How Can We Fight Censorship?

Daniel LindstromBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Lead Better

TL;DR: Book challenges in the US nearly doubled in 2022, focusing largely on children’s and young people’s books. Response to censorship includes President Biden’s plan to appoint a federal coordinator to address book bans, along with efforts from educational organizations, librarians, and publishers like Penguin Random House. Various groups, such as the Great Books Foundation, are actively fighting censorship by … Read More

Reading Is Breathing In: Book Choices Matter

Kari PitstickBlog, Connect Better, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Innovate Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: The post uses an analogy of weightlifting to explain the importance of choosing different levels of books. It categorizes books into painless (easy), on-target (comfortable), and challenging (difficult) levels, emphasizing the need to vary one’s reading choices to grow as a reader. Encourages students to primarily read on-target books but also occasionally challenge themselves with more difficult material while … Read More

Balancing Book Bans

Suzanne RogersBlog, Connect Better, Lead Better, Lesson Plan Better

TL;DR: Book bans pose challenges for teachers, requiring them to navigate policies and laws while balancing their responsibilities to students. Teachers should familiarize themselves with school policies and relevant laws to understand their options and responsibilities when facing a book ban. Staying informed about current events and book ban developments, preparing alternative materials, advocating for students, and using book bans … Read More

A Heart in the Write Place | Episode 28 with Dennis Mathew

Brad HughesBlog, Good News Brad News Podcast

The multi-talented Dennis Mathew is a husband, father, elementary school speech pathologist, singer-songwriter and author, from Mustang, Oklahoma, U.S.A. Dennis has worked with students in schools and through non-profit work for over 20 years. In 2018, he launched his authorship with Bello the Cello, followed by My Wild First Day of School and How Grizzly Found Gratitude. He is also … Read More

Episode 20 | Featuring Alix Maffin-Pirie

Brad HughesGood News Brad News Podcast

Alix Maffin-Pirie is an enthusiastic English Language Arts teacher in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. She is a proud firefighter’s wife, rescue-dog mama, lover of the outdoors, board games, corny jokes, and a life long learner. Alix knew from a young age she wanted to be a teacher. Perhaps playing “classroom” in her basement was the first clue she’d found her calling! … Read More