If you have not had the opportunity to read the book, A Fish in a Tree, by Lynda Mullaly Hunt, now is the time! The novel, A Fish in a Tree, is eloquently authored by Lynda Mullaly Hunt. This e-book product is a companion book study that may be utilized in several different ways including: (1) individual professional development to renew your own professional growth and learning; (2) a faculty and staff book study as a summer or really anytime of the year book study for professional growth; (3) a guide or workbook for an assigned reading in a graduate course; and (4) maybe an entire faculty and staff summer read to help better understand the world of dyslexia as part of a school improvement process! Specifically, this book is a companion book study for educators or anyone else that wants a different look into the world of a child/teenager, and/or adult dealing with dyslexic tendencies/characteristics 24/7.The opportunities are limitless for how one might utilize this product best! You make the decision! This novel is written around the infamous quote: “everybody is smart in different ways. But, if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its life believing it is stupid.” Do you see them as “your children” before you see them as “your students?” Do you foster the importance of standing out rather than fitting in or just satisfying the status quo? How do you think these students “find their grit” to face challenges such as the ones Ally did? Ponder and reflect as you read ahead…

Educators, from novice to veteran, will all reap benefits from participating in this book study/field guide experience in an on-going professional development activity. This resource can be utilized and implemented in many different facets and scenarios. The following are a few examples of its implementation: (1) An independent professional development completed by oneself to improve his/her leadership skills; (2) A small group, possibly a PLC, of colleagues who work together either in a grade level or department/content area who want to improve leadership skills; (3) A group of novice administrators looking to improve his/her leadership skills; (4) A superintendent with a group of school site administrators who want to collectively improve leadership skills; and (5) A literacy coach who is coaching to improve the leadership skills of a cadre of teacher leaders. The following can be found in this resource of 50 pages: (1) A summary of the three fables; (2) An introduction of the entirety of the story/fable for the reader; (3) A character’s list for the reader; (4) Charts to complete that correspond to specified pages and activities; (5) Approximately 130 discussion questions to complete as the fables are read and discussed in small group; (6) Fill-in-the-Blank statements that correspond to specified pages within the story; Activities to Complete Include the Following: (1) Activity 1: “Worthwhile Work” (2) Activity 2: “Meaningless Jobs” (3) Activity 3: “Commitment and Buy-In” (4) Activity 4: “Values vs. Goals” (5) Activity 5: “Hold or Roll” (6) Activity 6: “What’s Our Why?” (7) Activity 7: “What’s Your Mantra?” Additionally, there are 10 mini-posters to illustrate each of the three fables and utilize, when needed, for small group discussion. Gung-Ho! as you all work through this professional development activity regarding improving your leadership skills! Related Products Include: (1) Professional Development Book Study: The Energy Bus Leadership Guide and Workbook (2) Professional Development Book Study: Are You Educating a Fish in a Tree? (3) Professional Development Book Study: Our Iceberg is Melting!