To validate the existence of another human being is one of the most beautiful and selfless gifts we can give. In doing so, we also validate ourselves.
—Tracey Willis Gates
Write a Note; Share a Book
I’ve been trying to develop a rhythm for letter writing for many years. One time my friend Jonathan shared with me his morning routine. He described taking an early morning walk and reflecting on those people in his life he is grateful for, and then when he returned home, he selected two people and wrote them notes.
Although I write many notes throughout the year, the intentionality and rhythm of Jonathan’s routine resonated with me. I’ve been chasing this habit and continue to fall short.
I’ve been persistent, trying many different strategies, but nothing seems to stick. I’ve been unable to keep a steady rhythm of note writing. Rather it is a chaotic and random habit. I know this pattern because my latest strategy has been to keep a log of the notes I send. In the last four weeks I’ve sent 27 notes.
Yet I feel like I’m flailing, because there is no rhyme or reason behind the habit. It’s more of a wild cacophony of gratitude and determination.
I reflected on this as I headed into proofing the articles for this week’s issue. I was surprised to find my soul soothed by this collection. It focuses on the power of picture books and the habits and rhythms of sharing them with students.
I am reminded that the best routines are not about checking all the right boxes, but rather about the heart of why we do them. Whether it be writing a note or sharing a picture book, let us not forget that these things validate the existence of another human being and are one of the most beautiful and selfless gifts we can give.
Ruth Ayres
Editor in Chief
Are you familiar with Colby Sharp’s YouTube channel? Check out one of his recent videos about essential read aloud books.
Katherine Sokolowski shares a booklist that inspires her to teach five different kinds of conflict.
New members-only content is added each week to the Choice Literacy website. If you’re not yet a member, click here to explore membership options.
Teachers understand the power of relationships and how we, as humans, need connection. Leigh Anne Eck has compiled a booklist of unlikely friendships that span generations.
Gretchen Schroeder shares the way Picture Book Friday lifted the level of understanding and conversation with her 11th-grade students.
Mandy Robek uses picture books to help her students build their identities as mathematicians. Mandy shares the process and a booklist.
New members-only content is added each week to the Choice Literacy website. If you’re not yet a member, click here to explore membership options.
Matt Renwick shares a model to lean on as teachers and coaches navigate the unpredictable terrain of school-wide change. This is the first installment of a two-part series.
Don’t miss this powerful message from Brené Brown about the psychology behind manipulation, guilt-tripping, blame-shifting, and emotional chaos. Every school leader will benefit from the strategies emotionally intelligent people use to stay grounded, confident, and unshakable.
Quote It:
She read books as as one would breathe air, to fill up and live.
—Annie Dillard
That’s all for this week!
