I have been working on the Connection Lens book pretty steady for about a year and a half. Because my time is limited, my writing time takes the place of my blogging time. My books, I feel, have a reflective tone and they do somewhat fill my reflective practitioner niche, but nothing really takes the place of blogging for a powerful reflection experience.
So here I am.
What an amazing time we had on Saturday November 7th, 2020 during the Connection Lens book launch. I was so please with the number of friends, colleagues, CBL faithful, and new folk that joined the event. John Hollingsworth, comedian, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker was the consummate host, keeping the event going smoothly, asking tough questions, keeping us focused. Writer of the book's foreword, Dr. Jennifer Williams beautifully shared her connection to me, CBL, and her Teach Boldly passion. Ziauddin Yousafzai, writer of the book's afterword, told a bit of his story about his work in Swat Valley, making connections for his work promoting girls' education. The Connection Lens articulated his view of how education should be. Theresa Laflèche explained her connection with the book as editor and homeschool parent. The speaker lineup did not disappoint.
Here is a recording of the event:
The launch did what it was supposed to do. Not only did it introduce the book to the world, but the event launched the book to an Amazon #1 Best Seller in Educational Reform. I am pleased about this, not for the acclaim, but that I really think these ideas need to get out there. I am excited for anything that can help spread this work to the masses to better the educational landscape.
Thanks to everyone at the launch, and thanks to you, for your interest in CBL. As I mentioned at the launch, you can really help the work by doing three things:
1) Pick up the book from Amazon
- For a price of a Starbucks coffee you can help support the work of connections-based learning and bring the power of the Connection Lens to your sphere of influence. Visit your country's Amazon site and search for "The Connection Lens" or go directly to the Amazon.com site here: bit.ly/CBLbook2
2) Use the book
- Read the book. Use the material in your work. Start a book club and read it with your colleagues. Put these ideas into practice to develop your own connection lens.
3) Review the book
- 5-Star reviews are a great way to get these ideas noticed. Connections-based learning is a grassroots initiative that is bottom up, not top down. The more positive reviews, the more we can get our message out there: human connection makes a difference.
Here is a taste of the book:
And again, thanks for your support. Together we can make classrooms a place of meaning, motivation, and a chance to make a difference for children everywhere.
