Motivaltional reading programs-Primary

   School   motivational reading programs are an important[ortant  part of ns role in te school today.  Motivational programs for the youngest readers and listeners can be run (PK-2) should be run for a short time span- amonth  to month iand a half would be the most .

    Specify that the student scan read or be read to. Give them ( students and parents)  an easy way to keep track  of books read. Have them write titles and fill in a 'reading ' sheet/ Have parents / older sibling/ guardian/ teacher sign or initial each title or spot. ( This keeps parents more involved and know what the child is doing.,
 
  Think of an easy way to recognize and celebrate your yonng readers. try to include as many students as you can.

  1.  Beary Fun Reading: Students read and keep track of books . Have a large Bear Paw Print with a spot for students  and parents signature. Students can write in title in each 'pad' of the bears  paw. Then they can color and you can display them around the library.  At the end of the celebration have a parade with students carrying their favorite stuffed bear or animals.  Have hot cocoa and cookies or ice cream and cookies for all who did at least  two or four bear paws.

2. Caldecott Challenge : for students for grades 2 and 3.  Students have about a month and a half to read/ listen to as many Caldecott's as they wish.  They write the titles of the Caldecott's and rate  them with a happy or sad face ( or stars).  If everyone in the class reads at least 12 , then the class gets a popcorn party. Top readers in each class get a decorated bag with small prizes ( books , pencils, stickers, bookmarks and erasers) If you are feeling rich, provide bigger prizes- books, gift certificates,  a cd player .
  

College Readiness - Librarians and the Common Core

   Over 45 states across the US. have chosen to adopt the Common Core Learning Standards. The Common Core specifies that student develop critical thinking skills, and  problem solving skills need for academic success. What kinds of instruction helps student develop theses skills?

   For the most part, student are required to obtain information about a certain subject and then do something with the information..  (Student reactions, independent work, increasing the amount and complexity of the reading) So they need to discover texts( information) and apply outside approaches.


   Where does the school librarian and library fit in? Students need to discover and apply critical thinking to complex texts. The complex texts are found in the library where the librarian provides both print and electronic resources ( databases) and other  online sources.

    Students need opportunities to integrate information in various subjects areas. Librarians teach skill information skills that help student learn search and analyzing information sills, There are several data bases ( Contemporary Literacy Criticism & 21 Century Literacy Criticism  both from Gale) that contain literary analysis.

  Common Core looks beyond novel or textbook. The library and its resources support the Common core by identifying materials, and resources for instruction and assessments, Librarians contribute to CC work by collaborating, instructing a, and providing resources and materials,

Professional Growth

   It is summertime  . Don't let your mind turn to mush! Yes , I know you are learning new tech tools! ( I hope anyway)  But what else can you learn? 
   This is a great time to attend conferences, take workshops, seminars or courses ( in person or on-line) to enhance you skills as a Media Specialist.  You may also want to think about earning an additional certificate to enhance your library degree. ( think ESL- English as a Second language, GT- gifted and talented, reading specialist, literacy education, or special education. )They add to job security.
   Your new skills and certificates may be needed at the district , enough to keep your position and assist in your new area of expertise.
  Look to your BOCES, nearby colleges, or online courses.  Check with colleagues to see what they are doing and taking over the summer. Sometimes there are group rates.  .Just having a buddy along with you  makes the course or   workshop more enjoyable and more educational. You can bounce ideas and activities off each other and  make connections with both 0f your curriculums.
    Check out some library blogs and see what they are discussing. Join in the conversation and add some comments , ideas, and thoughts. Keep thinking of ways to improve your ideas about your library and your programs.

Barefoot Ambassador

    Well I did it! I am a new ambassador for Barefoot books. You can see ( if you haven't already) I have a link to my page at Barefoot.  The books are beautiful and  very well done. I have read already quite a few and they are really  high quality and will be great for kids!!
    One of my Favorites is  Animal Boogie ( Harter & Penner) which is a watch and sing along- It comes with a Cd which is very engaging! The story told in rhyme is great for preschoolers - it describes  jungle animals  and shows them as they play.  This story also encourages movement and there are a lots of ways that  teachers and parents can use to this with their children.  The illustrations are vibrant and so much fun. There is a lot to see on each two page spread.

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!

Role of a Successful School Library

    To have a successful school library program, the most important recommendation is that a certified school librarian plays a strong instructional role in the school.  The librarian will be focused on informational literacy, engagement with information technology, and reading/literacy development.
    Successful school librarians also work toward high levels of instructional collaboration between the librarian and the classroom teacher. 
    It doesn't matter the size of the collection r the amount of funds spent on materials.  What matters , what is key, is the school librarian. The quality of communication and teaching by the librarian denotes the success of the library, its programs, and the success of the students in their learning.
   A successful librarian is a committed educator, a good communicator, a leaders and a team player. the staff sees the librarian as playing a powerful  role in the education of their students.

