Book Talk

You all know that I'm an avid reader; reading is my hobby, my me time.  But with the craziness of the past couple of months, I haven't read much at all.  In fact, I haven't even kept up with recent book club books, which is so unlike me.  I have, however, found time to read a few books for school.  I promise this isn't as boring as it sounds ... although they're not like my normal recommendations, these are worth your time.

Have you read the FISH! books?  The first one, above, uses an parable to tell about how important it is to keep morale in the workplace high so people want to come to work, even if the work they are performing seems unimportant or mundane.  Seattle's World Famous Pike Place Fish Market is the backdrop.  I've never been, but I've heard it's fantastic.  Regardless of what type of business you're in (in fact, the parable has nothing to do with schools), this is a wonderful, encouraging, inspiring book to read - even if morale at your workplace is already high.  There are just so many little ways we can continue to boost each other at work ... we should, since we spend so much time there. 

I followed FISH! with Schools of FISH!, which is about applying the FISH! philosophy in the school setting.  If you work in a school - whether you are a teacher, a secretary, an administrator, or a cafeteria worker - I highly encourage you to buy this book and read it before you return in August.  The stories included will completely re-energize you, and give you the tools to approach your students in a whole new way.  There are four main principles of FISH!: Be There, Make Their Day, Play, and Choose Your Attitude.  We can do this as adults, and we should include the students.  The stories in this book had me thinking about the amount of learning that could take place when students and teachers are committed to living the FISH! philosophy in their schools.  It's not "one more thing" ... it's the one thing that, started early in the year, can open the door to more learning and student success than you've ever experienced in your classroom.  I urge you, teachers, to read this book!

The Fred Factor will the guiding book for my school's work as a campus this year.  The message is about seizing the opportunity to be extraordinary, and doing so in simple ways with the tools you already have.  This book, although unrelated, is a great follow-up to FISH!, and I'm excited to see what great things come from it this school year.

If you're looking for some inspiration or  just renewed energy and spirit, start reading away!

"Think before you speak. Read before you think.”

Fran Lebowitz