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.

Summer starts on the 21st, kicking off the summer reading season! If you enjoy balancing beach reads with educational books, it's the perfect time. Check out Elin Hilderbrand's new book, "Swan Song," (first on my summer reading list!), and consider adding some UDL love to your list. CAST Professional Publishing is celebrating its 40th anniversary by offering 40% off CAST books, including my first book, "UDL Now!" Use discount code books24 at checkout. The offer expires 7/31/24, so take advantage now! 

 🔊 Something to Listen to:

The truth is that as educators, we are doing waaaaaaaayyyy too much for students that they can do themselves. By making small tweaks in our practice, and shifting some things to our sweet learners, we can increase engagement and achievement while finding more balance for ourselves. learners show an increase in engagement and achievement. Listen in to hear four strategies I swear by for creating a more student-led classroom. You'll thank me for this episode the next time you sip that hot coffee ☕😄.

📺 Something to Watch:

A dear friend sent me this Instagram video, and I can't stop watching it, in awe of how amazing nature is. When I saw this video, I immediately responded, "I want a succulent underwater sheep!" I mean, seriously. How is this REAL? 

Now, we may not be as cute as the Leaf Sheep, but our team has been dabbling in Insta. Check out our link for some rather educational scrolling!

🛠️ Something to Do:

"Once a year, go somewhere you have never been before." - Dalai Lama

I firmly believe in the power of new experiences and their ability to help us learn and grow. Whether you travel to a new restaurant, park, city, or country, make a plan to go somewhere you have never been before.

As I type this, I am sitting at an outdoor table at Bazar Tapas Bar and Restaurant in New York City.  For dinner, I ordered a watermelon salad with heirloom tomatoes, baby arugula, charred feta, and lemon-sherry vinaigrette. My world is somehow more beautiful for having this experience and I am on a quest to recreate the amazing salad.  So this summer, enjoy the small beautiful, novel experiences you encounter (and if you have a great recipe for watermelon salad, hook me up!)

As a teacher, I always used to post a "Do-Now" on the board. My middle school and high school students would roll in during the 4-minute passing period, meaning some students had a head start on the Do-Now. Some would be done before class started, and inevitably, I began rushing the students who arrived on time. Research shows I'm not alone and that this practice can create anxiety for students. I never thought much about it until I read Mitch Weathers' Executive Function in Every Classroom. He shared that one of the most important routines we can create is the expectation that we start together.

If we want our students to build relationships, find balance, and take breaks, and if we value community, it's a small shift to wait until class starts to reveal the bell ringer, entrance ticket, or activator. This approach communicates, "I value your off time, I am so happy you're here, now let's dive into learning." It never hurts to be reminded that small changes can have a big impact.

Earlier this month, our team gathered for our annual retreat, bringing together members who had previously only connected remotely. The amazing thing is you would never know! This crew's energy, brilliance, and collaboration can't be matched. I can't wait to share some of our upcoming projects and offerings rolling out soon. ❤️