2016 was an amazing year. We were lucky to learn a lot from a great number of books, podcasts, and blogs throughout the year. We would like to share some of our favorites with you:
Books
Poke the Box by Seth Godin
In this book, Seth provides many examples of why you should start today. It doesn’t matter what it is you are passionate about, whatever it is, you should get started on sharing that passion in some manner. As Seth finishes the book, “You can’t lose. Go.”
Originals by Adam Grant
It is hard to be original. In this book, Adam Grant explores what it means to be original and how it can impact our world.
The Zen Teacher by Dan Tricarico
As an educator, it is important that you are able to find peace and tranquility. In this introductory guide, Dan Tricarico will help you to lower stress, to practice mindfulness and self-care, and to let go of what you can’t control.
Fully Charged by Tom Rath
How can you be your best every day? Challenge yourself to start creating meaning in your life. Rethink your daily interactions to become more engaged in your work.
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
How can you live creatively in your normal, everyday life? Break down your fear and start with curiosity. This book will help inspire you to be more creative no matter what you do for a living.
Instant Relevance by Denis Sheeran
This book made me rethink the Pokémon Go and Bottle Flipping crazes of this year. How can we make learning more relevant for students? Start with this book!
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
In this short, readable book, Steven Pressfield, takes a look at the struggles to create. Although he is a writer, and much of the book is geared around writing, his outlook and views are applicable to any creative endeavor.
How to Fly a Horse by Kevin Ashton
Kevin Ashton makes creation, invention and discovery accessible to everyone by looking at how creatives of the past actually accomplished their work. Hint: It’s not as dramatic or as extraordinary as conventional wisdom (or lore) would lead us to believe.
Podcasts
Malcolm Gladwell examines several topics and sees if they hold up to our understanding of them after many years. One of our particular favorites is the examination of the song Hallelujah.
How can we learn from our biggest mistakes? Jon Harper speaks with other educators about their biggest mistakes, and what can be learned from them.
Brian Clark interviews successful entrepreneurs and creatives to find insight into their process. Two of our favorites are his interview with Austin Kleon, Author of Steal Like An Artist and Show Your Work and Tim Ferriss, Author of the 4-Hour Work Week.
Brian Koppelman talks with a wide variety of guests about the moments that define their creative processes. The Seth Godin interviews are Can’t Miss, as is the interview with Paul Giammatti.
Blogs
This is Seth’s Blog by Seth Godin
Seth Godin posts every day about marketing, tribes, and respect. The posts often hit close to home as an educator. Find something relevant from this blog every day!
Bailey and Derek’s Daddy By Jon Harper
In addition to his My Bad podcast, Jon Harper is also an amazing blogger. His posts often deal with the human element, which can frequently be lost in education. As a father, I always gain insights from Jon when he writes a post about his kids.
Literacy Lenses by Dr. Mary Howard, Amy Brennan, and Jenn Hayhurst
The Literacy experts from the #G2Great chat have expanded the chat to include posts on the great literacy discussions that need to be taking place in our schools. As the tagline says, “focusing on literacy work that matters!”
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