As the spring semester winds down, it’s never too early to plan ahead for your own summer reading. We’ll leave the choices for the latest novels and current bios to you and instead suggest some ideas for reading in the areas of education, religious education, and spirituality.
Education Books
Mark Phillips (teacher and educational journalist) recommend several choices in his Edutopia blog.
The Dimensions of Engaged Teaching: A Practical Guide for Educators by Laura Weaver and Mark Wilding. This book invites teachers to consider their students’ emotional growth as well as their academic progress. The authors focus on five dimensions:
- Cultivating an open heart
- Engaging the self-observer
- Being present
- Establishing respectful boundaries
- Developing emotional capacity
The Age of the Image: Redefining Literacy in a World of Screens by Stephen Apkon
Leaving to Learn by Elliot Washor and Charles Mojkowski. An objective of this book is to connect education in school to the real world applications.
Essential Questions: Opening Doors to Student Understanding by Jay McTighe and Grant Wiggins. This book builds on the authors’ “Understanding by Design” process and explores how to design and frame questions that promote deep thinking
Religious Education
31 Days to Becoming a Better Religious Educator by Jared Dees. This book of daily reflections and ideas to improve your teaching is applicable to both Catholic school teachers and parish catechists.
Spiritual Growth
Ave Maria Press has recently released several titles that you might find spiritually refreshing. Peruse the links below for more information on the following:
Walking the Disciple's Path: Eight Steps That Will Change Your Life and the World by Linda Perrone Rooney.
The First Spiritual Exercises: Four Guided Retreats by Michael Hansen, SJ
Eyes of the Heart: Photography as Christian Contemplative Practice by Christine Valters Paintner
Real Men Pray the Rosary: A Practical Guide to a Powerful Prayer by David N. Calvillo
Blessed, Beautiful, and Bodacious: Celebrating the Gift of Catholic Womanhood by Pat Gohn
Imitating Mary: Ten Marian Virtues for the Modern Mom by Marge Fenelon
Enjoy your reading!