Favorite Work-Related Books

06/08/2023

Once you have read a book you care about, some part of it is always with you.
Louis L’Amour, 1908-1988, novelist

Thanks to Andrea Berkley, Sharon Carver, Elizabeth Fannon, Emily Milbauer, Evelyn Mow, Kathy Pillow-Price, Cheryl Smith, Jenny Soehner and others for sharing your favorite work-related books! We invite you to suggest more in the comments.

Balanced and Barefoot by Angela Hanscom (2016).

A great reminder of what an outdoor space should include and what little bodies are capable of doing. Great teacher language to use at school.

Creating a Culture of Reflective Practice The Role of Pedagogical Leadership in Early Childhood Programs by Anne Marie Coughlin and Lorrie Baird (2021).

It is written during a time of great challenge in our profession. It is written from a lens that allows me to see myself and educators in our current state of change.

Designs for Living and Learning by Deb Curtis (2003).

Her book, especially the newest edition, has been researched so carefully. It's based on her firsthand observation and work with children as well as a deep, extensive review of related literature and history, and for the newer edition she even consulted the children she worked with in order to create a book that acknowledges and celebrates the children themselves.

From Teaching to Thinking by Ann Pelo and Margie Carter (2018).

I appreciated the lens the authors offered for educators to use within their practice.
Why? Because it brings into focus all the best of being human and working with children, reminds me of the richly creative, curious, and caring profession I’ve chosen to dedicate my life to.
It's such a great re-thinking of what we do. I tend to revisit the book regularly for inspiration, re-energizing, and hope, even if it's just one chapter here and there. Same goes for Illuminating Care by Carol Garboden Murray.

The Girl with the Brown Crayon by Vivian Paley (1997).

It provides a warm, human, and clear articulation of complex issues; beautiful, impactful, and so true.

Happy Teachers Change the World: A Guide for Cultivating Mindfulness in Education by Thich Nhat Hanh, Katherine Weare (2017).

I'm excited to read this as part of a summer book study with colleagues this summer!

The Honeycomb Hypothesis by Sandra Duncan, Sue Penix, and Sally Haughey (2022).

A meaningful look at the behaviors and patterns of play of toddlers. When toddlers are free to do what toddlers do naturally their joy of discovery shines and becomes authentic learning.

Hunt, Gather, Parent by Michaeleen Doucleff (2021).

Illuminating Care by Carol Garboden Murray (2021).

It is so beautiful to read how care can look when we stop and put the child back in the center of our care; when we slow down and take time to be with the child instead of moving the day along to fit the teacher's agenda.

Kathy Hirsh-Pasek

She is a great advocate for playful learning and the benefits that come from it.

Kids These Days: A Game Plan For (Re)Connecting With Those We Teach, Lead, & Love by Jody Carrington (2020).

I feel like she captures educators in a light that just makes you feel seen. She's real and passionate about the things she talks about and touches on so many important areas of our job, including the burnout and second had trauma people in our field feel so often.

Monday Morning Leadership by David Cottrell (2001).

It's an easy-to-read beginner's guide to leadership. I tell everyone to start here if they are new to leadership.

Pursuing Bad Guys by Donna King (2021)

Fascinating deep dive into a complicated topic of interest for young children and a wonderful reflection on the power of project work and inquiry based learning. The authors were so self-reflective and open about their struggles and successes. It really made me think about my own practice and philosophy as an educator.

Raising Good Humans by Hunter Clarke-Fields (2019).

This book helps parents understand why they can't parent the way they want to when they are dysregulated...and how to get themselves regulated

Sense of Wonder by Rachel Carson (1956).

Because I strive to be the "wonder force" in children's lives.

Trauma-Responsive Strategies for Early Childhood by Katie Statman-Weil and Rashelle Hibbard (2020).

This has many strategies useful for all children, not only those who are identified as experiencing trauma.

When You Wonder, You're Learning: Mister Rogers' Enduring Lessons for Raising Creative, Curious, Caring Kids by Ryan Rydzewski and Gregg Behr (2021).

Great reminder of the essence of learning, living, and loving at all ages, both in pandemic times and within the broader era of technology, with examples drawn from Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, the Remake Learning Network, and beyond. Strong research basis and excellent for whole staff professional development, small book club, or individual inspiration. Intended for parents, so helpful for educators and parents to explore together.

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