Developing lessons with picture books is easier if you have a theme in mind. Two for Tuesday is a fun way to introduce two books on the same topic. If you are strapped for time, try collaborating with another educator… Read More ›
#AASLstandards
A Year of Thinking Creatively in a Secondary Library
In January of 2021, I had a seed of an idea and a vision for my library that I put down on paper in my application for an AASL Inspire Special Event Grant. At the time, I was halfway through… Read More ›
My Favorite Collaborative Lesson: Talking about September 11th
In August, my school offered a school-wide professional development about Mind Brain Education (MBE) from The Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning (CTTL). The purpose of this professional development was to identify best teaching practices that are grounded in research. … Read More ›
How Teamwork and the AASL Standards Positioned Calvert County Public School Libraries for the NSLY Award
Three years ago, the idea of applying for the National School Library of the Year Award through AASL seemed distant. The school librarians at Calvert County Public Schools (CCPS) in Prince Frederick, Maryland, were doing great things in the district…. Read More ›
The Future Is Now
It is the beginning of a new academic year. Today, our faculty offered a student orientation activity. I met a group of first-year college students. Despite the trend of many nontraditional students entering college, these students all looked to be… Read More ›
Engage Learners with an Inquiry Lesson about Traveling to School
Would you like to start the school year with an inquiry lesson that supports the Engage Shared Foundation? Here’s an idea for you. Ask learners how they travel to school. Then, invite them to think about how children around the… Read More ›
My Favorite Collaborative Lesson: Story Problems with Scratch Jr.
I find that collaboration between homeroom teachers and the school librarian can happen naturally in subjects like language arts and social studies, but other subjects like math can be a bit tricky to fit together. However, every once in a… Read More ›
The Story Makes a Difference
I am fascinated with history. My fascination shows in my undergraduate coursework in history. When I decided to teach, I started with high school social studies. I always thought my love of history came from my father. Then I realized… Read More ›
My Favorite Collaborative Lesson: Flags in First Grade
Collaboration can take many forms. It does not always have to be a co-taught lesson or one with many parts. It just needs to be one where the school librarian and classroom teacher support each other’s curriculum to help extend… Read More ›
My Favorite Collaborative Lesson: Stop Motion in Preschool
As school librarians, we know that collaboration is important. I am fortunate that many of my colleagues love to work together. They understand the shared vision and benefits that collaboration can offer. Below is a project that was developed alongside… Read More ›