My "to read" shelf

Today I was trying to explain to a student why I owned a copy of Bad Island by TenNapel but it wasn’t in my classroom quite yet. Trying to explain to a ten-year-old why over a hundred books sat in my bedroom. I read a lot, but not enough to keep up with all the books coming in my home. Too much in – not enough out. Hmm. I have this issue with calories as well.

At any rate, I told them I’d videotape my “to read” shelf. I am embarrassed by it. I’ve read 339 books this year so far and it still looks like this. My husband, Chris, would say that it’s an easy problem to fix. Stop buying books! Sorry, honey, not going to happen.

As I taped I was well aware of shelves of friends that, I am positive, have more books than this. And I also knew if I took you on a tour of our home you’d find stacks of books by the front door, back door, in baskets downstairs, etc. I did ponder as I taped – I have PD books at school and PD books at home. Educator friends – where do you keep your PD books? I don’t know if I have a reason for the sort – other than if I’m “using” one for ideas for lessons, it’s usually at school. Thoughts?

So here’s my bedroom and shelves in all of their glory. Please forgive the headboardless bed – we remodeled and moved into this room just over a year ago but I just can’t find the exact bed I want. Or, to be truthful, I have found it but it costs a ridiculous amount so I wait to see if I truly want it. Welcome to my shelves.

One more thing - as I taped this I realized I do not own any PD books by the two great Dons - Murray and Graves. If you needed to start reading their amazing works - which ones would you suggest? Thanks friends! 

Slice of Life - First Day!

Slice of Life is sponsored every Tuesday by Stacey and Ruth from Two Writing Teachers.

First of all, with the begin the year craziness I didn’t get to post my “It’s Monday! What are you Reading?” post. Let me report that now I am officially done with summer and I read 114 books in my 86 days. WOO HOO! J I read  some excellent books this week with no way to pick a favorite, they all rocked. Here’s my week:

Today (Monday) was my first day of the school year. We had meetings all morning and the chance to work in our classrooms in the afternoon. Tomorrow (Tuesday) is the first day for students and they will be in our rooms for ½ of a day, then starting Wednesday, we’re back full time!

Instead of writing a slice I thought I’d do a video of my classroom. I’ve done a photo tour before but thought I’d try a video. I still see a million things I need to do, but am eager to meet my students tomorrow. Enjoy! 

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS BY JOHN GREEN

I don't even know how to properly write about this book, much less talk about it. That being said, I decided to create a vlog. Not sure what I was thinking - maybe it kind-of fits considering John and his brother Hank vlog weekly? After trying many takes I can safely say I won't be doing this often. Much easier to just teach. But had to share my love of this book. Check it out. (And WOW am I looking good there. Love the way you freeze.)