Reading is a huge part of my life. It’s who I am. My car has a bumper sticker that says “read”, and I have MANY reading-themed graphic tees. So I was devastated when my brain wouldn’t let me read during the pandemic. I would try and then lose track after a few sentences. Eventually, I was able to listen to audiobooks. Then, I could do graphic novels and novels in verse. It wasn’t until April 2021 that I successfully finished a chapter book. By June I’d made my list of books I wanted to read over the summer. I’m more than halfway through my book stack, and every book has been AMAZING! More significantly, it has felt like coming home to be reading again. The power of books is real.

Here is this week’s roundup of literacy links if you’re looking for some quick inspiration, tips, and refreshment:

• Standards for Specialized Literacy Professionals from ILA
• Author Kate Messner is encouraging the idea of teachers as writers with weekly blog posts this summer with writing prompts. SO good!
• Podcast, “Water for Teachers” with Shamari Reid, is a “sip” to keep teachers’ wellness wells well-hydrated
• “Supporting Summer Literacy with Emergent Learners” – GREAT resources including free decodables recommended by Dr. Nell Duke!
• Looking for some new beginning of the year activities? Try some of these!
• Mental health break – sweet and funny things kids say are my fave. ❤