Collaboration Level 3- True Collaboration

  On this level of collaboration there is true benefit for all participants( students , teachers,, and librarians),  By this level, relationships have been defined and each member knows what he/she will be doing to further the goals of student education.
  The participants have decided on common goals and specific outcomes,  Teams work together on lessons and units. There is the commitment of the administration that this is way schools should be run. 
 There will be several projects/units each year that the librarian and teacher work on together.  Each year the activity is reviewed and tweaked as far as assignments, projects, assessment and tasks. But the commitment remains to jointly develop and assess the students progress,
  Resources are update and shared by all parties,, areas of use are shared, and teachers and librarians work together in the classroom, library, and computer lab.
  The attitude is one of cooperation, respect, and unity.  This may be one that is continually worked on but in the end the positive attitude will override any obstacles, Communication is key and this is done in similar ways to the beginning stages of collaboration, but with a more personal goal to achieve the desired outcomes,
  Is this attainable? Yes, with a lot of work and the right attitude this is the goal for librarians everywhere. Keep moving towards this model where ever you are now.

Community/ Family Activites

   As both school and public librarians, we can participate in our schools and community's in many ways.  Depending on your community, you may have  and can be a part of ( that is if you are not actually running the event)- book fairs, family reading night, school fairs and carnivals, and PTO/PTA programs. 
   Offer to help on these programs or  other activities  that you have an interest in.  Teachers, Staff, parents, and the community will see that you are a part of their team and want to help in other ways to promote reading and learning.
    We need to become more involved in the school and community activities so that we are visiable and teachers and community can see that we are an important part of  eacgh child's education. 
     This is just one way to become more visible in your community. 

New Ideas for Book Lovers!

        I'm looking at other opportunities and challenges for librarians and book lovers.  One of the companies I am looking at is Barefoot Books. This is sort of like tupperware for book lovers and children's  books! The ambassadors host parties, attend street fairs, do fund rasing  all to sell books and educational books for children and to promote literacy and the love of reading!

      Actually ,if you  have ever seen any of the BareFoot Books , you will find them to be have high quality books with  interesting titles , especailly to the younger set of students.   The online catalog has titles and games with a variety of topcis and a global perspective.
 
     The reason I am doing this is becasue my position as elemetnatry librarian has been eliminated.  Two teachers assistants will run the the two elemetatry librariaes in the building that I was in.  Go figure- with the Common Core and the  need for  non-fiction,, and text complenity  and the need for students to become career and college ready.

Staff Development

     As school librarians, we need to become leaders in our schools. We ( along with administrators) are the professionals that have the overall snapshot of the school community’s instruction and curriculum. Work now with your administrators to set up a schedule for staff development for the next school year.


     One of the first staff development workshops that you can do during teacher conference days is an Orientation to the data bases that your school has. This will give everyone a push to get the teachers thinking about which ones they can use with their students. At this time, offer to help classes learn how to use databases or mention that they can be used when the classes are doing research, guided inquiry or non-fiction texts.



     During the year, listen to staff and see what they need as far as staff development. Is there a grade level that wants to infuse more technology? Set up a date and time for them to go through some of the Web 2.0 tools that you know how to use.

     Some more ideas for staff development: e-sources, primary sources, information literacy skills, streaming video sites for your state- show them how helpful they can be, digital projects, inquiry based learning, and resources for the common core.

Library Blogs- new page on the Organized Librarian

       I have a new page on this site . I took off the technology page and now have a Libray Blog page.  On here I will be adding library blogs that I have read and ones I recommend. Most of them will be active with new posts on a weekly basis. There are a few that are   do not have current items but the posts on there will be ones that librarians will get some great ideas and lessons from so I have inlcuded them.
  
     What are your favorte library blogs?  There are so many out there with so many librarians really sharing their lessons , curriculum, and  what they are doing in their libraries.  I find them so interesting to read all about their activiies and see the photos of their libraries.

     So check back each week as I add  the latest blogs I have been reading.  And let me know if you have found a great one that is worth sharing!!

Wired Wednesday- Tech Tools

    Livebinders. com is an easy way to organize and a great tool for digital  portfolios . Once students log in, they can upload their work ( documents, links, illustrations, and pod casts) , and then be able to share with their parents and the community.  Livebinder is a free tool, so everyone can sign up for their own page.

   Documents  are organized just like a three ring binder so there are tabs and sub tabs. Students can add images they have created ( photographs, illustrations to stories, and reports, art works, documents in PDF formats, videos, and podcast they have made. Also they will be able to include, links to wikii's, or blogs can be places in their livebinder.

   The organization tool cane be edited / changed at any time. Students can show parents  on computers  or laptops or even a smart board if needed for a student/ parent conference.

   LiveBinder organizes educational materials online and is easily assessable. It helps make organizing  and sharing easy.   But don't just use livebinder for student digital portfolios- use it to help organize your resources in the library. The possibilities are endless- you can organized curriculum , plan book, common core materials, policy & procedures  and lessons all on one livebinder!!



http://www.livebinders.com/

Creating Digial Portifolios with students

        A Digital Portfolio is a  purposeful collection of student work that shows the student's  personal   growth and espansion of knowledge and skills over the the course of the year  in a digital   format.
       The digital portfolio allow studetns, teachers and parents to see some of the actual work the   studnet did during the year.  Teachers and students decide on what to put into   the portfolios . The portfolio is an actual fille put on a webstie, Cd,   or zip drive.
     On a digital protoflio there will  be  an organized collection of  projects, articles, reviews,  and lessons  that  students  have done  that demostrate what the student has sccomplished during the school year. .   Each portfolio  organization depends on the student and the amount of information that is placed into the portfolio and the type of file that it is placed in.
      A Digitla portfolio is also one of the best ways for students to show thier knowleged of the use of technology and how it is applied to school and everyday life. In the years to come  this will be important to both students, teachers, employers and workers.
      Now on to find the best way to present Digital Portfolios  with students!

