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.
Here are a few things to kick off your week.
📖 Something to Read:
I recently finished reading "The Candy House" and I can't stop thinking about it. The gist of it is that technology, in the near future, becomes so advanced that we can download our unconscious to the cloud. The story weaves through generations, exploring the dichotomy between the allure of innovative technology and the potential for dystopian fallout. If you're a voracious reader, pick up a copy to read or listen to and let me know what you think.
🔊 Something to Listen to:
Time. No matter how hard we try, it just never seems like there is enough. But how often do you find yourself using your coveted time scrolling on Instagram or watching TikTok? We are so attached to our phones and our computers, and the effect they have on our brains is no joke. This episode of Hidden Brain (50 mins) with Gloria Mark shares how our ability to focus is SHRINKING!
The tip she shares at around 43 minutes is, as my preteens would say, FIRE. Considering our brain's focus fluctuates throughout the day, plan your most demanding tasks during your "peak hours." Take note.
📺 Something to Watch:
Check out this great video from our own Mirko Chardin - a good reminder during Black History Month that the love, respect, and dignity that is shared this month are shown consistently throughout the year.
💠Something to Make You Think:
If you've seen me present virtually, you have met my colleague DJ Mr Swiff. Well, we have a new project up our sleeves, but we need your help. We want to create a podcast, but to do something differently. Instead of weekly episodes, we will drop "albums" with themes and short, bite-sized podcasts to answer the questions that you have about UDL. So, what are those questions? Take a moment to think and then use this anonymous form to share!
😄 Something just for fun!
On LinkedIn, someone called me the Taylor Swift of UDL. Yep, it doesn't get any better than that. My colleagues caught wind of it, and now this is the intra-office joke. I. Can't. Even.
