Organizing a virtual summer book club for teachers is an exciting endeavor, and with a great turnout, it’s essential to choose engaging and professionally enriching books. With Teach Like a Pirate lined up for June and Atomic Habits for July, finding the perfect book for August can further enhance the learning journey. Here are some top-recommended books and insights to help you select an impactful read for your summer book club.
1. Take Me Home by Andrea Bitner
- This inspiring true story features the accounts of 11 bilingual students’ experiences in America. The book provides valuable perspectives on bilingual education and often accompanies virtual or in-person professional development sessions with the author.
2. Energy Bus by Jon Gordon
- A quick, fun read about maintaining a positive mindset, Energy Bus is perfect for inspiring and motivating teachers to bring positivity into their classrooms and personal lives.
3. Ready for Real Life by Andrew McPeak
- This book prepares educators and students for the challenges of real life, focusing on practical strategies and insights. It’s an excellent choice for educators looking to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application.
4. The Body Keeps the Score by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk and What Happened to You? by Dr. Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey
- Both books delve into the connection between the brain, trauma, and learning, offering valuable insights on supporting students who have experienced trauma. These reads are crucial for educators aiming to create a compassionate and understanding classroom environment.
5. Visible Learning for Teachers by John Hattie
- John Hattie’s work is renowned for sharing evidence-based strategies with a high impact on student learning. This book provides practical guidance for teachers to implement effective teaching practices.
6. Soup by Jon Gordon
- Another motivational read by Jon Gordon, Soup focuses on team building and leadership through storytelling. It’s a great choice for fostering a collaborative and positive school culture.
7. Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain by Zaretta Hammond
- This book explores the intersection of culture and neuroscience, providing strategies to engage diverse learners. It’s essential for educators looking to implement culturally responsive teaching practices.
8. Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
- A timeless classic, this book offers principles to improve personal and professional effectiveness. The habits can be easily incorporated into classroom management and instructional strategies.
9. Onward by Elena Aguilar
- A comprehensive guide for building resilience in educators, Onward is accompanied by a workbook for practical application. It’s ideal for teachers seeking to enhance their emotional resilience and professional growth.
10. Grading for Equity by Joe Feldman
- This insightful book addresses fair grading practices and their impact on student learning and engagement. It’s an important read for educators aiming to implement equitable assessment methods.
Engaging Teachers in Summer Reading
While initial enthusiasm for a summer book club might be high, maintaining engagement can be challenging once the holidays begin. Here are a few strategies to keep participation active:
- Flexible Participation: Emphasize that participation is voluntary and flexible, allowing teachers to join discussions as their schedules permit.
- Incentives: Consider offering small incentives for active participation, such as gift cards, recognition, or certificates of completion.
- Relevant Topics: Choose books that are not only educational but also resonate with the current challenges and interests of the teachers.
- Interactive Sessions: To keep the group engaged and motivated, host interactive virtual meetings with discussions, guest speakers, or author Q&A sessions.
Choosing impactful books and fostering an engaging environment can ensure a successful and enriching book club experience for your teachers. Happy reading!