Wired Wednesday- Tech Tools

         Bigmarker.com is a site developed for conducting online collaborative  meetings and classes. Teachers and librarians can build an online community to share presentations, files and resources.  It allows you to tack events, share information, and do collaborative projects with both staff and students.
       You can make your " room" private( for a specific members of a class) or public, where anyone can join in to give ideas and discussions.  Private areas requires a password for students and members to log in.
        Once in "Big Marker) originators can share screens  with texts or audio.   You could also turn your web cam on so students can see you. This would be a great way to begin using the technology to create an 'online ' class or discussion area. There is also a whiteboard that you and your students can write  or draw on and can give comments, questions and ideas.
        Originators/ Creators control who can be seen or heard in the audio and video so you will have a way to screen the content that goes   in to your 'room' on Bigmarker.



https://www.bigmarker.com/

Collaboration - Cooperation ( Level 2)

   You  may be past the first level of collaboration  or you may have begun to press on to the next level.  The cooperation level is an extension of the coordination level because of its not having teachers and librarians truly work and plan together.
  On this level , there are informal and short term tasks , activities, and lessons that librarians and teachers work on at the same time. There is no yet an established mission or defined structure.
    In this level of collaboration, librarians and teachers share information about the current project. Each one has his/her own part of the project that they are working on , but they work is done individually. The out come is a cooperative  event and the learning of skills is given by each partner.  Students will see the benefit if this type of learning. They will learn skills that are needed for the project at hand.

  Here is what a level 2 cooperation collaboration might look like:
 
    A teacher requests that the librarian teach the students certain research skills because    he/she wants the student to do a research project on a certain subject/ topic.  The librarian leads the class to the steps of the research and they do research on their topic along the way of doing the research.
    Then the teacher has them continue their work on the project, possibly bringing the students to the library or computer lab to help them complete  the assignment. The teacher does the final  grading/ assessment of the assignment. The librarian might keep a shelf of resources reserved for the students to use as they complete the project.

Library Bulletin Boards for June

   Some ideas for you for your June Bulletin Boards::  It's the end of the year so get ready for lots to do!



  Summer Read- Feature covers of student favorites . Use names and say" Jeanne recommends"

  Get Carried away with Books- Balloons or hot air balloons. If you want - add titles to balloons.

   Hot Days- Cool Books- summer scene-  reading on the beach

  Photos of students  reading their favorite books in their favorite places.

  Dive Deep  Into Reading- under the ocean, fish, sharks, water plants.


Special Days:
Fathers Day
Flag Day
Summer

Wired Wednesday - Techology Tools

       Paige Jaeger is the School Library Coordinator for WSWHE BOCES , NY.. which covers many counties.  This is a huge area!  She  is the author of librarydoor.Blogspot.com  which is a great place to learn about the most current issues of school librarians.
      You will find this site that she has hosted to have a wealth of information  and ideas on advocacy for school librarians. 
  Currently  there is an inforgraph that would be helpful for showing all the different tasks and activities that school librarians do on a daily basis.  There are posts on Common Core and Information Literacy. Other posts discuss readability, reading levels, and complexity of text. There are charts and graphs on measuring reading.
      There are blog posts that discuss the need for research as it helps students build and share new knowledge. Also you will find links to Paige's books and articles. Some are direct links to the  actual articles that she has had published in library journals.  
   Check her link to Scoop it- they are very interesting!!   So check out this blog to keep up to date and learn something new!



librarydoor.blogspot.com

Beginning Collaboration

   The first steps of collaboration has a few different names, but the names are not as important as the process.  As a school librarian, how do you begin the first steps towards   teachers seeing  the value of working with you?

   First things first: begin wherever you are!  Here are a few easy ideas to help you get more involved with and working with your staff.

   1.  Attend grade level meetings to see what lessons/units are being done. Take notes!

    2. Offer to pull books and materials for teachers on what they need to supplement their lessons and activities.

   3. Help teachers incorporate various websites and technology that would go along with their units and curriculum.

    4. Volunteer to help the classroom teacher. Give some ideas on how you could help them

    5. Give some ideas on using the library resources that would enhance and extend the curriculum and lessons.

    6.Read the curriculum standards and the state standards or the Common Core  adopted by your state. This way you will know what the teacher is covering. 

    7. Order materials that go along with your schools curriculum.

    8. Use face to face meetings and email to keep in touch with  your teachers.

These are just a few ideas to get you noticed by your teachers. Use these to begin working with your staff.

Why should we Collaborate?

       True  Collaboration is a process of shared creation of lessons and activities , where at least two educators share the work of creating lessons that provide students with authentic learning.
There are many way to collaborate: in person, on the phone, by email, or a web based tool that allows several people to share ideas and work together.
     Teachers and librarians can work together to identify and develop what students need to know ( information needs , and what skills ( information skills) they can use to find the information . The students need to be able to use the information and share with their classmates. By doing this, teacher and librarian integrate  ELA, Reading, and Media Literacy skills  into one subject area. Students learn the skills they need when they need them and have a reason to learn them.
      The role of the school librarian has many different aspects . Being a  teacher / instructor is just one  major part  of our roles in the school. We need to become more active in encouraging teachers to use our services in this area.
    Librarians can and should be an essential member of every school education team. There are several levels  and stages of collaboration that we will discuss in further posts.

