If anything says summertime its, time with the family, gardening, grilling, drive-ins, and Professional Development. Yes, that's right I said it, Professional Development. Now, I know what you're thinking PD during the summertime?! No thank you. But really let's think about it. All year long we hustle to create awesome and inspiring lessons for our kids (I refuse to call them students because by the end, let's face it they're extended family). So that they may realize their potential, and evolve into individuals thirsting for knowledge with a passion for changing the world and healthy eats. But during that period, finding time for truly meaningful extended learning can be tough, which has always left me facing quite a conundrum, life is busy, how do I find the time to model what I expect my kids to become in the classroom? The answer is surprisingly not as difficult as it sounds...
So here's a super short list of really awesome ways that I try to stay in the loop, on my subject area of expertise, while still experiencing life.
See, I said it was short. But hopefully this helps. So, what do you use to stay in the loop? leave your favorite tools/blogs etc. in the comments section below.
So here's a super short list of really awesome ways that I try to stay in the loop, on my subject area of expertise, while still experiencing life.
- Feedly: This is an awesome app/website which is available on almost all platforms. My wife introduced it to me a few years ago. It's basically world domination at your fingertips. It's an RSS feed reader with an easy to read format. You have the ability to create collections, and access them in a minimalist and clean fashion. My collections range from archaeology & medieval manuscripts (c'mon y'know they're a good read) to modern art & zen habits (for perspective) and woodworking. Smack this beast onto a tablet or mobile device and the world is yours. I can't tell you how many awesome and interesting things.
- Friend of (insert UC) Library Card: Did you know that In CA if you are a teacher, You can get a library card to your local UC. Costs zero Dollars and you now have access to really awesome books! I use this to find textbooks & related resources that might be more suited for the level of my kids or of more interest to them, and bring me one step closer to my Goodreads goal.
- Youtube: If time permits I also check out several youtube channels and podcasts. If you are an educator, I'm sure you're familiar w/ ted talks (its all the rage) , but did you know that Yale offers courses online and so do many other ivy league colleges, cant go wrong with free college courses.
See, I said it was short. But hopefully this helps. So, what do you use to stay in the loop? leave your favorite tools/blogs etc. in the comments section below.
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