Welcome to Something to Read, to Watch, to Hear, a monthly newsletter by me, Katie Novak, with a focus on inclusive practices, education news, helpful resources, and life! I'm so glad you're here.
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Onward.
Hi ashley,
Happy Monday!
📖 Something to Read:
I have had the pleasure of working with The Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) on a long-term initiative to support district leadership teams in developing and implementing plans for more inclusive learning environments for students with disabilities. The results? The schools involved haveincreased their inclusion rates to double the state average!In this article in KAPPAN, I partnered with the former Inclusionary Practices Project director to share a clear outline for how schools can develop more inclusive systems that better serve all learners.
🔊 Something to Listen to:
I am a huge fan of Audiobooks! (and yes, I'm in the camp that audiobooks 10000% count as "reading.") Based on the recommendation of one of my former colleagues, I listened to The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon, historical fiction about a brilliant and formidable woman I wish I'd known about sooner! Learn more about the book by listening to NPR's Book of the Day podcast (10-minute listen, starts at 2:08).
📺 Something to Watch:
As an ADHD Momma from an ADHD family, I am in LOVE with this sweet Instagram video. My daughter has been sharing it with all her friends. Watch to the end!!! It's a beautiful reminder that embracing neurodiversity brings unique strengths to the table.
🛠️ Something to Do:
Think about the room where you work. Have you ever considered how each element works together to create a space that can either help or hinder your productivity? Recently, I was invited to present with Marylee Mercy, an architect and learning environment planner at Studio G Architects, at the Northeast 2024 Annual Regional Conference for the Association for Learning Environments. In our presentation we discussed how to create flexible spaces that help meet the needs of students and teachers. Dive in to learn more. (2.5 minute read)
💭 Something to Make You Think:
In 2018, the University of Bristol in the UK launched a groundbreaking course called the Science of Happiness. This unique course features no exams or traditional coursework; instead, students explore peer-reviewed psychology and neuroscience research to understand what drives human happiness.
A study published in Higher Education revealed that participants experienced a 10 to 15% increase in overall well-being. Those who continued practicing what they learned maintained their enhanced happiness levels two years later! The course's success has inspired similar programs globally. Here are some key insights from the study:
Talking to strangers makes us happier, despite a majority of us shying away from such encounters.
Loneliness impacts our health by impairing our immune systems.
Optimism increases life expectancy (woohoo!)
Giving gifts to others activates the reward centers in our brain - often providing more of a happiness boost than spending money on ourselves.
Sleep deprivation affects our likability.
Walking in nature deactivates part of the brain related to negative ruminations, which are associated with depression.
Now, I will take some happiness advice and go for a walk in the woods with my sweet rescue dog, Birdie. Her picture is below - just for fun. Share your sweet pet pics with me!
