Middle School- Library School Centers

    I recently decided to try a few centers and mini lessons in my 7th grade library classes .  So this is what I did- I divided each class into 3 equal groups .   After attendance is taken each period, I go over the three 'centers' or activities.  Instructions are given about each one.
   One is usually at the computers . Six students can go on the computer  which works out good  in all but my 2 biggest classes which have more than 18. Lately the students are learning about library data bases and currently they are using Fact Monster and World Book.

   The other one so far has been a shelf  find it game- this was easy . I just took dewey numbers from the collection  for the non- fiction and then call letters from  the fiction section.  Students use the cards to find  each number .

  The third  group is my mini lesson group- I go over the  a lesson and students work on an activity  that  correlates with the lesson.

  So far it seems to be working pretty good. I will detail more of these  groups at a later date.

Classroom Management-ClassDojo

     I am trying a classroom behavior management program called ClassDojo.  It is an online tool for teachers to track behavior  and work habits.
   The  app can go on your iphone or android and you can  actually add "Points" to students as you teach lessons and they work on activities.  There is also the option to  take away points or give a (-) to those who need more work regarding staying on task, talking out, and  having unacceptable behavior,

     You plug in your students ( I was actually able to do it from School Tool- our  attendance & grading tool for our district.  I am hoping this will work out well- it is up to me to be consistent with it.  Check it out - I will let you know how it works for me.

Inspiration for The Daring School Librarian

 I have been searching for ideas for middle school libraries every since I got this position as a middle school librarian.  I had been a middle school librarian  for 9 years before switching to the elementary level  but a lot has changed since that time.

 One site I have found  is The Daring School Librarian.  It is an awesome site with a lot of content and  great ideas that            has done  on the middle school level.  I am looking at her tech and  lesson ideas and have some solid ideas for lessons and programs.  She has  actual tutorials for her students  that lead them to better understanding of  safe usuage of interent sources, and also a tutorial/ webquest of the steps for

 So if you have not seen this site , I would  greatly suggest you check this out and make it one of your go to places to look!

Middle School Madness- searching for ideas!

 It's October, and here at my ( new) Middle school , I have some real challenges. We have a few voracious readers. But most  students I am finding  do not read or  claim they do not like to read.  So one of my quests is to get these kids to read. Yes teaching skills is Very important!

I am thinking of adapting my book pass lesson to do one for  Middle school. What should I include?  Perhaps  I will include sports books,  and graphic novels.  Since I am targeting both boys and girls I will also include Fantasy, Adventure,  Humor and mystery,

What do you with your students to encourage reading?  PLease leave  some ideas below so we can all  support each other in our quest to motivate middle school students to read.

Shift Happens-2014

I showed this brief youtube video today and we had some really good discussions about technology and how we should us it. I was surprised that some students thought that too much technology was  not good for health and some even said that it was bad.  All in all most classes were good and  took notes on how technology is changing our lives!

  I gave them a list of topics to look for and they were to take  notes.Some found it hard(these are 7th graders)   I also had them thinking about  what careers would require them to know the latest technology.

Look up Do you Know-shift happens 2014- that is the one I used!

New Position!! New challenges!

   Well I am 3 weeks into my new position of Middle School librarian!  It is more focused than the Library Branch Manger and really more of what I am used to be doing- being in school and working with students.  I have 7th grade fixed classes- 5 a day!! Luckily my predecessor left me with a lot of stuff- she went up to the High school so she is my mentor!  The  women  who was at the high school left her with NOthing! ( that is just plain rude I think)
 So that is why I have not posted recently  but now I am finally getting more settled- am learning how to use School Tools which is a biggie.  I am searching for  7th grade lessons and ideas- so please please if you have any please leave comments  below!    I have started off with reviews of the major items. We are calling the class  Information Literacy so I will plug in a lot of tech stuff also. Please if you have ideas or sites to look at let me know!

I Love Libraries.Org

 ALA has a new public awareness campaign , Libraries Transform.  There will be tips on the site for integrating games, comics and graphic novels into your programs and  your collections,  Check this out and see how you like it!  I am going to see how I can use this in my new position! More later!!