…changing the world, one reader at a time.
This moment from my February #antiracistbookclub read flipped a switch in my brain. OF COURSE! How didn’t I think of this before?! My conversations with students are already so different because of this small, but critical, distinction. What do you think of this purposeful language? Would you use it in your conversations, with people of any […]
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In 2020, I’m attempting to read at least one book each month specifically to help me on my antiracist journey. I’m not an expert, and I’m not a professional. You’re welcome to read and learn along with me, if you’d like. Although I began thinking about and attempting this journey years ago, I didn’t find […]
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Hi! My name is Sarah, and I’m on a journey to become a better Antiracist. I’m not an expert. I am learning. Have you ever heard or read Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum’s moving walkway theory? “I sometimes visualize the ongoing cycle of racism as a moving walkway at the airport. Active racist behavior is equivalent […]
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Earlier this week, I shared the most popular posts of 2019, according to statistics, on Fitz Between the Shelves. And while it’s fascinating to see what readers enjoy the most, it’s also surprising to see what makes it to the top of the list; because they’re rarely the moments that I loved the most! So […]
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I haven’t been posting about the Twelve Days of Tech-Mas as I usually do this year. The action is still happening in the library (all day everyday!), and I had a scheduled social media plan to share our progress – but the truth is, I’ve been thinking a lot, and the name Tech-Mas doesn’t feel […]
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I have something miraculous to tell you about. Our 7th and 8th graders have designated library time in their schedule every week. This time comes with one rule: you can’t read anything assigned to you. Whatever you’re reading has to be something that’s exclusively for enjoyment. From e-readers to magazines to Narwhal and Jelly for […]
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This week, a 7th grade reader leant me a book. “This is the best book I’ve ever read,” she said, all shining eyes and earnestness. “You can borrow it, but please don’t touch any of the pages I marked. I need them. Will you read it, so I can talk to you about it?” What […]
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The best thing about teaching? A beautiful blank slate every August. This wall may look empty, but it has my brain buzzing with reading goals for the ‘19-‘20 school year. Here are three that I’m really excited about: Read as diversely as possible, giving extra attention to underrepresented voices and power dynamics. This one might […]
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In our opening meetings this week, our Head of School spoke about THE book: The One That Changed Everything. For him, it was Toni Morrison’s Song of Solomon. Once he read it, nothing was the same. Then, he asked us to consider and share our own. My mind went to Harry Potter. As a kid, […]
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February is Black History Month. It’s only 28 days long and we’re already on day three, so let’s cut the niceties and get right to it: It’s too easy to let Black History Month pass by without bringing it into the classroom in the way that children deserve. Or to read one picture book about Rosa […]
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