Book Review of Amplify!: Digital Teaching and Learning in the K-6 Classroom

One of my goals was to read more professional books, and I have made a good start! I am working my way through my "Summer Stack." Today, I finished reading Amplify!: Digital Teaching and Learning in the K-6 Classroom.

This was a great book! Here are my quick take aways:

The authors, Katie Muhtaris and Kristin Ziemke, stress that you give up some control when introducing a new tool. This was a big "aha" moment for me, because I'm kind of a control freak when it comes to well...everything! But, what they're saying makes sense. No one is talking about a complete free for all, but give your students five minutes to explore the tool first. Then, have a meaningful discussion about what they noticed and what they think they could use the tool for before you launch your introductory lesson.

I also really enjoyed the video access you get with the book. Katie and Kristin include videos of actual activities they have done in their classrooms with technology. Let's be honest. It's always better to see it in action in a real classroom setting.

The book finishes up with some great concrete lesson ideas for incorporating technology tools. They can be adapted across primary and intermediate grade levels. This is helpful when you are feeling overwhelmed, and you don't know where to start. There are great links, visuals, and tips throughout the book. Definitely worth the read! You can follow the authors on Twitter at:
@KatieMuhtaris
@KristinZiemke

Get the book here (affiliate link):