November Library Bulletin Boards

           November  Bulletin Board Ideas:

   Elect to read!-  Election decor
   Children's Book Week - Have students make covers of their favorite books or put up covers of books.
   Don't be a turkey, Read!- Make a turkey with feathers - print out titles on the feathers.
   Be Thankful for great books.
   What are you Thankful for?- have students write down on slips what they are thankful for. Put on bulletin board. Color code by class.
   Gobble up these  great books - turkey with book covers of book chosen by you or students
   Pick a winner- football theme

More Benefits of Blogging in Schools

  The more I read about blogging with students, the more I see  how many benefits there are.  I know that all students are different but it seems  totally worth it to explore  blogging  within you class and subject.

  Blogging expands the walls of the classroom. Blogging helps students connect with each other outside of t he class  by  allowing them to  share comments and questions . The possibility also exists of connecting with others that are not in the physical class.   Students can connect with other students who have the same grade and subject,  or experts/ authors  to discuss results, thoughts. experiments, ect.

    Blogging with students has the active/ reflective learning archived. The blog keeps a history of the work that is done in an organized  and shareable space which can show growth  and development in writing and  thinking skills.

  Thirdly, the blog is tool that supports different learning styles. Students who are shy or self conscious  in class may feel blogging is a safer way to share.  All students have a voice and ideas that they can share thru writing, video clips, art, ect. Students then feel a sense of ownership which can lead to greater participation.

Common Sense Media

 I have found this program open to school educators of technology and information literacy. I am planning to use some of the components  to  ensure that my 7th graders  learn  the ins and outs of the right way to use the newest technology. I think they will like what is coming up this week. We are finishing our black history project and will go  on to digital and traditional  media as an introduction to the Common Sense Media  components that I will be using

Babies Need Words

   The Assocation for library Services for Children ( ALSC) has launched  a new campign called Babies Need Words Everyday.  The Campaign kicks off with free resources that offer parents and caregivers fun ways to help improve their  child's language and learning.

    The resources can be customized and printed out. There are posters, booklets, and a media kid which can be printed. There are  also talking points for librarians, and letter templates for letters to the editor and potential community partnerships. Display them in your library, at your children's programs, and in local businesses  and in other public community places.

Value of School Librarians

   The true value of school librarians is  the  helping of students to become successful at learning. The question should always be : How  can we help our students to become more successful at learning?

   The message that school librarians needs to be focused on is this: The students !!   The key to the library program is helping the students learn how to keep on learning which will lead them to be successful in all avenues of their college  or work years.,

  Determine what tools the students need   and let those items be the goals of your work with the students. 

  Then it s your goal to share  what these tools are  with your staff , administrators, and parents,.  about the library assists and helps make the students successful.

Becky's Book Review Blog

   Becky's Book Review Blog is a site that offers many reviews of her favorite types of books.  She provides reviews of books from children to adults, mostly Ya to Adult. Becky loves to read and her mission is to promote reading/ Her focus on reviews will help Ya's , parents, teachers, and librarians to keep up with the best books.

   She gets books from publishers, the library, and the bookstore. She updates her blog at least 5 times a week.  She writes a review for every book she completes. She does not however complete every book she starts.  Her claim is promote the  love of reading and to connect books with readers. And yes, she has a library degree.  There is an extensive book review policy. She also offers tips on "operation Actually Read Bible" which encourages all to read the bible verses and keep track of it.

Library Reads

  Library Reads is a site that wants to  help Librarians connect readers with the best books.  Their goal is to give library staff the knowledge about new books  to share with their patrons.

  Each monthly Library Reads showcases a review of the 10 most popular books.  The aims is to help  many discover great books.  The reviews help staff know what the best books and be able to discuss them with patrons.

 Librarian who want to participate can help nominate the best books  they have read. You can check on the site for information how to join,

Summer Learning

  In the past year, I have reviewed and learn to use many  web 2.0 tools and seen many interesting websites . Make if one your goals this summer to learn how to use maybe two of these so that you can use them with your students and staff for the next school year,
   By using a neat web 2.0 tool with your students , they will be more engaged in their learning of the information skills you are imparting. Students in the 21st century need to be able to know about  and use these 'cool' ways of collaborating , interacting, and collecting information.