More On Blogging

   There are more reasons for using blogs in your library or classroom.  A blog provides more communication between students , teachers, and even the  community.

    Blogging is a tool for online storage and students can compare notes on a certain topic, or book.     Comments can be made , annotations of books read, and insights on group projects can be given. Pod casts can be put in blogs, photos, and videos can add student interest.  All this adds up to students wanting to be included in the blogs work.

     One of the first things to do  before starting a class blog or student blogs is to get permission form the school board, administration and parents.  This is especially true if you want students to have their own blogs.
     .The benefits of blogging can be seen as students progress in their posts on the blogs.  Peer editing is a great tool to help students improve many writing skills. Posting comments, and writing posts , students are motivated to be writers and readers.  They begin top care about spelling, punctuation, and grammar.

    A library blog is a great way to introduce the students and staff of your school to the world of blogging.  Think about the advantages and how it will help you library and  your readers.

    

Technology Tools- Early!

  I am posting this not  on Wednesday because I wanted to get to tell you early in case you didn't know or remember about Children's Book Week!   It is being held this year from May 13-19. ( Next Week). How will you be celebrating?
  If you want information or ideas about what it is and what to do, check out their sites at www.bookweekonline.com.
  Children's book week is a time to celebrate books and reading in schools, pubic libraries, and book stores. Their theme is Cover to Cover , Coast to Coast and Every Child a Reader.

   During this w eek , the announcement of winner of the  Children and Teens Book Awards. This  is a national book awards programs whee the winning titles are selected( voted on) on by readers of all ages. Voting is open from March 19th to May 9th) So there is still time to vote if you do it this week!
  From the website , you can download both the poster and the bookmark. There is also a Digital Toolkit which you can find a badge to put on your blog or website. There are also stickers you can use for children and students who participated in the vote.
  Alkso check out the many ideas for activities that can help you plan  the celebrations for the week.
Next year the Children's Book Week will be held  from May 12-18!

Why Should you Blog?

     As a school librarian and educator , you should seriously consider blogging. Why? By blogging, you stay connected to both educators and students. A blog specific to your library is a great way to advocate and promote the power of the library and its services and programs.
     By blogging, posting, photos (  365 Project- see May 1, 2013) , videos, and slide shows you can show library life, student work and projects, and what activities / programs that are going on at your library.

     Hopefully, students and staff will be reading the blog and writing/responding to different posts. Invite students and staff to do guest post on research, project's, web tool,  or books they have read. By hosting the students works , more and more students, staff, parents, and the community will be seeing what is happening at your library.
    
    Blogging builds a connected community of readers and learners. Bogs are used  by many as a literacy and learning tool: read posts, write comments, and access useful information. In the contents of theses activities, many skill can be learned and reinforced.

    Blogs open us the world to students allowing them to share and motivating their  writing to new levels and letting them voice their opinions.
 So start your blogs and get your students and staff involved!

Wired Wednesday- Technology Tools

     365 Project is a fun way to record your year in the library and share the experience with other educators, students, and  your community.  365 Project is a photography project , where you take one photo each of the day . The photo can really be on any theme. So what you are doing is a daily photo journal.

     You can use this photo journal to show what you are doing in your library programs. This will also serve as a memory tool of all that you have done and accomplished during the year in the library.

     It is easy to create an account and it is free.  Then you can upload your photo's, and do one each day.   The images are easily shared on Facebook, your library page,  your blog, or through the 365 site.

    This is a great tool when it time for your yearly report, or if  your administration wants to know how you have positively impacted student achievement and learning.  It also serves  to keep you and  your students motivated and interested  in the library happenings.

Library Advisory Committee 4/28

  As the librarian, you ultimately are in charge of library organization, and management. You are the major decision maker in policies and also purchasing. That is what part of our training is about.

    You may however want to think about having a library advisory group.  A library advisory group gives other members of your staff and patrons a voice in what material and programs are provided by the library.  This group would also let both staff and  patrons become more aware of library operations, services, and day to day activities and tasks.!

     During my years at the public library, I had a teen advisory group( I was in charge of Children 's Library Programs).   It was a small group . They gave me some great ideas of what books teens were reading and what activities teen s would the library to have provided,   They produced a monthly newsletter of book reviews, and articles that they wrote.  The group gave a voice to the teens that I served.
  
    Depending on your administration, board, teachers, and students , you may want to think about staring a group and include a representative of people you work with and for. They will serve as a sounding board and  also provide input on issues ( Challenged books, programs, policies, purchases, and other items.)

Organizing Your Office - Part 5

   Note Books for  Organizing


     I am a big fan of using three ring binders for organizing papers and materials needed on a day to day basis.  Every years I devised a plan book that goes along with y schedule for the year.. It is put in my main notebook which I use every day/ In this same notebook I keep a variety of papers and other items that I refer to on a daily basis.

