Have you ever thought that all learning is social and emotional learning (SEL)? This is something I recognize as an educator and as a learner. When teaching and learning new ideas, SEL is an essential part of the process. That’s… Read More ›
Student Engagement/ Teaching Models
The Power And Importance of Admitting Ignorance
“Intelligence is learning from your mistakes…” Recently, I joined a group of professionals chatting with a class of graduate students about our experiences in the world of school librarianship. We asked if they had questions several times, and everyone seemed… Read More ›
A Community Read Using Potato Pants!
Our school decided to start the year with a community read where everyone has a shared reading experience using one book. This is the first time my school has ever participated in this type of program. So far it has… Read More ›
Welcome to the School Library – Library Orientation
Each year, a new group of 9th graders arrive at my high school for the first time. Not only do they need to learn where the library is in the building, but they also need to learn how the… Read More ›
Working with Instructional Coaches – I have questions
For the upcoming school year, my building just added an instructional design coach. This position will be new to the high school as we pilot for the other high schools in our district. An instructional coach is a supporting role… Read More ›
Compare and Contrast: A Lesson With Picture Books
Why is it important to practice comparing and contrasting with learners? Because the exercise develops critical thinking skills and improves reading comprehension. There’s great value in considering how two or more entities are different, yet similar. Noticing and discussing differences… Read More ›
My Favorite Collaborative Lesson: Animal Crossings in 2nd Grade
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 ›
Create Instagram Stories
Instagram Stories are a creative and engaging way for students to demonstrate their learning. Students can create short videos with images, text, animation, and filters in an Instagram format. Use this feature for students to create a book trailer or… Read More ›
(Re)Building A School Library, Part 1: The Website
Raising My School Library’s Profile During a renovation a couple years back, my middle school’s library closed, and it never reopened. Students and teachers were told they could access the high school library, which is literally on the opposite end… Read More ›
Digital Poetry Slam
It is no wonder why April has been deemed National Poetry Month. Early spring is filled with inspiration. The longer days and warming temperatures seem to improve my mood and stir my creativity. What a great time for reading and… Read More ›