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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📖 Something to Read:
If Lucy has 93 sheets of paper on her desk and 57 in her backpack, are you focused on solving the math problem or wondering why she has so much paper?
This is exactly what happened when a teacher shared this word problem about paper with students—one of them asked, "Why does she have so much paper?" It opened the floodgates, and soon, students were discussing how Lucy really needed a binder!
Here's the point: students are more likely to get distracted by irrelevant details if the problem is about something that doesn't connect with their interests. To engage students in math, we need to use examples that resonate with their lives so they’re more likely to stay focused on solving the problem and develop the skills they need. So, how do you do it? Find out more from my amazing co-author, Ashley Marlow.
🔊 Something to Listen to:
Imagine what you could do if you could reclaim 13 hours of your week!?!?!
A 2022 McKinsey report found that educators who used AI tools to automate some of their repetitive tasks gained back an incredible 13 hours per week!
Now, I know AI can be a bit intimidating to some, but in the latest episode of The Education Table, I break down the research, share some compelling stats, and wrap up with three actionable tips you can start using immediately to lighten your load while strengthening your practice. Listen now (<7 mins) on Apple | Spotify.
📺 Something to Watch:
When you're trying to figure out what works for yourself, your students, or your partner, have you ever thought about thinking like a scientist? This video from Daniel Pink offers a refreshing reminder that productivity isn’t about fitting into a one-size-fits-all model. It's about understanding and working with your own unique patterns and preferences.
Although we (and our students) can't always choose our own work hours (how cool would that be???), we can investigate the best ways to take notes, strengthen vocabulary, and share our learning—tailoring these strategies to fit our individual needs. A great example of variability in action! A great example of variability in action!
🛠️ Something to Do:
Set up an email vacation reminder this weekend, letting people know you’re taking time to recharge and focus on work/life balance. Simply let them know you’ll be in touch on Monday. It’s a simple step, but it helps set boundaries, prioritize self-care, and model healthy work habits for your team. Plus, it’s a reminder that we can all benefit from taking time to reset.
💭 Something to Make You Think:
Did you know that 83% of students from the class of 2023 said they would have been more engaged in learning if they understood their aptitudes and how they connected to career opportunities?
This is a game-changer when we talk about Universal Design for Learning. It’s not just about giving students options—it’s about helping them figure out what they’re good at early so they can make smarter, more intentional decisions about their education and career paths.
😄 Something just for fun!
Ever been told to “touch grass”? 🌿
It’s a term that recently made its way into the Merriam-Webster dictionary, and it’s not a compliment. It’s a cheeky way to tell someone to get off their device and reconnect with the real world. So, after reading this on your screen, go ahead—put the device down and go live for a while. No need to touch grass literally (unless you want to!!!), but maybe take a walk, call a friend, or just enjoy being present.