    Make a presentation ( think power point, prezi) for your student and teacher orientation of the school library.  Teach students about  blogs or pod casts, and have them share what they are reading and learning.  Develop a wiki for students to use for collaboration on a research topic for a certain unit or lesson.

    Don't forget your staff!!  What tool can you teach them to use? Power Point, Prezi, Blogging, or podcasting,wall wisher,? ( Just to mention a few). Do some staff development workshop[s and show them how they can  be used to engage students.

    So make a goal for the  summer , but don't just stop learning at two.  When you have mastered those, make another goal to learn two more, Let me know what you will be doing with your Web 2.0 Tool!

Virtual Reference Desk

 Virtual Reference Desk  - WWW.refdesk.comhttp://www.refdesk.com/  is a great tool  with many links to a variety of facts and information.  What a great resource!  And yes they do ask for donations to help maintain it freeness!  But wait til you see it! you will be referring back to it to help you and your patrons.

  There are many things to do daily on this site.  Check the world clock, look at headline news,  see the Fact for the day,  thought of the day, this day in History,  news photos, article of the day, people and business resources, today's birthdays, word of the day, and daily games.

  Refdesk has 3 missions: 1) fast access to facts, 2) easy to navigate, and 3) content that is comprehension.

  Also included : weather resources, news photos and videos, links to columnists, opinions and editorials, facts at a glance,  airline fact trackers, calculations and calendars, sports m health & technology news, and just to much to mention,

 So do your self a favor , and check this out. You will be sure to find  something to help your and your patrons.

Library Signage

  Library Signs are important to both students and patrons  in that they help them find sections and areas needed. Even more so in a Public library or a large school library.signage is important because  it will save you and your staff time  in answering continuous questions about where things are located.

  So think about  several things before making signs.   What sections do you have and do they need to be noted ?   What areas are you always directing patrons to?   The most obvious are of course , fiction, non-fiction, children's room, Ya room, or reference section.

 Depending on your library , you may also have  a computer lab/area,  over sized book shelf, large print books, archives ( local history) or  reading or study area.  

  Having signs for these will allow you  to define areas of the library where many patrons / students  want and need to be.   So now for the signs: what kind will you have? 

  If you have a large budget, then check out the library suppy catalogs or find a local person that can design and make signs for you.  The advantage of this is that these will be lasting signs.  Hang them carefully and you will use them for many years.

 If your budget is not large, then do what I do. I made colorful signs on a power point program or a publisher program.  I then cover them with contact  paper.
 These signs  will be placed where needed.  In a few years if I need to make new ones I will. The advantage of this is if I move areas around , the signs are easy to move around also.

Successful strategies for PR

   Library's and their staff strive to develop promotions that catch the attention of patrons and future patrons. We want to draw both types of patrons  to our programs and events.

  So what can we do? With a little thought we can develop strategies that work for our communities. Here are a few:

 1) Eye catching book displays, add to that a poster to emphasize and clarify what the display is about.

2) Well designed flyers and newsletters. They should have details about programs , events, and resources.

3) Your website for the library. Make it interactive, interesting and information, Add a blog, podcast, photos,- anything to attract and hold patrons attention.

4) Advertising?  If you can afford it ,use local papers and radio stations, Promote the library, programs , events and resources,  Some local media welcome library information in press releases. They may also provide  a space or time for a library column or library spot.

5) Friends Groups- This group may host programs,. collect funds, and and help promote the library.

6)  Staff members  are a gold mine! Make sure they are knowledgeable and enthusiastic and can discuss and promote programs, resources, events and exhibits,

Booklist online- advisory source and book reviews!

  Another great resource for both readers advisories and book reviews is Booklist online. Yes it is one and the same - from the journal Booklist!   And it is from the experts - ALA! So this site and the  journal itself is a great source for  both public and school librarians looking for  reputable reviews.

   BookListonline is a free website that offers a great selection of the Booklist content.  Plus there are many reviews of recommended reviews. Also included are some of the features written for Booklist online. If you are a subscriber to Booklist- you can obtain even more content.  But even if you are not a subscriber there are many features that are available for you to use. There are many columns, departments, and features available.

     Some things to check out on this site :  Review of the day, links to booklists from certain publishers with certain genres, links to Booklist latest articles( Latest- Editors Choices for 2013), links to blogs  from Booklsit staff and reviewers( Booklist Buzz, & Shelf Renewal ), links to current newsletters,  and links to sign up for Free Webinars!

