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:

• Apple announces ‘disability-themed emojis’ to arrive in the fall.
• Names that are unfamiliar to you aren’t “hard”, they’re “unpracticed”. This is the language I’ll be using with students’ names from now on.
• The 2019-2020 school year is upon us! Here’s your official reminder to befriend your school librarian: Why School Librarians are the Literacy Leaders We Need.
• Personal trainer opens gym for people with autism.
• Riley app brings together those with disabilities and absences. I met Elizabeth through CBIC this fall and I’m so excited about the work she’s doing with the Riley app.
• Speaking of, do you have questions about chronic illness or what it’s like to live as a “spoonie”, and why chronically ill people might want to connect with other people like them? Check out this helpful guide: I’m a Spoonie. Here’s what I wish more people knew about chronic illness. (Head over here for a more detailed explanation of the Spoon Theory.)
• Teachers, consider this as you plan out your classroom budget and libraries: “Racial inequity, gender stereotypes and heternormativity are heavy topics, and some people may wonder if early childhood is the proper time to address social justice issues with children. But educators and children’s authors say the years from kindergarten to second grade are ripe for discussing diversity and equity because children are forming their own identities and becoming aware of differences in the people around them.” Picture Imperfect: How Diverse is Your Classroom Library? (Plus a bonus Inclusive Children’s Reading List.)
• Another reminder as you prep for the new school year: Just one supportive adult cuts the chance an LGBTQ youth will attempt suicide by 40%. Here’s a link to the rainbow flag similar to the one that I bought for our library. See it here, hanging in the back (behind the middle schoolers doing the worm).
• 6 Women on Not Having Children.
• BYU students expand Animojis to include Sign Language. This is so cool.
• 25 Children’s Books that Celebrate Differences.
• “Kids are capable problem solvers, even the youngest ones. Assume they have good ideas and you’re there for support.” This article about conflict resolution between siblings will be so useful at school: For Sibling Battles, Be a Sportscaster, Not a Referee.
• An argument for Reading What Your Kids are Reading. As a person who reads what your kids are reading as a part of my job, I can tell you that it pays off in spades – in conversation, connection, mutual respect, and in discovering great books that I never would have found myself.
• “Why are so many Americans insisting that racism requires conscious, malicious intent in order for the title to be earned?” Denying racism supports it.
• “So diversify the curriculum, yes— but let’s not stop there.” Why Diverse Texts Are Not Enough.
• Late, but worthy: Stop Calling Epstein’s Victims Young Women. They’re Children.
• “Every child in America deserves to go to school and feel safe in their own skin.” Waiting to be judged.