Author Archives

Library Media Specialist in Arkansas. Self-proclaimed geek. Lover of nature and music. Always learning.

• 5 Creative Book Display Ideas (without wall space)

  By Ashley Cooksey on 08/03/2017 • ( 1 )

  

  I’ve had the privilege to work in various styles of school libraries, none of which had wall space for book displays or advertisements. Drawing students into the library at the beginning of the year is one of the easiest ways… Read More ›

• 5 Ways to Advocate for Your School Library This Year

  By Ashley Cooksey on 07/13/2017 • ( 3 )

  

    Advocacy. How often do you think about how to advocate for your school library? How often do you read blogs, articles, and essays published with ideas on how and why to advocate for your program? It is an almost… Read More ›

• Just Let the Kids Do It

  By Ashley Cooksey on 06/14/2017 • ( 0 )

  

  “Just let the kids do it,” our dance teacher often sighs at me. I’ll admit. I’m a bit of a control freak. Like to the point I will unload the dishwasher after my mother loads it, only to reload it… Read More ›

• Partnering with the Public Library: Book Talks & More

  By Ashley Cooksey on 05/08/2017 • ( 0 )

  

  A partnership with the public library can provide a school library with a wealth of resources. Often, a school library’s funding is much, much less than your local public library’s funding. Recently, I reached out to my local county library branch… Read More ›

• Celebrate #SLM17 with Flipgrid

  By Ashley Cooksey on 04/13/2017 • ( 0 )

  

  Each year, school libraries celebrate #SLM17, or School Library Month. The hashtag #SLM17 is used to follow the conversation on social media, with the numerals changing each year. You may recall a post about the history of SLM in March… Read More ›

• Student Read Alouds

  By Ashley Cooksey on 03/07/2017 • ( 3 )

  

  Listening to an adult or peer read aloud can benefit students at any age. Most states compile a reading list of books that have been nominated for a state reading award annually. For Arkansas, there are three divisions: Arkansas Diamond… Read More ›

• Physical Movement in the Library: 5 Ways to Incorporate Physical Activity

  By Ashley Cooksey on 02/06/2017 • ( 1 )

  

  Close your eyes and picture a library. What do you see? Many people would respond with things like: rows of books on shelves, people reading, quiet, calm. None of those things mention physical movement; however, the library is a great… Read More ›

• New Year’s Goals I Will NOT Keep

  By Ashley Cooksey on 01/10/2017 • ( 0 )

  

  January of the new year marks a time in (almost) everyone’s lives when we set about making goals to help better ourselves in the coming year. Most are for health and fitness. Maybe a reading challenge or goal. But, what is… Read More ›

• Advocacy: Breakout Sessions and Hour of Code

  By Ashley Cooksey on 12/15/2016 • ( 0 )

  

  Special activities and programs in the library can often be great times for advocacy. Recently, our library hosted breakout sessions in preparation for Hour of Code. These sessions took place during our celebration of National Game and Puzzle Month. I… Read More ›

• Gaming in the Library: National Game & Puzzle Month

  By Ashley Cooksey on 11/08/2016 • ( 0 )

  

  Gaming in the library has become common place in many school and public libraries; however, there are several instances where gaming is still considered “fun” and not part of a learning atmosphere. If you’re in a school library setting that… Read More ›