Articles and news stories are constantly pushing me to consider something new, broaden my perspective, or change the way I look at an issue. My husband likes to joke that my brain explodes with something new on a daily basis. These articles – and the brain explosions that result from them – are so beneficial for me that I wanted to create a place where I could share them, in case you might want to read them, too. Learn more about Things that Made My Brain Explode – and see past posts – here. 

Here’s a recent batch of Things that Made my Brain Explode:

• February 4-8 was Black Lives Matter at School Week. I wish I’d known earlier, so I could have shared resources. Here’s some information from an article published in the Washington Post: “Black Lives Matter at School Week was started by teachers, parents and administrators who organize for racial justice in education and sponsor an annual week of action during the first week of February. It is connected to but not directly linked to the Black Lives Matter movement, and it has been supported by school boards, unions and other organizations along with public officials.” (Read the full article here). If you want to learn more: Black Lives Matter at School.
• A powerful piece from Cult of Pedagogy: 10 Ways Educators Can Take Action in Pursuit of Equity. These are not easy, finish in one school year goals. These are big, systemic, shift your entire mindset goals for most educators. It may take us our whole careers to get there… but we should be giving it everything we’ve got.
• Here’s your weekly reminder that chronic illnesses exist and are real and deserve your time and attention; that doctors should believe young women that know there’s something happening with their bodies; that representation of chronic illness in the media matters: ‘It’s all in your head. You just need to be happier. Go take a walk, be a ‘normal’ 20-something.’ I had just woken up, still bleary-eyed from anesthesia. These were the words my doctor said to me.’ I’ve been following Molly since she first started her journey on social media and she’s such a positive force, determined to break the stigma by sharing her story. Follow her on Instagram here.
• US covers vs UK covers. Very cool.
• The 2019 Rainbow Book List is out! “The List is a curated bibliography highlighting books with significant gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or queer/questioning content, aimed at children and youth from birth to age 18. This List is intended to aid youth and those working with youth in selecting high-quality books published between July 2017 and December 2018.”
• In a comparison of teacher pay vs. pay for workers over the age of 18 that hold a Bachelors degree, Virginia teachers come up short: Virginia is the state with the largest teacher pay gap.

• The Newest DC Comics Superhero Is a Girl of Color from Oregon. AND, The CW will soon film a pilot for ‘Batwoman,’ making it the first-ever lesbian-led superhero TV show. Can we all have some of what the comic book industry is having?!

• How to apologize to your students. The Kid Whisperer is one of my favorite behavior management gurus. His advice has changed my teaching for the better. I keep this script in my pocket for whenever I need it because admitting mistakes, taking ownership for them, and taking the time to apologize sincerely has a huge impact. As a bonus, it’s great modeling for how students can handle their own mistakes.
• This came up at a recent meeting: Five Ways to Help Children with ADHD Develop Their Strengths.
• I appreciated this piece from the National Association of Independent Schools about teaching, leading, and helping the community heal in the aftermath of a mass shooting. Crappy title, but great snippets in here about coming together as a community and starting difficult conversations in the wake of tragedy.
• I know that most people have moved on from the events regarding Nathan Phillips and the Covington, KY students at this point, but I’m still processing it. This article really made me think: White People, Come Get Your Children.
• Angie Thomas is everywhere right now, and she deserves every last bit of press that she’s getting. She’s changing the kid lit game, and I’m here for it. This week: Angie Thomas Lets Hip-Hop Speak in Her New Novel, ‘On the Come Up, Author Angie Thomas Writes To ‘Mirror’ Young, Black Readers, and Fox To Adapt ‘The Hate U Give’ Author Angie Thomas’ Next Book ‘On The Come Up’; George Tillman Jr. Directing.
• A School Can Be the Change: Teaching Writing with a Social Justice Lens. Absolutely beautiful. (Thank you to my coworker Lisa for sharing.)