Second Semester Looms

So now that we are past the holiday rush, and exams are done, I am trying to pace out second semester. I have boon looking to a couple of places for inspiration.

• Books:
• Upgrade your Life by Gina Trapini
  This is a book by Lifehacker about being more efficient in your work. I already try to practice Inbox Zero, but the idea about putting everything into archive, hold, and follow up folders has made the idea much easier.
• Brain Rules by John Medina
  Lots of great information about maximizing brain power. A lot of information about how the traditional school model is not the best way to learn. I don't see installing treadmills in the lab, but we could do some things to break up the 90 minute blocks.
• How the Brain Learns by David A. Sousa
  Great stuff - probably the most relevant of the bunch to actual instruction.
• Pragmatic Thinking and Learning: Refactor Your Wetware (Pragmatic Programmers) by Andrew Hunt
  This one is written by a programmer, so it makes for a fun point of view.
• Blogs:
  I have found a wealth of ideas through elementary themed blogs - who knew! My favorite so far is using a oil pan from autoZone ($10) for a large magnetic wall board.
• Clutter Free Classroom
• The Hawk's Nest
• 4th Grade Frolics
• Ladybug's Teacher Files