It's Monday! What are you Reading? is a meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journeys. Jen Vincent of Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee Moye of Unleashing Readers decided to give It's Monday! What Are You Reading? a kidlit focus. It is a great way to recap what you read and/or reviewed the previous week and to plan out your reading and reviews for the upcoming week. It's also a great chance to see what others are reading right now...you just might discover your next “must-read” book!
This week's "What are you reading?" is more of a romp through bookstores, a library, and a college. Last week, I had the fantastic opportunity to attend Teachers College Reading and Writing Coaching Institute for Reading. Teachers College at Columbia University is one of those places that I have always wanted to visit and also to attend one of their trainings in reading and writing. As I wrote on my Facebook page on Saturday:
"It has been an intense week of active learning with steep learning curves accompanied by much reflection and new insight."
This past week, I grew in my knowledge and skills as a coach due to the intensive training. My brain is currently trying to process all that I learned. Outside of the training, I learned that New York City has it's own language and culture when it comes to taxis and subways. Let's just say that I have more to learn in navigating my way around the city.
Little Elliot display at Books of Wonder
When I travel, I love visiting bookstores that I have heard about from friends. While in New York City this past week, there were no shortage of bookstores to visit. One of my favorites is Books of Wonder. I met up with my Nerdy Book Club friend, Susan Dee and we were immediately off book talking favorite titles. I couldn't help but pick up some signed copies of books that I had already ready. And a new one to read.
Picture from Susan Dee
Book Talking Halloween Tree at Books of Wonder.
All but The Whisper I found at Books of Wonder.
My book purchases from Books of Wonder.
Later that same day we wandered into Book Culture's children's section. I finally found The Whisper by Pamela Zagarenski, which I had been looking for. I knew it had to come home with me.
A must have book purchase.
Hanging in front of the NYPL with colleagues.
On Saturday, I stopped by the New York Public Library. I knew I had to see this famous library and visit their Children's Center, which was the first children's room created in 1911. Though I didn't pick up any books, I did enjoy spending time in such a wonderful place.
Later that afternoon, I met up at Bank Street Books again with Susan Dee and we were joined by JoEllen Of course more book talking ensued and though I didn't purchase anything, I did read a couple of books and made note to pick up a few more.
Reading at Bank Street books with Susan Dee and JoEllen McCarthy
Reading with friends at Bank Street Books.
Other Book News!
How to Tell a Story Week is coming!
Jen from Teach Mentor Texts and I are thrilled to announce the official countdown to How To Tell a Story week! In fifteen days we'll kickoff How To Tell a Story week where we celebrate this unique story-telling set from Workman Publishers that comes with a book of story-telling activities from Daniel Nayeri and colorful, illustrated blocks from Brian Won. Mark your calendars because we'll be sharing some great activities, interviews, giveaways, and even a way to get your students writing and involved in the fun. Curious already? While you wait for November 3rd to come around, you can watch this video about what How To Tell a Story is and how it works!
So, what are you reading?