    Another note book has records for ILL ( Inter library loans) and magazine/periodical records.  A large note book - which will soon be divided into two notebooks- is the common core standards.  In another note book I have my library curriculum for the different grade levels that I teach. A project I would like to do is put all lessons and worksheets for each grade level into a three ring binder, probably by grade level

    A current  large project is the yearly budget and the work  that goes with it.  This is in another labeled  binder. I keep handy the last years binder  to refer to.

     All my binders are labeled on the spine and of course on the front. I use tab dividers when I need too to keep all papers in the proper subject/ topic area. My binders are next to my work/circulation desk.  They can be pulled out and items found at a moments notice.  This binder system keeps me organized and my desk neat!

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

Organizing Library materials

     Normally books and materials in libraries are organized on the shelves by collection and classification. You may also have a Reference section and a periodical/magazine section.  Sections For audio visuals, listening kits, and cd's may depend  on the amounts  in each category. You may have then placed together or you may have each in its own collection and area.

     If you have books in demand- lets say you are doing a special  program ( Caldecott Challenge, Battle of the books, specialized classroom reference project, display or theme) you may want to pull out the books and isolate them from the regular collection. Place those books and resources in an easily accessible location for ease of use for both student, patron, and staff use.

   Shelving is done every day.  checking shelves of relocated items is also recommended,again depending on the length of the special program or theme.  Why is this important?

   It is important that patrons, students, or staff will be able to trace items form the catalog to the shelf.  To be able to find books / information quickly  is the the usual trade mark of a good library system

Orgamizing Your Office - Part 4

      Labeling is another great way to stay organized. When I had a proper office,  I think I labeled everything in site. Why did I do that?
     Well, with a very busy fixed scheduled over 600 students ( whose names I remembered   by giving them assigned seats when they came to class) , the rest of my brain was useless for where supplies were located.
      I labeled notebooks, shelves, and file cabinets. On my covered shelves , I labeled each door : what supplies and other items were inside.  ( Curriculum books, lesson plans, much used catalogs,  puppets, and av supplies)

     My file cabinets were also labeled on the outside. That way , with a listing, I could  have one of my aides file materials that needed to be filed,( Folders, catalogs, lessons completed, reports, and other items that I would need filed.

    Out in the library, my labeling always continues. By the circulation desk, I continue to label / or have a listing of what is  where. This is very helpful  , because I can tell an aide or student: "the glue sticks are in the blue bin."   Having labels  makes everything quick and easy for me .

   The book shelves are also labeled . This assists with shelving and also with pointing out to students when they are looking for books.

Wired Wednesday- Technology Tools

   Quizlet is a site that allows students and teachers to  search  already designed learning sets( Flash card type games). These sets help students ( and adults) learn just about anything. Most  importantly they make learning fun  by using the technology of our computers.
   You can browse by many subject categories: Arts ; Literature, Languages &Vocabulary, Math & Sciences, History & Geography, and Standardized Tests ( AP classes, Sat's, GRE's,  Professional tests for college students )
   There are six different study modes using Quizlet's  flash cards( flash cards, speller,learn, scatters test, space race) to use to help students study in learn many different topics.
  The other option if you can't find your desired topic is to design your own  learning set.   There are also Brain training games that help you train your brain to be better preforming.  This site has a lot to offer to help students become better learners.


 http://quizlet.com/

May bulletin Board for Libraries

  It  is the middle of April , so I am thinking of what to do about those bulletin boards.
 here are some ideas of what I have sued in the past.

Sneaking around with a good book- copies of sneakers , students will put on their favorite spring books  and ut them on the board.

-"When we read we Grow.'May flowers-  Blue Back ground
  Battle of the Books - groups. scrores , announcemtne.

"We're wild about Books!"- Jungle theme ( animals , trees) around slogan, maybe even titles on tree leaves, or book jackets if you have more room.

"Read, Reurn, Repeat"  Make slogan like the Recycle, Reduce, Reuse green arrows- put book jackets around that.

"Don't be angry -Read a Good Book"   Angry birds and book jackets or titles

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.

Technology Tools- Wired Wednesday

   Drop Box is not specifically made for teachers, but it is a great tool that they can use both for themselves and with students  if they use a lot of technology.   With drop box you can share documents, homework, videos, and links , , or you can have them available where-ever you are.

In other words , if you start something at school or work, and want to do something at home, you do not need to email it to yourself. Just put it in your drop box and pick up at home ( or where ever you have a computer ) to work on it again.

I have known teachers that have students put their work in the teachers drop box and then the teacher can look at when time arises.

You install  drop box on your computer , and then will have a drop box folder. Any time you want to save something to work on later, save it to your drop box and then you can work on it on your other computers, phones, or the drop box website.

https://www.dropbox.com/

Maintaining your Library Collection

         Now that you have your collection policy written, it is time ro trhink about how you will preserve and maintain your collecgtion.
         Proper care of the collection is necessary to prolong  the value of your collection.  We want to save our books and materials from deteroriation., Duting and cleaning books and shelves  should be carried out on a routine basis.
       Avoid having collections stored in damp places. Either remove or provide dehumidifying measures to keep books from being damaged.
          Collections that are small and heavily used are much easier to maintain. When books and material are circulated frequently , there is easy access to keeping them dust free and shelves cleaned.   If you have a collection that is not ciruclated as mucn, devised a dusting, cleaning, shifiting schedule to keep you books in good shape.


