Making It Work: Summer Reading 2021

Summer Reading List: Professional Development 5^th Edition

The end of the most challenging year of teaching is here. I am going to take a little brain break before I dive into my summer professional reading list. As I have stated in previous years, I set aside time to read three teaching-related books each summer to get the wheels turning and learn something new, and improve as a music educator and human. Here is my list for this summer.

Elementaria First acquaintance with Orff -Schulwerk, Gunild Keetman

Every few years I read through this text again to learn and dig deeper into the mind of this brilliant woman and her work with children. I like to read Elementaria in small chunks over the whole summer so I can think through and process new ideas and discoveries as they come.

Inside Arabic Music Arabic Maqam, Performance and Theory in the 20^th Century, Johnny Farraj and Sami Abu Shumays

I am interested in learning more about Arabic music and experiencing and performing Arabic music with children more often. This book is one step in expanding my knowledge and learning best practices. Learning from practicing musicians will help me to do my best to be culturally respectful when preparing and guiding my musicians in learning experiences. Which type, style, genre or form of music are you interested in learning about? Do a bit of research and find a reputable text to advance your level of understanding. There is so much music to explore.

Pedagogy of the Oppressed, Paulo Freire

This text has been sitting on my shelf for over a year. It is time for me to dig in and do the work. Having a better understanding of how the education system as a whole is failing children will better equip me to speak up and advocate for change in the schools where I work and in my community.

BONUS:

If you are a bit depleted and need a reset, look back to Teaching with Vitality to get you back on track for the 2021-2022 school year!

And for more ideas check out our lists from summers past!

• Summer Reading List 2019
• Summer Reading List 2018
• Summer Reading List 2017
• Summer Reading List 2016

What does your summer professional reading list include?  Please share titles you plan to read or re-read in the comments below. It may be just the inspiration someone else is looking for to make their summer reading list work. Happy summer!