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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Happy Monday! Here are a few things to kick off your week.
📖 Something to Read:
It is never too late to establish routines with your students - especially when it comes to ones that will help them feel comfortable in the classroom (which optimizes their learning!). I love these ideas from my amazing colleague Matt Bergman, who shares three activities (along with templates you can customize and make your own) to facilitate connections, minimize threats and distractions, and create a safe learning environment for all students.
🔊 Something to Listen to:
This summer, I had the opportunity to chat with Jeff Rose on his podcast, Leader Chat. We had a blast! Take your dog for a walk, bring us with you on your commute, or let us keep you company while you're prepping dinner. Check out the 49-minute podcast, "The Ins & Outs and Leading Universal Design for Learning."
📺 Something to Watch:
Is there something you've always meant to do, wanted to do, but just ... haven't? In this 3-minute TED Talk, Matt Cutts suggests: Try it for 30 days. My favorite line is, "So here's my question to you: What are you waiting for? I guarantee you the next 30 days are going to pass whether you like it or not, so why not think about something you have always wanted to try and give it a shot!"
I aim to wean myself off heavy cream on a quest to love and appreciate black coffee! If you have any hints, tips, or wisdom, send them my way, especially since my idea of a cup of coffee is pictured below!
💭 Something to Make You Think:
Does your school or district have a vision statement? Take a moment to reflect on your vision and consider the following questions:
How does the vision manifest itself in practice? How do we self-assess our system against that vision?
How do all students access the vision?
How do we create an integrated system and sustain conditions that lead to that vision for all learners?
So, it's fall, which means that I feel like I'm in the movie The Wizard of Oz, and I step from the black and white grainy picture into Fall Technicolor. I adore everything about fall - caramel apples, apple crisp, fall foliage, cozy sweaters, beef stew, pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, pumpkin lattes, pumpkin beer with cinnamon sugar rim... yes, I am that basic. But unapologetically so!
My favorite fall memory was walking the dogs with my youngest son, Boden. He stopped short, picked up a leaf in complete awe, and said, “Momma, this leaf is dipped in fall.” Let’s not forget to notice and find joy in the small things this season (and drink pumpkin lattes!)