Book Repair
          Most libraries do their own repair. Some send them out depending on the severity of the repair neeced.  Keep you eye out for simple repairs that can help matian the material.. I keep a" hostipal box" close to the circ desk where I place books that need soemthing done.  Depending on what is in the box, I spend time each week  fixing each book so it can go back to the shelves.
        More severe jobs I set aside to see if it warrants a repair or a replacement.
   

Organizing your office - Part 2

   What else can you do to keep your office and workspace organized? Here are a few more ideas to help you keep focused and organized for maximum efficiency.

   Phone Book

     Always keep a 'phone book' of names and numbers of colleagues . Keep this listing close to the phone so you do not have to search for a number when you need to make a quick call.  I keep mine in a listing in a clear plastic page protector. It is pinned on the bulletin board that is where the phone is located.
   I also have this listing on a computer file, so if I need to update some one's number , I can quickly fix the number and print out a new list.
   A similar page I have pinned next to this one, is a listing of teachers and administrators extension numbers. This way I can quickly find a number if I need to call a classroom.
    If you have a speed dial phone, keep your most used numbers on it.  You may also want to keep a printed listing of what numbers you have on speed dial.

    Business Cards

     If you have a collection of business cards from vendors, only keep the ones that you actually do with business with, or hope to do business with.  One way to organize these is in a rotary card file. Other way would be to use a three ring binder, and get a plastic business card holder.  Since I am a big fan of organizing with notebooks this is my favorite way to go.

   You could also scan your cards into a computer file for your desktop.  Just remember to mark it accordingly so that you can find it quickly.

Technology Tools- Wired Wednesday

      Animoto is a tool that students and teachers will love to use.  We can be very creative with Animoto and provide students with a way to show information  acquired through research or creativity.

     Educators can apply for a free Animoto Plus account for use in the classroom. Its many features can be used to create amazing presentations  which can incorporate images, video clips, music and text. 

     Animoto has a variety  of tools for creating videos in your classroom.  Some of the features : share on Facebook, twitter,  or youtube, embed to your blog, Hugh defination video quality. Add image captions, title card to narrate your video or presentation.

      On the site you can also preview some great examples of how other educators are using Animoto with their and for their students.

http://animoto.com/education/

Wired Wednesday- Technology Tools

    Having readers make book trailers  is a great motivator for continued reading among all students. Students promoting books provides skill practice in many areas ( reading, writing, organizing, analyzing, just to name a few).  Book trailers for readers can be in many forms,  many of the sites we have mentioned in this blog can be used to make book trailers, or posts  about favorite books,
  
   One site that is wonderful for this is :  http://www.booktrailersforreaders.com/

   Michelle Harderode, teacher librarian , has developed this  site. On it you can find  book trailers she has produced, and also student produced book trailers.  There are so many great features to this website.  There is a section on readers theater, authors book trailers and tips for making book trailers with students.  You can find trailers on newly released books.

   Under special features there is information on book trailers and the common core, research on the value of making book trailers, battle of the book information, and literacy lessons for school librarians.

  Since the sub title is "Spotlighting Books for Kids and Teens" , you can just start introducing this site to your students to help them find great books that they want to read!

Library Policies- Book Selection

  What other library policies do you have written down( or at least in your head?)  A book selection policy will follow your Collection Development policy. ( See March   blog post)

   In your book selection policy, how do you select books that will be purchased for your library? Do you read reviews before purchasing? How many do you read?    Does what you do for selection all make sense and is it a reasonable way to select books for your collection?Whatever you do, refine and write it down.   
  
   In my policy , I have written that I will read  two reviews for non-fiction and three for fiction. I will check also  the ALA listing for children's / teens books and will check other award lists for recommended books. The policy also details what  the current curriculum is following , and will note that library selection of nonfiction also depends curriculum requirement I had this written down in detail in my book selection policy.

     With your mission statement, your collection development policy and your book selection policy, you are now on your way to your policy and procedures book . I will continue to add different topics / statements  so that you will have a complete book for your library . Keep me posted as to what  you have and what you are working on. 

Organizing your Office-

       Maintaining a neat  and organized office workspace is an ongoing process.   You should never think that you are organized  and that is the end.The initial  organizing will be the most work , but you can begin seeing improvement after a few sessions.  When you think you are done , then you will be on a maintenance schedule  similar to  keeping your house work  done.
   
      If  you have read my blog on 3/11/13 about Organization in the Library, and files and piles and have started to begin this process then you are on your way. By now your library will be looking and feeling more organized and you will be getting more work done  and feeling better and better.
  \
    Let's look at some other areas of your office and library where you might want to be more efficient. Look at an office supply catalog ( print or online ) When you do you will so many organizing tools.  If there is a spot or area that needs redoing , look for ways that organizing tools could help you accomplish that task.

   Where you do keep your files?  Do you have adequate file space? Are the files in order?  Keep your file with your current to do and daily activities close to where you work.  Other files that are needed can be kept close to your desk.  Files that are needed but not looked at daily can be kept in another file cabinet .  ( I call them my historical files)

    Develop and keep a consistent naming system for both your  print and computer files. ( See The Organized Librarian book)   This will help you to easily find and retrieve the information and files you need .

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! 

