Many historically based picture books give insight into the life of an individual. Some also highlight how one person can influence the thinking of a nation. Such is the case with the book Thanks to Frances Perkins: Fighter for Workers’… Read More ›
Student Engagement/ Teaching Models
8 Picture Books that Support the Include Shared Foundation
Is your school revising curriculum to make it more inclusive and diverse? Your role as the school librarian is essential in this work, and the AASL Standards will help you take a seat at the table. The Include Shared Foundation… Read More ›
Newsletters for Communicating with Stakeholders
I’m moving to a new school in a new district, and before I get there I want to plan for communication efforts. Developing a communication plans are not my problem! However, sticking to one gives me serious problems. One of… Read More ›
4 Takeaways about Applied Digital Skills
You know when you learn about a resource and say to yourself, “Ah, I wish I had learned about this before!” That is how I feel about Applied Digital Skills by Google for Education. Recently, I was fortunate enough to… Read More ›
The School Library during a Pandemic
I never could have dreamed that Friday, March 13, 2020, would be the end of “normal” for quite a while. As the school librarian I brainstormed ways to assist students and teachers in my middle school. How can I keep… Read More ›
Materials for Expanding Student (and Teacher) Horizons
Change Begins with “Me” As a middle-aged white man, I have presumed that no one needs to hear what I have to say regarding #BlackLivesMatter. Demographically, I’m in the part of the equation that is the problem, not the solution…. Read More ›
Supporting Students during This Period of Unrest
In the wake of tragedy, followed by continuing protests around the country, I imagine many of you, like me, are wondering how to best support your students during this time. I have gathered a few ideas from colleagues and social… Read More ›
Pairing Picture Books and Primary Sources: Let the Children March by Monica Clark-Robinson and Frank Morrison
I had read Monica Clark-Robinson and Frank Morrison’s picture book, Let the Children March, several times since it was released in 2018. The book, based on the 1963 Birmingham Campaign, is an amazing pairing of powerful words and illustrations. It… Read More ›
Involving Staff in Book Promotions in an Online Learning Environment
I miss students coming to the school library asking for a good book to read. We could scan the shelves together to find the “right” one. Once we went to online learning, the library’s social media accounts provided book links… Read More ›
Humanize Black Lives with Picture Books
Did you watch the KidLit4BlackLives Rally hosted by The Brown Bookshelf? If so, you would have heard Paula Chase talk about humanizing black people with children’s literature (1:12:50). Chase is an author and cofounder of The Brown Bookshelf. She asked… Read More ›