What Great Teachers Do Differently by Todd Whitaker. Self Reflection chapters 1 -6.

  This book has a lot to offer and much to parse through.  So I decided that I would review and reflect on it parts.  These are my thoughts on chapters 1 -6.   So often with "teaching"  books, I wonder how much of it will be applicable to me, as an assistant teacher.  I mean, at the end of the day, it is my job to support but it isn't  my classroom.  I am not the final arbiter and so it is a delicate balance dealing with students and other teachers.  This book really does have a wealth of information that is directly beneficial to me.  Some take aways so far:

1.  No matter how good or bad the programs in the schools, what really matters is the PEOPLE.   A good teacher can make all the difference in the lives of a child and contribute to the over all climate of the school.  I know in my own life there are teachers that I will always remember.  Mrs. A comes immediately to mind, as she always does.  It didn't matter what she was taking what mattered was HOW.

2. Set Expectations from the start and be consistent.  The rules have to apply evenly and to every student.  They have to be applied the same today and tomorrow - even if it's your favorite or least favorite student doing it.  This one is tough for me but I definitely have seen the importance of having fair and consistent expectations.  When the rules apply evenly, students know that you are fair and that they can expect you to keep them safe.  Children push boundaries to help them learn and in my role as a mom and as an educator, I honestly believe that they want someone to step them back when they push the limit too far.  They need to trust us to do that.

3.  I have always known the " we don't smile until Thanksgiving" adage is complete bullshit but I work with people who follow it.  I work with small children - a smile, love, kindness... it all matters and it matters every day.  Period.  Of course we all have bad days - even the kids, but how we say things can be as important as what we say.  This has been a big lesson in my life and something that I have to constantly remind myself of.

4.  Sending students to the office - this part of the book really gave me a different perspective from administrators point of view.  I grew up in the 70's and 80's.  Then, if you were sent to the office, you were in a LOT of trouble.  I lived in fear of my principal.  I never wanted to see her or talk to her - ever.  I realize now this is the wrong approach.  If a teacher has to ask for support, an administrators job becomes not just helping support behavioral expectations, but also to de-escalate the student.  After all, sending a student back from the office more upset than when they left doesn't help or support the teacher or the student.  This perspective really opened my eyes and changed the way I think about some things.

and finally, my biggest take away so far, really can't be understated.  Every teacher has high expectations for their students, but we need to have even higher expectations for ourselves.  I think it's really important to never fall into the "we've always done it this way" mentality.  I think it's really important to always be self reflecting, trying to improve our own practices, watch what our colleagues do well and maybe emulate them and finally, always be willing to learn something new.  I tell people all the time that we all have something to teach and we all have something to learn.  I have learned more from my students than I have probably ever taught.   That's true. 

I'm really enjoying this book so far.  Looking forward to the next part - chapters 7-13. 

Happenstance by Jamie McGuire

   I picked this book up because it was free on Kindle unlimited and because I enjoyed All the Little Lights by the same author.  I thought I would give this one a try.

It was frivolous but entertaining.  It is the story of three Erins - Alderman, Sonny and Easter.  They were all born on the same day and friends, until the 6th grade, when things went awry as they so often do in 6th grade.  Now Easter is a pariah, tortured by the other two and just trying to keep her head down until she leaves her small one horse town for college.

Enter Weston.  The boy she has had feelings for forever.   And also Alderman's boyfriend.  How complicated can things get?  Well,  you wouldn't believe me if I told you.

I gave this one three stars  I doubt I will continue on with the story, it's simply a little too far fetched.

A house of Rage and Sorrow by Sangu Mandanna

  I loved the first book, A Spark of White Light, so much that I immediately picked up the sequel.  I was anxious to see how the story would evolve and continue.

The good news?  I loved the second book every bit as much as the first.  The bad news?   Now I have to wait for several months for the final installment of the trilogy - A War of Swallowed Stars.

I love the character development in these books.  So much of what has happened and what we thought of each characters turns out to be not quite true.  We see that decisions made out of sorrow and rage are often cataclysmic in their consequences. 

The characters of Esmae, Titania and Max are particularly well thought out and developed.   I also loved the inclusion and representation among the characters, especially in this book.  I gave it four stars and I have the third book on automatic download on my kindle. 

Right Behind You by Lisa Gardner

   This one was recommended by my work/ book friend.  We share recommendations and I always love seeing her smiling face  I certainly miss her during this time away from work.  Thankfully though,  I did have this wonderful book she recommended to keep me company.

