One of the best things about the updated AASL National School Library Standards is the great level of flexibility in how to address the standards across the curriculum. The standards allow school librarians to engage students in learning that is well… Read More ›
Do you remember learning about geography when you were in grade school? I do! My teacher sent me to the school library with a blank map. I found an atlas, flipped through the pages, and located the map I needed…. Read More ›
Over the past few semesters I have had the pleasure of collaborating with creative writing teachers in my building for weekly “Library Wednesday” lessons. In our school, creative writing is an elective course comprised of students in grades 9-12. We… Read More ›
I’m on a quest to refine my teaching to be both student-centered and relevant. This has evolved over time to mean that I talk a lot less now, and put more effort into the design of the learning experience. How… Read More ›
When the AASL National School Library Standards were released in late 2017, I was a little nervous. The release coincided with my first year as my district’s lead librarian, so I knew I would be responsible for helping the librarians… Read More ›
Staff writers, editors, and head editors flood the center of my library to produce the Webb Canyon Chronicle, the public record of student voice at The Webb Schools. Although I always valued student-centered and artful approaches to education, I never… Read More ›
Faster than a laser barcode scanner, More powerful than a superhero, Able to leap tall shelves in a single bound, Look, over in the library! It’s a teacher! It’s a leader! It’s a learner-ready school librarian! Are you feeling your… Read More ›
So often in education, we focus on the end-game: summative assessments, finals, standardized tests, graduation. We’re always asking ourselves, “Did they learn it?” However, learning is never really finished; it’s a journey that continues regardless of what milestones we pass…. Read More ›
Hello, my fellow school library colleagues! You know that moment when you give an assignment and then let the learners loose to work on it? Remember that feeling of wondering how they are going to create and learn? That excitement… Read More ›
Social and emotional learning (SEL) is the practice of noticing and working with feelings. Learners develop skills to manage emotions, build empathy, communicate, persevere, and solve problems. Citizens need these skills to contribute to society. SEL skills are important enough… Read More ›