   So check out  www.booklistonline.com/  to find out some  great content and reviews!

Highly Organized Librarian- Getting Large Projects done!

    One way to become a highly organized librarians is to begin with the end in mind.  Whenever you have a  large project to do which requires a good deal of work , time  and effort  it might be a  good idea to use this technique.

    Start with a clear understanding of what the outcome of the project will be. Think about the inventory done, the book list completed, the  movement of books and shelving,  the final paper or grant project will be.    Then determine how you will get there.

    What is the best way to get the project completed? What steps do you need to take to  accomplish the project.  Think it through.  Then write down the steps you will take..  After writing down the steps , organize the steps in the most logical order.    Make a plan.    Determine what steps you will do and what dates you will do them. Write them in your plan or calendar book.   Figure out what resources or materials you will need to get the project done. Write them into your plan.

   This is system that requires thinking and planning before the actually doing .  Mentally you are preparing the project before you begin the actual work. In this way, if you write down the steps, you have a schedule of the steps and what to do when.  The thinking and list gives you focus on the projects and keeps you on track.

    I use this system which is briefly outlined in The Organized Librarian  Ebook. For details on how to order see  Books to Order tab.

Visual Literacy and Primary Resources

        As librarians and teachers , engage students with pure content and show them how to be more visually aware. You can do this by using primary resources to add to and support  text book resources. 

         Find in your data bases and other online sources  photography, letters,  documents and possible recordings  . Use these images to engage and inspire students to learn  more about the topic at hand.

        Have students make observations about the images , allow them to interpret what they see and also  have them draw conclusions about what is happening .( Critical thinking skills come alive!)  Use primary sources as writing prompts,0r research prompts.  Highlight  scientists, inventors,   and other famous persons. Each subject area has famous people: artists, mathematicians, and writers, use the primary sources to have students learn about them.
        Each subject area teacher ( not just history)  can find using primary sources  helpful in inspiring students to become visual learners,

Technology Tuesday-Summer Goals

  In the past year, I have reviewed and learn to use many  web 2.0 tools and seen many interesting websites . Make if one your goals this summer to learn how to use maybe tow of these so that you can use them with your students and staff for the next school year,
   By using a neat web 2.0 tool with your students , they will be more engaged in their learning of the information skills you are imparting. Students in the 21st century need to be able to know about  and use these 'cool' ways ot collaborating , interacting, and collecting information.

    Make a presentation ( think power point, prezi) for your student and teacher orientation of the school library.  Teach students about  blogs or pod casts, and have them share what they are reading and learning.  Develop a wiki for students to use for collaboration on a research topic for a certain unit or lesson.

    Don't forget your staff!!  What tool can you teach them to use? Power Point, Prezi, Blogging, or podcasting? ( Just to mention a few). Do some staff development workshop[s and show them how they can  be used to engage students.

    So make a goal for the  summer , but don't just stop learning at two.  When you have mastered those, make another goal to learn two more, Let me know what you will be doing with your Web 2.0 Tool!

Wired Wednesday

    Microsoft Photo Story is an free site that lets you create  photo presentations  to save as a video file.  It is easy to use with a step by step tutorial to help you  make your stories/ presentations.
   It is as easy as dragging  the photos/ illustrations that you want in the order that you want them.
There are easy editing tools that allow you to change the size, fix the colors and other ways to fix your photos. 
  You can check the slide show and also put in as many photos as you want.
   You can also make a sound track- have not figured that out yet! But I am guessing it will not be difficult.   The story is saved in WVM format  .
    I can see this being using by teachers to teach many subject areas. I can also see students using this to create their own stories , using either photos or their own illustrations. It will be a great tool to encourage students to write , edit, and produce their own stories!