If you love books with strong female characters, this book is for you.  This book is about Sharlah and her older brother, Telly.   Sharlah and Telly come from a very messed up family.  This story tells about what happens after some tragic events separate them. 

Sharlah is spunky and smart.  Plus, she has a dog - Luka - who is my favorite character.   This book is full of plot twists and turns.  It definitely keeps you guessing.  And, for those of you who are worried - nothing happens to the dog. 

I gave it 4 stars.

A Spark of White Fire by Sangu Mandanna

  Look at that cover!  I know you aren't supposed to judge a book this way, but I am a person who is really drawn into a story by the cover.  What isn't to love about this one? 

This is the story of Esmae,  a girl who was banished from her family for a mixture of reasons.  She joins a challenge - an impossible challenge - and the prize for the winner?  Nothing less than an undefeated, god made sentient starship. 

At first, I thought the plot of this book was going to be obvious.  Girl wants to help prince whose kingdom was stolen from him and they fall in love.... blah, blah, blah.  This book most definitely isn't that. I loved the complexities and politics.  I enjoyed the hard choices that the characters had to face.  This story raises so many questions.  What is faith?  What is it to have a choice in our own destiny and do we really?  I loved everything about it.  4 stars.  Starting the sequel tomorrow.  Can't wait!   This is the first of three.....

Woman No. 17 by Edan Lepucki

  So this book was not part of my original quarantine plan; however, it has been sitting in a box in my room waiting to be read.   My husband insists its time for me to prioritize those books and so, here I begin.

Also,  I did start the Disappearing Earth which is my book club book.  But since it was about two girls being abducted, I just couldn't deal with anymore real trauma right now.

This book is about a mother who has two sons - a young precocious toddler and a almost 18 year old boy who is selectively mute.  She hires a nanny to take care of her young son while she finishes writing her novel, largely about her eldest.  What could possibly go wrong?

This book was one that kept you going, even when you weren't sure you wanted to.  It is a brilliant reflection on art, people's behavior,  how we treat and react to the people we love.  I gave it four stars.  Very well written.  A worthy diversion.

The One by John Marrs

  So as you can see from the picture of the cover, this book has already been sold to netflix and is in the works of becoming a series.  It is going to be amazing.  This book read like a screen play so it makes sense.

The premise to the story is that a way has been found to use your DNA to match you with your perfect mate - your soul mate - the ONE.   I had to start with a list of characters because this story follows six different individuals and their matched, so keeping everyone straight was a bit of a challenge at first.  I thought that some of the story lines would be more interesting and I would want to rush through some to get to others, but the truth is that I found them all compelling. 

I really enjoyed this one.  It was engrossing and very different.  It had some surprising twists and turns along the way that kept me wondering how the story would end.  I added this author to my following list so I can see what else he has to offer.  Greatly enjoyed it.  Four out of five stars.

All the Stars and Teeth by Adalyn Grace

  So I picked this one up in my Book of the Month box.   I mean - look at that cover!  It's stunning, right?  Magic?  Pirate ships?  Mermaids?  Sign me up! 

This book is the story of Amora, a princess destined to rule, but proving herself turns out to be more difficult than she thought.   When her magical demonstration goes awry,  she finds herself in league with a pirate and that is just the beginning of her adventures.

This book had a bit of a slow start, but the descriptions of places were just amazing.  I definitely want to visit the islands of Amora's kingdom.  The character development was solid and I really like some of the twists along the way - some foreseeable, others not as much.

This book is part of a duology.  The second part will be coming out in February of next year.  I have already pre-ordered.   I want to hear how Amora and Bastian's story ends.  I gave this one three stars, which sounds like just an ok rating, but really it was a very solid three - almost a four.  ( I don't give 4's and 5's lightly)   I would definitely recommend this to any fantasy reader, especially if they like  wonderful world building, pirates and mermaids.

Book two of #coronacation done.

A Reader's Plan for Being Shut In

So like the rest of the world,  I am currently on an at least two week Coronacation.  It's ok, while I will miss my students and friends,  it is better for the world to flatten the curve.   We all have to do what we can, and hey, I'm a reader so honestly, I've been training for this my whole life.   But here is another thing I like to do - I like to make plans.  I don't always follow them completely but I try.   So I thought I would plan out a goal and make a list of how many books I would like to read in the next 16 days.  I'm going to go with 10 books.  It may seem like a lofty goal, but I think I can achieve it and maybe even do better.  Let's see.

  I am currently working on this one.  I love a good mystery and Lisa Gardner is a pro.  This story is about a brother and sister who witness a terrible tragedy and what happens after.  A good mystery seems to be just what the doctor ordered.

