What was your favorite Knowledge Quest blog post of 2022? Did it make it on the top 22 list? Take a look at the most popular Knowledge Quest blogs of the year. You’ll find lots of ideas to try in your school library. Find tips on advocacy, collection development and collaboration.
This curated list of relevant information is yours for free. Take a look and consider what you can try in 2023.
1. Manhwa & Webtoons: The Graphic Craze That’s Already Happening
Have you heard of manhwa or webtoons? I didn’t until I read “Manhwa & Webtoons” by Ashley Hawkins. In her post, Hawkins defines manhwa and webtoons as digital cartoons. These artistic formats originated in Korea. She explains why it’s important to know that manhwa and webtoons are not manga. As these digital cartoons turn into published books, readers will be asking for them. Learn about some of the titles already out by reading Hawkins’s informative post.
2. School Library Month: How Will You Celebrate?
It’s never too early to get ready for School Library Month. The celebration takes place every April. Gather some ideas for 2023 by reading “School Library Month” by Amanda Jones. Here you’ll find valuable resources to help you recognize your library. Watch a webinar hosted by Jones and other fabulous school librarians for inspiration. What ideas resonates with you?
3. 4 Levels of Collaboration for Teachers and Librarians
What does collaboration look like in your practice? Kelly Hincks developed four degrees to consider. She shares her continuum in “4 Levels of Collaboration for Teachers and Librarians.” Learn how she differentiates between sharing, cooperation, coordination and integration. The comment section offers examples of each level.
4. Making the Most of #Booktok Videos
I am not on TikTok, but Brandi Hartsell’s post about Booktok makes me want to join! In her post “Making the Most of #Booktok Videos,” Hartsell shares how #Booktok increased book circulation in her library. She offers links to follow and ideas to try. I’m hooked!
5. How to “Cheat” at Professional Development
Where do you turn for professional development? Steve Tetreault lists resources in his post “How to “Cheat” at Professional Development”. Check out the links he shares for webinars and podcasts. I love how he suggests watching webinars instead of Netflix. I’m looking forward to learning more from Tetreault as he hosts the “One Lesson at a Time” podcast. Each episode includes lessons in the show notes.
6. New York City is Supposed to Have a Librarian in Every Secondary School-So Where Are They?
Ashley Hawkins post about NYC school libraries is not a feel-good post. Hawkins points to the lack of school librarians despite state regulation. She shows the disparities across the city. Affluent areas have school libraries where poor neighborhoods do not. Some schools are improving, and Hawkins describes their positive impacts. Learn more by reading the contributions in the comment section.
7. Genrefying the High School Library
Ready to genrefy your library collection? Karin Greenberg describes her step-by-step process in “Genrefying the High School Library.” She tackled the big project last summer. Greenberg weeded while she worked. She hopes the new arrangement will empower readers to find a book they love.
8. My Favorite Collaborative Lesson: Birds in Preschool
Do you see birds outside your school window? If so, you might want to consider doing a bird lesson. Follow Kelly Hincks’s lesson in “My Favorite Collaborative Lesson.” The lesson starts by reading Outside My Window by Linda Ashman. Then, learners research and explore resources to find answers to their questions. There are great tips in this blog. My favorite one is to wait for a nice day to go outside. The pictures are sweet, too.
9. Different Types of SEL Activities to Build School Library Culture
Are you thinking about integrating SEL in the school library? Here are some ideas for you. Read “Different Types of SEL Activities to Build School Library Culture.” Jessica Fitzpatrick describes 6 easy activities to try. My favorite is “Write Down, Rip Up, and Throw Away.” All you need is paper and pencil for that idea. How easy is that?
10. Why Collection Development is Important in the March/April 2022 Issue
How does your library collection support your learning community? The topic of collection development is a popular one these days. Becky Calzada and Liz Philippi deliver a sense of urgency about collection development. Read “Why Collection Development is Important in the March/April 2022 Issue.” Learn about the content in the March/April 2022 Knowledge Quest issue. The Knowledge Quest journal is available online to AASL members.
