As part of the December newsletter for our Maryland Association of School Librarians (MASL), I sat down to write my thoughts for the column I pen as the 2020 president of MASL. I had just gotten my first holiday card… Read More ›
pandemic resource
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 ›
What 2020 Has Taught Me about Advocacy–A Simple Way to Toot Your Own Horn
2020 has been a roller coaster of emotions for so many of us. It has caused us stress and worry about so many things, from the health and safety of loved ones during the pandemic to the election to the… Read More ›
A School Librarian’s Reflection of 2020
A Look Back at March To say the past 10 months have been rough might be the understatement of the year; however, it has also been a time of reflection and a time for school librarians to shine. Back in… Read More ›
Navigating New Subscription Rollouts
Technology in schools has changed in the blink of an eye. What was a hard sell to school boards all over the country has now become a quick approval if it supports remote learning. I’m sure many of you are… Read More ›
Connecting with Others via StoryCorps
Typically the holidays are a time for connecting with others. With the current pandemic limiting our ability to gather together, StoryCorps is one way people can maintain their connections and create new connections in a new and memorable way. StoryCorps… Read More ›
Advice and Ideas for Essential Services during Rapidly Changing Times
I find that I grow in my professional practices by asking other people about the strategies that work for them. In this post, I am following up on last month’s discussion about educational changes and adaptations since the COIVD-19 pandemic… Read More ›
Grateful for My Professional Organizations
During the holiday season, reviewing all of the things that I am grateful for has become a yearly tradition. In this unprecedented year, with the COVID-19 pandemic affecting our lives in so many ways, taking stock of items to be… Read More ›
Digital Speed Dating with Books
One of my favorite yearly library lessons is 11th-grade Nonfiction Book Speed Dating. Watching students actively walk around the library from table to table exploring books always makes me smile. Motivating teens to read is a challenging aspect of my… Read More ›
Making Online Discussion Fun and Interactive with Google’s Jamboard
Inviting Participation Many students are reluctant to ask questions or comment with a large group during discussions. The virtual environment makes this worst. Maybe they don’t want their whole face taking up the screen or posting to the chat under… Read More ›