Listen. Connect. Empower.

As I was planning for our new student group, Reader Leaders,  the library was gifted $500 by our PTO.  I took this opportunity to give the group their first real-world task of spending it.  We talked about how best to do that.  The group decided to ask their fellow students what they want in our library. They created a google form for them to fill out.  Their survey asked what genres students liked to read and asked if they had any recommendations. Reader Leaders learn to use Google Forms to create their survey. They also created a video to accompany the survey, explaining their request, writing the script themselves, and filming it using green screen. Reader Leaders film their video, explaining their project. The group wrote the script and put some humorous touches on the end. Once the data was collected, we met again to take a look at it and get a sense of what our students want to read. Reader Leaders examine the st...

The Idea I have had a "library jobs" program for several years and students enjoy helping out in our library, but I wanted to raise the bar and offer the students a more active part in our library program and see them leading projects in and around our school. We have a Student Council (I am an advisor) but my issue with Student Council has been that it is a position that is elected (translation - popular vote). I wanted to offer a leadership opportunity for those who might not necessarily be elected and for those who feel a particular affinity towards books, reading, and the library.  Inspired by examples of student groups led by Andy Plemmons , Melanie Roy , and Jason Lewis , I dug until I created the bones of a model that felt just right for my school.  Reader Leaders was born. Recruiting I created a video to get students' attention. The goal of the video was to introduce the program and build interest. The Application Next, students were invited to pic...

I have wanted to do a scavenger hunt (think interactive orientation) through the library for years. I briefly investigated Goose Chase and digital breakouts this summer but was limited by policy & finances. Ultimately I decided to "go with what I know" and make google forms work for me. Using the response validation feature to "lock" sections of the form, I was able to bring a "game" feeling to the activity by requiring specific answers to continue.  I created a series of activities that would guide students through our library and have them try a variety of tasks from checking books out to themselves to exploring different genres.  This also let me assess the interests of my students and guide my programming. (A list of the questions is here ).   The goal of this week was to have students Actively moving through the library  Checking books out to themselves Noting new items    Looking at genres/books they don't usually try Providi...

I like for my students to set our expectations for the year.  Every year I look for a book that will give this a new feel.  In the past I have used Rulers of the Playground by Joseph Kuefler The Snurtch   by Sean Ferrell Tea Party Rules by Ame Dyckman Z is for Moose by Kelly Bingham Alpha Oops by Alethea Kontis This year's selection was We Don't Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins. I was hooked on Ryan T. Higgins books when I met his Mother Bruce books.  He has a sense of humor that can be appreciated by children and adults alike.  This book is no exception. We began class with a partner share about a time something unexpected happened in class.  I then read to the class.  We were only 4 pages in when the first jaw hit the floor and the first eyes bugged out of their heads.  I expected laughter but often got pin-drop silence.  "Could the book possibly have said THAT?"  Yep.  It did.  They were instantly ...

Our 1st graders are new to our school and I like to start at the very beginning with them.  We started with what we know.  According to our 1st graders libraries... have a million books to choose from. are where you read in your head or quietly. are kind of quiet. are where you have to bring your library books back. are where you get to read books. are where you should be nice to the librarian, other kids, and the books. are where you have fun! We began by talking about the word "borrow" and what that means.  Students turned and talked with a neighbor about a time when they borrowed something or someone borrowed something from them.  Students reported back stories about favorite toys, games, and articles of clothing. Next, I shared the book Bear's House of Books by Poppy Bishop. In the book, bear shares (albeit begrudgingly) books with the forest animals.  My favorite line is at the end, "books are wonderful to read alone, but even better wh...

Back to school - I have always loved this time of year with its fresh starts and dreams of possibility. I loved this time of year as a child and continue to relish in the excitement. This is our library’s back-to-school story, where I confronted the challenges of years past, asked hard questions, and framed our year of learning around the concept of “welcoming” all students in and “inviting” them into our space and our books. Do I have big hopes and expectations? Absolutely. Big changes? Not really. This is about the small, subtle ways I am choosing to build a positive library culture and grow learners. I consider this just the beginning of our journey. The inspiration for change came from two books I read over the summer - one being a powerful picture book, and the other being a dynamic professional book about reading. There is something beautiful about summer reading, soaking in the sun and ideas without the pressure of lesson planning and deadlines looming. I read, wrote and thought...