
Take Away the A
Fun take on an alphabet book. "Without the A, Beast is Best." This would be a fun book to turn into a game to see how quickly kids can think of the new word.
The Plot Chickens
Henrietta is a chicken who loves books so much she wants to write more. Who wants to read a book written by a chicken? This was a fun book about the writing process and perseverance.
Happy Reading!
Don't worry, I didn't love them all.
My favorites are below, in no particular order.
Perfectly Arugula
I picked this book off the shelf because of the title. A character named Arugula?! Her friends have names like Parsley and Clover. Arugula has to have everything just perfect. She plans a party that's so perfect her animals friends aren't having fun. After a while, Fidget the squirrel (who wasn't even invited) arrives and things aren't so perfect anymore. Or are they?
This Orq. (he cave boy)
I love this book for a read aloud. Kids will get a kick out of the cave-man voice needed to share the story.
Just in Case
I can relate to Charlie. He likes to be ready for everything and he's got a great imagination. In the end, Charlie learns that sometimes it's okay to NOT be ready.
Crabby Pants
Roger get's crabby a lot. When his brother tells him not to be such a "Crabby Pants", Roger gets an idea. You'll have to read it to find Roger's plan.
Veggies with Wedgies
Vegetables in underwear, how could I resist? The veggies in the garden are curious about the underwear hanging on the clothes line. After some experimentation, most veggies find a pair that fits just right.
Ewe and Aye
The title of this book grabbed my attention. Cute play on words book about two friends.
The Obstinate Pen
I laughed out loud when I read some of the things the pen wrote in this book. Kids will enjoy reading about this pen with a mind of it's own.
What is Part This, Part That?
I like the concept of this book. It's like an advanced opposites book, but more. Describes roller coasters as "part fun and part fright" and a rap song as "part talk and part sing". The illustrations are bring, there are a few fold out pages, and a list of extra "part this, part that" riddles at the end.
Battle Bunny
Gran Gran sends a boy a book for his birthday. It's the "Birthday Bunny" which is for babies. The boy rewrites the story and adds to the pictures to create "Battle Bunny". I can picture kids who are a little defiant enjoying the idea of this book. Could be fun to have kids do this with another "babyish" book.
I Don't Want to Be a Frog
I'd love to do this as a readers theater book. It's basically a conversation between frog and his dad, until wolf comes along. The dad was my favorite character.
The Snatchabook
This is a cute book about a creature who steals bedtime stories. The text is written in rhyme. A nice book that celebrates the ritual of bedtime reading.
You Call That Brave?
A frog wants to have a competition to see who's the bravest animal. Mouse, frog, snail, and sparrow compete and show readers that bravery is personal and different for each.
Perfectly Percy
I found myself smiling a lot throughout this book. I liked the pictures and the text was great, "Percy thought it was time to go back to thinking for himself. He thought things all the day. He thought thoughts through the night." I really liked this cute porcupine.
G is for One Gzonk
It's an anti-alphabet book. I is for Ick (twin brother of Ack) who is always sick. The picture caption says, "If this were a normal alphabet book, I'd say he has INDIGESTION. But it looks like a COLD to me." The picture captions made me laugh out loud while reading this book.
Brief Thief
Leon the chameleon has a bathroom emergency. He steals underwear and then hears a voice. This book has a fun ending.
Take Away the A
Fun take on an alphabet book. "Without the A, Beast is Best." This would be a fun book to turn into a game to see how quickly kids can think of the new word.
The Plot Chickens
Henrietta is a chicken who loves books so much she wants to write more. Who wants to read a book written by a chicken? This was a fun book about the writing process and perseverance.
Happy Reading!
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