Microsoft Photo Story 3

Organzing your Library office - Part 3

                      Organizing your office to be more efficient can likely mean polishing up your filing system.     Providing  you have an in basket , you can begin . 
                            As you go through your basket ,determine what file it should go into. Give your files  names that will be  easy to recall  .   I made a listing of my file folders  and what is in each file  drawer so that I do not have doubles  in my cabinets (  see The Organized Librarian book).   Another  good idea would be to make a file index to go in the front of each file cabinet or drawer. This will help  you locate files you need quickly .
                     You may also want to figure out how long you will keep files. If they are dated , then you can easily  look at the items and determine if new material has been inserted and if the old can be thrown. If you do this on a regular bases then  your files will be current ( and not overloaded with outdated materials)
                      Take time each day or week depending on your schedule to go through your in basket.   I have three files into which I mark  :  To Do, To File, Catalogs.
                     I only keep catalogs that I know will be useful or that I will order from. These are kept in a separate file drawer marked by letters. When I file a new one , I throw the old one out unless I have marked some items/ titles for purchase.

                     I also have historical files that I keep for referencnce. These would be budgets from years past, book requests from staff,  old policy's, handbooks,  old curriculum, and other items that I do not use , but like to keep to refer  to if needed.

Wired Wednesday- Technology Tools

bookinitat50.blogspot.com

      There are so many links on this site!!   It is great for librarians, teachers and parents. Librarians will love it! 
       Under Library and Literature Lesson plans you will find links to Curriculum and Standards, library scheduling, information units, and literature units. There are also links to technology units.
      Also there are many links to literature web sites. The site has links for both elementary and secondary levels.
      Under Information Literacy, there is a small list of Web 2.0 tools for use by teachers and librarians .In the Media Lit tab there many links to resources for librarians and technology teachers to use with students of all ages.
      The  Library Curriculum tab is arranged by month and has links to lessons,  topics, and authors. I can't  wait to see the new ideas for each month.
     There are tabs for each month  with ideas for  lesson ideas and step by step models. Also there are extensive author links, and  also links  for books on each age level.
     Check out this site, you will be amazed on how much information you can use  to help you with.  .  Your staff will love it too! 

Technology Tools-Wired Wednesday

        This week the site I am writing about  is Edmodo!  What a great site for educators! It is compared to Facebook for teachers ,but even better!
     There are many safety measures to keep students  on their tasks.   Once you register( its Free) then you can add your  students in class groups.

         Edmodo is a site where students and teachers can collaborate when class is over- continue with class discussions, give polls and surveys to check for comprehension and understanding.

         This is site where teachers  can share lessons and ideas  with other colleagues who are doing the same subject area as they are.   Teachers are also connect to be best  quality resources to assist them  and their students.
       There is a planner chart where you  can place plans for the week. A Progress chart is also provided which will be helpful for keeping track of students work.    Edmodo has  a library tab  where you can add links and files of current and past work. This way you can save all your resources in one neat spot.

      I found lots of items my teachers will love( writing prompts, lesson search,  put in assignments, view slide shows  for different subject areas, reward badges for students  and,  tons of ideas for activities)

     

www.edmodo.com
 

Games in the Library - you make

         There are so many ways that games can be used in the  library. Here are just a few that I have either made and used, thought up, saw in a book or on the Internet.

      Make it your self:


    1. Take cards and make a "Find  the book in the library Game" So Easy to do.

       Take 3 by 5 cards . Make a game for each section of the library: Write down with permanent marker  call numbers with letters for the students to find.   Try to make a lot for each section so that many students can play at once. This is great to do especially after you have introduced the section and how to find  the type of books.   I have made these for Fiction, Non-fiction and Biography, Easy section and easy non-fiction  section. The kids love to do this and think they are really playing a game.

  2. Treasure Hunt /Map game.

     Make a map of your library. Leave out  all the labels. Make another sheet with items to find. I number each one. Tell the students to write the number of each item on the place where they find it in the library. Younger students can work in pairs if you like.
   Items to have them find: Circulation desk, computers, fiction  section, non-fiction section, biography's, reference, tables and chairs  story time area, ect.

 3. Genre Bingo- At the end of the year use this to  review or as a culminating activity.  Make a playing card with Genres or Bingo across the top. In each block, write a genre . Give at least one free token, and you can also include  and non-fiction / reference in this game.  Students can work in groups or singly.  Tell or show titles, they must figure out what genre  and place a marker on the correct spot.   You may also discuss what the genre should be , and may want to check when someone announces BINGO.  Have small prizes for this one.

 4. Dewey Bingo: Similar to Genre Bingo. In the boxes  place Dewey categories and numbers. Show or tell titles of books in your library.  Discussion of what category may be needed, Have small prizes.