As a school librarian collaborating with classroom teachers is a key component to our role in the school community. Collaboration can come in many forms, but the goal is to move past just the curation of resources. The focus is… Read More ›
#AASLstandards
Explore the AASL Standards through the Lens of Four States in the Jan/Feb Issue
Why are the AASL Standards so important? Simply put, they give us a focus for what our students need to learn. AASL’s National School Library Standards provide guidance for individual states as they determine what their state standards should be…. Read More ›
Collaboration: 3 Lesson Ideas with Picture Books
What does collaboration look like during a global pandemic? All around us, we see examples of people finding ways to work together to solve problems. Collaborators understand the power of listening to different perspectives, trying things out, and working with… Read More ›
Allowing Students to Pursue Their Passions
As a high school librarian, I am blessed with student library assistants each semester. These students are placed in an elective course that I call “Library Leadership.” Primarily, my library assistants do tasks in the library such as reshelving books,… Read More ›
Educating Stakeholders about the AASL Standards and the School Librarian’s Role at a Grassroots Level
The Vermont School Library Association (VSLA) was thrilled to learn this past May that we had been named one of the four recipients of the 2020 AASl’s Past-Presidents Planning Grant for National School Library Standards. This $2,500 grant, awarded in… Read More ›
Access to Print Books? Yes!
In this time of virtual and hybrid learning, are print books still important? My answer is a resounding “yes”! However, what do you do if your administrator doesn’t “get it”? I received a request for advice from a school librarian… Read More ›
Explore the Freedom to Learn through the AASL Standards in a Sept/Oct Online Exclusive
Looking for more guidance on intellectual freedom and equitable access? Check out Jamie Gregory’s online exclusive article “The Freedom to Learn.” In the article Jamie states that “successful implementation of the National School Library Standards requires widespread application of principles… Read More ›
Introduce Library Resources with a Challenge
Are you looking for a fun and efficient way to introduce library resources to your learning community? I have an idea for you. Challenge learners to design a squirrel-proof bird feeder. This task will inspire learners to explore bird feeders… Read More ›
Pivoting for Impactful Advocacy
“When people look slowly, they make discoveries.” –Austin Kleon, Keep Going: 10 Ways to Stay Creative in Good Times and Bad (2019) The “School Librarian Role in Pandemic Learning Conditions” document focuses on the five important roles of a school librarian–instructional… Read More ›
Using Voice Recordings to Support the National School Library Standards
Recently I was reminded of a tool called Vocaroo that allows users to record and share their voices online. There is something more personable about leaving a message for your students, parents, and teachers that includes your voice. The best thing about… Read More ›