Library Policies

    So you have your mission statement and your goals and objectives.  What policies do you have in printed form?
   You may want to get your collection development and book selection polices and procedures written and down and accepted by your Administration/ Board.
   Why should you have Written Policies? Sooner or later, if it has not happened already, someone (parents, patrons, administrators) will question  why you have a book or books in your collections.
   With theses policies( having been hopefully approved and accepted)  you can refer  the question to the written policy ( More information is in  The Organized Librarian)
  To begin your policy for collection development and book selection, think about whom your library serves. What kinds of information do they need, what types of books do they like to read?
  If you are not sure  or want to have an accurate picture find out by asking your patrons ( students, teachers , ect) through surveys, polls, informal discussions, and informal interviews.
    With your audience in mind, prepare your collection development policy.    By using inventory statistics,  begin noting how will develop and expand your collection.  What areas need to be expanded upon? What  formats do patrons and students want?
  This policy , when finalized, will specify subject areas to be developed , with other areas noted to be maintained and eventually developed. A time frame for development would probably be included,
Also there should be statements about how long the policy will be in effect and  when the policy will be revised and updated.
  This policy will help you in purchasing item,s The collection development policy will ensure continuity in selection and revision of materials for the library collection.

April Bulletin Boards For Librarians

     It 's time again to start thinking about April!  I know March seems like it just started but with vacation , I like to always think ahead!

      I've got a poem in my pocket!-- pockets with poems typed stuck in- these can be changed  weekly. Or let  students put in their  favorite poems.

     Get Graphic@ the Library!  Scan covers of some of your Graphic Novels and put on a colorful Bulletin Board.

      Get Hooked on  Books!- Fishing line with book titles or covers along the line.
( Fishing for a good Book)

     Spring into Reading with Great Books

      Sports Stories

      It's Raining Books- Put an umbrella in the corner of the bulletin board. Then place large blue and grey raindrops with book titles on them.( Again let students put up their favorites.

     April showers bring great books! ( Similar to above idea)


National Humor Month
School Library Month
DEAR- Day April 12

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
 

Organization in the library

       Libraries are naturally organized- mainly the books and resources. The key to  successful  and seamless library programs / tasks is  the organization of everything else.  If you are organized them you will have more time and get more done.  So lets get started!

      You  may have paper, catalog, files , and you may be  overloaded with these types of items floating around your library and office . Do you have stacks of folders? The best way to attack them is to set aside time each day to go through and decided what to do with all of those files, papers, catalogs,  and items lying around.

     Start with three folders or baskets or bins. Mark each one with : TO DO NOW, TO DO LATER,
TO FILE .  Take some file folders.. Also take a trash/ recycling bin.

     Bring  with you a pen, and sticky notes.  As you look at each item/ paper/ file  decide where it should go. Make an immediate decision. Scan though it .  At this time, you can place a sticky note  for the item to be placed in a specific file,

     If you glance at a catalog and see something you might purchase at a later date, mark it with a sticky note  and file it in a folder marked : Possible Purchase.    I also keep a catalog file( noted in The Organized Librarian  ) of catalogs that I refer to on a yearly basis.

    Put each item in the bin/basket/file  if you intend to keep the item .  If it is not needed put in the trash or recycling bin.  If you take 15 -20 minutes each day, in no time you will have your papers /files in order and your library  more organized and efficient.

Steps To Managing a Library - Planning

  

       Managing a library is about  producing and coordinating  multiple  functions and tasks.  Functions involving planning, organizing,   controlling, and leading are all part of managing a library and its programs.  As librarians we need to make many decisions about how the library is run, organized, and maintained.  In many respects we are like administrators  , managing the  library , in a similar way that they manage the school.

      One of the first functions is planning on what the library ( and its programs)  will accomplish. That is what we have done  in preparing and   developing the mission statement and the goals / objectives of the library.

      Planning will be something that will take time and special thought.  While we did take time with the mission and the goals, they will lead us to better planning of programs and procedures. At each stage , we can  compare them to  our mission and goals to see if they coincide.
 
     Planning also is the step that if best if done before jumping into action.  Why? Well because if we plan an activity, a procedure book, a program, lessons, or almost anything, we are more than likely to accomplish what we set out to do and also do it more efficiently . 
 
   How to Plan:  Take a blank sheet of paper. Start with the desired outcome at the bottom of the sheet.  Think and jot down notes: what steps do you need to do to get there?  Does this plan and the outcome coincide with our mission and goals?. Will this activity further our mission and goals?

   
  To me planning is thinking on paper. I like to write everything down and see the steps and see what I will do before jumping into action,

Wired Wednesday/ Technology Tools

  
         This week we are looking at http://kidblog.org/home


       Kidblog is designed for K-12 teachers who want each student to have an individual blog on which to work. Students publish posts and participate in discussions within a secure classroom  community.    Teachers have complete control over student blogs and user accounts.

      Teachers can use Kidblog to create classroom discussions, learn digital citizenship, and practice their writing skills. The  student blog can serve as an e-portfolio and teachers can assess their writing as it progresses.

         Teachers go in and sign up your classes and give the students their login and password. Kids can log in and write from anyplace. This makes it easy for teachers , they can also benefit because you can eliminate lugging home tons of notebooks.  This is a great motivator to get students to write and read. Great for book discussion, lesson discussion and can lend itself to any curriculum.

