WorldStrides Updates

What to Read/Watch/Listen To This Summer

Summer is the perfect time for nourishing your mind. We asked WorldStrides employees what was on their summer reading, watching, and listening list. Here are a few favorites:

Recommended by Shannon Kontalonis, Senior Events Manager (and Former Teacher)

Creative Schools
By: Ken Robinson, Ph.D.

I first stumbled upon Ken Robinson by watching his famous Ted Talks, and have ever since been captivated by his intellect. Even after leaving the classroom, I still follow his published works and therefore highly recommend reading Creative Schools: “Filled with anecdotes, observations and recommendations from professionals on the front line of transformative education, case histories, and groundbreaking research—and written with Robinson’s trademark wit and engaging style—Creative Schools will inspire teachers, parents, and policy makers alike to rethink the real nature and purpose of education.”

Recommended by Bethany Spiva, Account Manager

The Wild Card: 7 Steps to an Educator’s Creative Breakthrough
By: Wade King

This book is incredible – I just bought it for my mom to read while she visits me (she’s a teacher and Program Leader with WorldStrides). This book is encouraging, inspiring, and empowering; I think it speaks directly to what we do at WorldStrides as well, because we offer creative ways to supplement in-class learning.

Recommend by Judith Finn, Graphic Designer

COOKED (Book and Netflix Series)

By: Michael Pollan

This exploration of food tradition through the four natural elements is a journey across the planet, and across time. Michael Pollan is one of my favorite authors and television personalities — his enthusiasm and curiosity makes for great educational entertainment and the book/series is an invitation to get back in the kitchen and form a relationship to the ingredients we use to nourish our bodies and minds.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epMAq5WYJk4

Tales by Light

Fascinating series that follows travel photographers at the top of their game across the globe. Each episode acts as portrait of a visual storyteller and a behind-the-scenes look into the most fascinating elements of the planet and humanity.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmegZSlJX0M

Recommended by Wendy Amato, Ph.D, Vice President of Education

The Unknowns
By: Screenplay by Neal Schrodetzki and Ethan Morse

Students and teachers who see the changing of the guard at Arlington National Cementary should ABSOLUTELY see this excellent documentary that conveys the dedication and commitment of the Tomb Guards.  The film shares the stories of several guards who are working to earn the right to protect the Tombs and also shares the stories of soldiers who have had the honor.  In their oath, they declare that their “standard is perfection” and this film certainly proves it.

Trailer – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sToKMDso_E

Recommended by Beth Campbell, Senior Director of Content and Communications

This American Life
By: Chicago Public Media

If you are already a fan of podcasts, recommending this is like recommending the movie Star Wars or the book Great Gatsby. Ira Glass and his team have built a podcast empire, and this is well, obvious. But if you aren’t into podcasts, this is a great one to start and a wonderful way to inspire you to learn about things you may not have considered. The team of reporters covers a wide range of topics with humor and creative storytelling. Even when I’m not initially drawn in by the episode topic, I find myself captivated.    

Got a little time to catch up on books, movies, and podcasts this summer? What’s on your list?