  I am also working on this one.   Just look at that cover.  This is a fantasy about a young princess who, in order to claim her place, must go on an adventure ( on a magical pirate ship, no less) and save the world.   I'm on chapter five - not loving it yet, but the premise is just so good so I will continue on....

   My book of the month selection.  This book is about a  woman who finds her dead fiance very much alive in her dreams.  I am optimistic and  seems like a good escape novel.  Of course, i will keep you updated.

  This one is about a hen party gone horribly wrong.  It's set in Majorca, a place I want to visit.  I mean - look at that cover.   Does anything say escape more than this?

  Rated one of the best books of 2019,  I thought I would give this one a try.  My book club also chose this as our April reading selection.  This is about two girls who disappear in Russia.  Another mystery.

  This is a dystopian novel, but not about a virus, thank goodness!  The premise is that a simple dna test is all it takes for you to find your soul mate.  Would you if you could?  What could possibly go wrong?

  Free on Kindle Unlimited and I just couldn't pass up this cover. 

  The first historical fiction/ magical realism mash up by a favorite author.  And it's about Motzart.   Winning.

  reading this one for our themed book club selection.  A book about my favorite books.  What could be better?

 Another set in Majorca.  Can you tell I have the beach on my mind?  Well if you are going to escape, you might as well go all out.

So there it is.  My plan.  Looks like I should get off of here and get busy.  I'll keep you updated and until then, if you are reading this, stay safe!

The Other Woman by Sandie Jones

    Emily finally meets the man of her dreams and it looks like she is going to get her happily ever after.  There is just one problem.... Adam's mother. 

Most married women have at least one story about their husband's mother, but this book really explores the power struggles between a mother and a woman about to get married in their desire to have the love and attention of the same man.

I will say that it seems like the book will be cut and dried; however, there were some unexpected twists along the way.  It was a much needed escape from the current world we live in.  I enjoyed it and it kept me entertained and guessing.  Four out of five stars.

House of Earth and Blood (Crescent City book 1) by Sarah J. Maas

    So I have been waiting almost a year for this book.  Sarah J. Maas is one of five authors whose book I will purchase without even reading the sleeve.  She doesn't disappoint, especially if you enjoy fantasy, which I do.

In this book, she creates a complex world in which all sort of magical and non-magical people ( angels, vampires, shape-shifters, sprites, fae, humans, merfolk)  all live together - not quite in harmony.   Their world is ruled over by six all powerful beings and each area of their world is presided over by all powerful Arch-Angel governors. 

The main character, Bryce, works in a type of antiquities store.  When people she loves are taken from her, she gets involved in the investigation behind the crime.  This brings her into contact with Hunt, a fallen angel currently serving out his time for crimes committed as a slave to the governor of Crescent City. 

This book is full of a rich cast of characters - some who you love, some who you hate but all of them make you FEEL.  It is beautifully written, as are all her books and I can't wait for the next one in the series.  Sarah J. Maas remains the unquestioned reigning Queen of fantasy.   I rate this one all the stars....

The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden

   After my last book,  I needed something a little lighter while I was still mulling over Deya's life from A Woman is No Man.   I will often go to YA or a romance like this one to sort of lighten things up - cleanse the literal palate if you will.

I really enjoy Jessica Sorensen's writing. although this one wasn't a particular favorite.  This is the story of two very troubled people who have both gone through very traumatic experiences in their young lives, and how the work at being together.   It wasn't quite was I was looking for, but I enjoyed it enough to finish.

For anyone that likes this sort of book, I would recommend The Secret of Ella and Micha instead.   I only gave this one 3 stars.  Enjoyable but not remarkable.

A Woman in No Man by Ataf Rum

   This book was one that I selected for book of the month.  I wasn't sure about it, at first, but it sounded promising.  The basis story is about a young woman who is from Palestine who is being forced into a marriage by her family.  The young man that eventually becomes her husband, Adam,  lives with his family in the United States and she will be moving there with him after their marriage. 

I don't want to say too much about the plot because I really want you to read this one for yourself.  If you have ever read A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaleed Hosseini, this book has a similar voice.  I really enjoyed reading it.

The story moves quickly telling us about the lives of three women - Fareeda ( Adam's mother),  Isra (his wife) and Deya (their daughter).   It is a glimpse into a world that is closed and provides some understanding into what life is or might be like.

I gave it 5 stars, but I would give it more.  If you haven't read it, do it.   It's beautifully written and worth the time.