 I’m sure that you have posed this question to your friends and colleagues, especially before the summer break. Most educators have some “free time” to catch up on their summer reading with topics that can enhance their Professional Development. The PDRC at Fordham University has organized two Summer Book Clubs so that you can enjoy an interesting book during your free time this Summer while sharing thoughts and exchanging ideas with other educators. In addition, you can earn CTLE credits for your participation during the session. The first Book Club Session takes place in July, and the second Book Club Session takes place in August. Upon registering for the session, you will receive an E-book copy of the book, and a hardcopy will arrive shortly thereafter to your preferred address as indicated on the registration form. (See details and the registration link at the end of the article). Book Clubs promote a love for literature in a positive and nurturing environment. They bring together a community to learn and discuss topics that matter to them. During Book Club gatherings, educators will exchange ideas, perspectives and interpretations of the readings and therefore build a richer understanding of the topics. As a group, readers will build a stronger understanding together than any one person could gain from reading a book alone. (Fountas and Pinnell,2019). As the participants process and interpret the perspectives and opinions of their peers, their own thinking will be enhanced by a deeper understanding and appreciation for the text. We are fortunate to have Dr. Carol K. Kennedy who will facilitate the Book Club conversations in July and August. Dr. Kennedy is the Co-Founder and owner of Kennedy-Bennett Solutions that was founded to help families, young people and children with Autism Disorder and other disabilities using cutting edge technology. Dr. Kennedy is also an educational consultant with Social-Emotional training and will therefore be able to share her knowledge and experience with us. Our book selection for July, “The Autistic Brain: Thinking Across the Spectrum”, by Temple Grandin and Richard Panek brings the readers a wonderful realization that “parents and teachers of children on the autism spectrum must focus on the children's long-overlooked strengths to foster their unique contributions.” (Temple Grandin, one of the world’s most accomplished and well-known adults with autism) Our book selection for August, “Happy Teachers Change the World”, by Thich Nhat Hanh and Katherine Weare offers a manual of “teachings, practices, and activities to help teachers cultivate mindfulness in their own lives and in turn, in the lives of their students. We are very pleased to offer the “Summer Book Clubs” as an exciting new format to our Fordham PDCR Summer Escape Professional Development program. It is always beneficial to come together with colleagues who share the same interests while expanding friendships and personal knowledge. Please click below to register for any of the above sessions. We are confident that you will benefit from these gatherings. Happy Reading and Happy Summer!
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