This summer I have a huge stack of books to read!  Of course the two that I’ve already read have nothing to do with teaching, but I think I’m ready for a teaching book!  The first book I’m reading is The Highly Engaged Classroom by Robert Marzano and Debra Pickering.  So far it’s very good – Marzano is my favorite researcher in education!  Basically I will be reading about research-based strategies to improve student engagement in my classroom.  Last year I had the Charlie Brown teacher syndrome WAY to often!  Waa waa waa.

The second book that just came in the mail today is called Teach Like a Champion; 49 Techniques That Put Students on the Path to College by Doug Lemov.  I haven’t started it yet and I don’t really know what to expect, but I hope to gain techniques for improving student performance.  I want my students to care about their grades and care about improving and learning.

I will keep you updated!  And hopefully I will finish these trade books before I get to Rick Riordan’s newest, The Serpent’s Shadow (from the Kane Chronicles – a great series for fourth graders!!).  Chances are I will read them simultaneously!