        This looks like a great place to have students bring their ideas and writing to the class, and make writing an authentic task. 

Just say No

      When you are asked to do a task / job/ activity from your board or Administration , take a second before saying yes.  Will  accepting that  t task or job, take away time and effort from your mission and goals?  Or does it go along with your objectives?   Will it help further you mission as a librarian Media Specialist?  Does this new activity help you complete your focus of tasks and activities? ( Example- hosting a book fair in the library will help increase your visibility and get students and teachers into the library.)

     If the task is not going to further your goals,  saying no  may be appropriate. One good way  to give yourself time to think about the task and your missions / goals is to say, “Let me think about it” or “I’ll have to get back to you.” .

   Saying No with grace and then decide explanations is  a skill learned  by doing. Try to imagine someone asking you to do an activity that does not advance your goals.( Example: You are asked to direct the school play) Rehearse what you would say-first thing comes to my mine- "I'll have to think about it and get back to you."

   We do not want to offend or discourage, but we want to make known the work we do and why we do it.  Perhaps you can agree to a supporting role (helping without being the person in charge) ," "I will have end of year inventory at that time and will not be really able to give full attention to the play- perhaps I could help with props or scenery ?"

   At any rate, stop and think about your goals . Just say no when it is appropriate  .You do not have to compromise your library for the sake of an activity that takes too much time away from what you really need and want to do,

 

 

 

 

Using goals and mission statement daily

   Now that you have your mission and objective/ goals, it is time to use them on a daily basis. If you work each day without clear goals and missions, you will not get as much accomplished as you would like.  If your missions and goals are posted in your library and office  , you will be reminded of the important things you need to do.

   So either before you leave for work each day, or first thing in the morning, make a to do list of no more than 5 items to accomplish. This simple act will provide focus and then closure.  Check these five items with your goals and mission statement. Make sure that what you plan will further your steps towards your goals and mission. This also allows you to complete items that are high on the priority list, and  disregard the tasks that do not make a big difference to you mission.

     Keep the list in a prominent place( on your desk, on a clipboard, in your planner) where you will see it as you are working. Check each item off when you are done.  While it  may  take a while to get used to this technique, it will bring you to accomplish your missions and goals.  It will provide a sense of satisfaction in seeing tasks completed and your mission becoming part of your daily program.

    Preparing this simple list each day will help you become more focused and more aware of what is really important to your library.  By making this list you will also get much more accomplished  to further your mission of your library.

Wired Wednesday- Technology Tools

     I have  found some great sites that provide book reviews on a regular basis.   Since most of these blogs are librarians , and book lovers ,I have found that they are great ways to stay current with some of the great new books. It is actually more fun to read these reviews because you know that they are having a great time with all their reading.

http://mrsnthebookbug.blogspot.com/

 This site is maintained by an elementary school librarian and is a great site in general.  She has a list of books that she is reading running along the left hand side.  On each book is a link to her GOODREADS site.  She does a   Monday What are you reading  post which always has some interesting books. She also has some great Freebies you might want to check out.

http://thebooksmugglers.com/
                      This site is run by tow booklovers who love to read, ( and write reviews).  They give straight review and opinions about books .  Also they provide a monthly newsletter that you can subscribe to.  In the newsletter they give a listing of books they will cover in the month. They have a great rating system for the books they read.
                     Most of the reviews are YA and science fiction . This will be a good source for the YA and teen librarians.



http://librarygals.blogspot.com/

This blog is a collaborative blog written by a group of librarians and other blogging friends. Each Monday they have reviews and comments on books (It’s Monday-What are you Reading?) that they are reading. It is very cool to get comments and insights and enthusiasm from this group and also find some great reads as well.  

 

Creating Goals to align to Mission statements

      Now that your mission statement is done, the next step is to create goals. These goals will explain in detail how you will accomplish your mission statement.   Your goals should be measurable and observable,  as to the activities , tasks, programs,  and  lessons ,  so the documentation that they produce will be available to your administration or board. 

       Goals are specific items that you will do on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis to accomplish your mission.   So take your mission and then think about what you will do to accomplish   this mission. So what will you do each day to further your mission?  These can be your goals /objectives.

      Another wise choice for goals is to attach a time frame in which the goals will be achieved.  Like your mission statement, your goals or objectives , should follow along with your organization mission.

     These goals will be useful when  you are planning what items you will do each day. So write them down and even have them posted so that you accomplish your goals and missions.

More Games in the Library

  No I have not completed all the ways to use games and gaming in the school and public library.

There are a few more ways that I have used homemade games to help reinforce library skills.

1.Learning and Reading Call numbers. After teaching a unit on call numbers , challenge students to
   A) Use riddles and puzzles to have students guess the topic of a book with a certain call number. Have a scavenger hunt for students to locate books with certain call numbers

2. After a lesson on using the online card catalog have students  find a particular took using in few keyword, a call number, authors names, or other location type . Younger students can work in pairs to accomplish this game.

3.  Provide a trail of questions and clues that students solve( of course using the library resources)


4. Have students find  fascinating facts or items of general knowledge.

Articles &Advocacy: Resources

  Teen Librarian

http://www.teenlibrariantoolbox.com/2011/11/game-on-your-library.html

Talking Points about Gaming in Libraries

 http://gaming.ala.org/resources/index.php?title=Advocacy