11. Upgrading Library Collections: Selecting books students want to read
Why aren’t kids reading? Leanne Ellis believes that schools don’t have the books learners want to read. In “Upgrading Library Collections,” Ellis poses that school libraries are full of books that support the standards. She asks school librarians to find out what learners want to read. Fill the shelves with books of interest and watch reading scores rise.
12. Beyond This Crisis: The Near Future of Our Work in School Libraries
In “Beyond This Crisis,” Hannah Byrd Little addresses problems school libraries face. The pandemic and book challenges continue to impact learning. Her reflections of the past and hopes for the future contain links to data, reports and resources.
13. Graphic Novels to Pair with Social Studies Lessons
Are you looking for graphic novels that inspire classroom instruction? Jessica Fitzpatrick has some suggestions. She categorized them in her post “Graphic Novels to Pair with Social Studies.” Her list inspired Knowledge Quest readers to share their favorite titles. You can find their suggestions in the comment section.
14. 5 Things I Learned Being on an Interview Committee
Have you ever been on an interviewing committee? If so, what tips can you share? Kelly Hincks describes her interviewing process in “5 Things I Learned Being on an Interview Committee.” Read about her thoughtful and honest process in this popular post.
15. My Favorite Collaborative Lesson: Animal Crossings in Second Grade
Have you read the book Crossings: Extraordinary Structures for Extraordinary Animals? This compelling picture book inspired Kelly Hincks to develop a collaborative lesson. She shares her detailed plan in “My Favorite Collaborative Lesson.” You’ll find everything you need to try this lesson in your school library.
16. Delve into School Librarians’ Takeaways from Virtual and Hybrid Learning in the Jan/Feb 2022 Issue
The Jan/Feb 2022 Knowledge Quest issue features Cathy Fuhrman and Courtney Lewis. Lewis and Fuhrman approach the topic of digital learning with a growth mindset. What did they learn about instruction during the pandemic? How can online learning be meaningful? Check out “Delve into School Librarians’ Takeaways from Virtual and Hybrid Learning in the Jan/Feb 2022 Issue” to learn more.
17. On Being a Disabled School Librarian
What is it like to administer a library with disabilities? Ashley Hawkins shares her experiences in “On Being a Disabled School Librarian.” Read her reflections to learn more about her strengths and struggles.
18. If My Administrators Only Knew
What do you wish your administrator knew about your work? Amanda Jones keeps her administrator informed with discussions, data and visuals. Read “If My Administrators Only Knew” to learn how to advocate for your school library. You’ll find smart ideas to get you started.
19. The Intentionality of School Librarianship in the Sep/Oct 2022 Issue of Knowledge Quest
What is your purpose as a school librarian? Hannah Byrd Little considered this question for the Sep/Oct 2022 Knowledge Quest issue. Remind yourself of your intentions while reading “The Intentionality of School Librarianship in the Sep/Oct 2022.”
20. Genrify Your Catalog, Not Your Collection!
How do you make it easy for learners to find books? Leanne Ellis suggests turning to the catalog instead of the shelves. Find out why by reading “Genrify Your Catalog, Not Your Collection!” The comment section is full of insight. Be sure to view the responses!
21. The Art and Science of Collection Development
Do your stakeholders understand what it takes to curate a collection? If not, share The Art and Science of Collection Development by Courtney Pentland. Her post details the thoughtful work that goes into selecting books.
22. Compare and Contrast: A Lesson With Picture Books
At number 22 is Compare and Contrast: A Lesson With Picture Books. This post was written by me! The lesson was inspired by a Junior Library Guild interview with Angela Burke Kunkel and Anika Aldamuy Denise. You can find the video on TeachingBooks, an AASL Best Digital Tool for Teaching and Learning.
What are your takeaways after reading this list? I hope you found relevant information that you can use in your school library.
Author: Maureen Schlosser
Author: Lessons Inspired by Picture Books for Primary Grades and Social and Emotional Learning for Picture Book Readers published by ALA Editions
Blogger: https://LibraryLessonsWithBooks.com
Skillshare Teacher: https://skl.sh/3a852D5
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