May is Jewish American Heritage and Asian American & Pacific Islander Month. Both these cultures contain vibrant histories. Unfortunately, something else they have in common lately is an increase in hate crimes against them. It’s more important than ever to read… Read More ›
In a previous post entitled “Partnering with Parents to Improve Student Literacy,” I shared how school librarians can help guide parents to support their children’s basic literacy development. In this new post also focused on equipping parents to support their… Read More ›
Tools are used to install ceiling fans, repair leaky faucets, plant flowers, and make other improvements. Tools can also be used to support educators’ teaching practices and students’ learning experiences. When it comes to classroom tools, people often think of… Read More ›
School librarians and information professionals unconditionally endorse the power of voice. We personify speaking up, advocating, and sharing our truths. Ensuring our communities are seen and represented is our mission. We are teaching and learning through our school libraries… Read More ›
Before I begin to think about summer vacation, I finalize our end-of-the-year school library report. This report highlights the school library usage, online resources, and other library services. It is a chance to celebrate our impact on student learning and… Read More ›
Hello, Book Friends! I’m excited to tell you about my favorite podcast, Book Friends Forever (B.F.F.). It’s hosted by children’s book editor Alvina Ling and author/illustrator Grace Lin. These accomplished women are long-time friends, and grew up together sharing a… Read More ›
As the school year draws to a close, keep kids in the mindset of reading with a summer reading challenge. Summer challenges are an outstanding way to motivate students to keep reading over the summer. They have tasks to complete… Read More ›
When I came to my school library in 2018, it was a dump. And I don’t mean that metaphorically. I mean that literally. Once a gorgeous centerpiece of a school built in the 1930s, the library had become a desolate… Read More ›
School librarian Kristina Holzweiss recently posted on social media wondering what school librarians wished their administrators knew about their jobs. Admittedly, I have an administration that offers overwhelming support to our school library programming, and it is due to the… Read More ›
In my school, we use a hybrid schedule in the library. This means that all lessons taught in first through third grade are done in collaboration with the homeroom teacher. The goal is to teach the library and… Read More ›
If the last few years have taught us anything, it is this: media literacy needs to be a core subject of student learning. Everyone is Online The pandemic shifted millions of students online for learning, entertainment, and social interactions for… Read More ›
As a long-time partner in the ASCD Whole Child Initiative, AASL exhibited at the 2022 ASCD Annual Conference: Recharge & Reconnect which was held in Chicago on March 18-21. AASL President Jennisen Lucas, AASL President-Elect Kathy Lester, former AASL Board… Read More ›
“Complex Library News” I previously wrote about my efforts to reestablish a library presence for my middle school’s students, starting with a website. Once I had a digital presence put together, the next step was to let folks know about… Read More ›
Every person has a story to tell. That’s as true for children as it is for established writers. Most high school teachers are familiar with the college essay crunch that starts at the end of junior year, heats up in… Read More ›