6 Easy Spring Break Reads for Teachers in 2024
The early spring flowers are beginning to bloom, and you know what that means: spring break is here! Although most schools only take a week for spring vacation, teachers are always looking forward to this relaxing intermission before some of the busiest school weeks of the year.
Between the wonderful spring weather and the break from the classroom, spring break is a great time for educators to get some much-needed rest and relaxation. In addition, spring break is the perfect time to focus on personal wellbeing by finding ways to reset and prioritize your own wellbeing. Activities like going for a hike, spending time in the garden, or relaxing on the beach are all a great way for teachers to engage in self-care––and they are also perfect places to read a good book!
Since spring break comes and goes quick, we’ve compiled a list of six easy reads for teachers to pick up on their time off and jump right into reading and relaxing. Each of these books are under 300 pages, so you can feel confident you’ll make it to the end before spring break is over.
Our recommended six easy spring break reads for teachers:
In this book, storyteller, author, and activist Mark Yaconelli educates readers on the power of storytelling in our individual and collective lives. Through commentary, meditation, and storytelling, Yaconelli shows readers how individuals and communities can recover the practice of storytelling to address the despair of climate change, the trauma of school shootings, and the daily search for meaning.
For individuals who want to experience more happiness, spontaneity, excitement and fun in their lives, this book explores the transformative impact of incorporating play into daily life, emphasizing its ability to enhance creativity, reduce stress, and foster meaningful connections. Psychology leaders Elaine O’Brien, Ph.D., and Andrea Seydel share anecdotes, research, and practical exercises to help readers embrace play as a tool for unlocking their joy and living a fulfilling life.
A great read for an election year, this book provides a framework for navigating challenging conversations in today's polarized world, emphasizing curiosity and empathy as key tools for understanding diverse perspectives. Through practical strategies and real-life examples, Author Mónica Guzmán, a journalist and fellow at a non-profit dedicated to bridging the partisan divide, encourages readers to engage fearlessly with differing viewpoints to foster meaningful dialogue and promote understanding.
This book explores strategies for creating inclusive and engaging educational experiences that honor diverse cultural perspectives and histories. Dr. Gholdy Muhammad, an expert in culturally responsive education, offers practical guidance and tools for educators to develop curriculum and instruction that celebrate students' identities and promote a deeper understanding of the world around them.
In this book, Mike Rucker, PhD, discusses the importance of cultivating a mindset focused on joy and wonder, highlighting how ‘fun’ can positively impact every aspect of life. Readers will learn how to incorporate more fun and playfulness into their daily routines through Rucker’s personal stories, research insights, and practical advice.
This book examines the decline of reading culture in schools due to factors such as standardized testing and excessive focus on skill instruction. Author Kelly Gallagher advocates for changes in educational practices to reignite students' passion for reading, emphasizing the importance of creating engaging and meaningful reading experiences for all.
If you’re looking for a book to start and finish this spring break, these easy reads are the perfect length. These books will inspire and enrich educators across grade levels and disciplines, offering exciting conversations and fresh perspectives. We hope you have a restful and rejuvenating vacation––you deserve it!
