Monday, June 24, 2013

June: Reflection

I have been working in my current position as a school library teacher for 17 years now and this year has certainly been one of my most memorable. It is really satisfying to be able to say that not only does this job never get old, but it continues to challenge me and extend my world because of its constantly evolving nature.  My dual role of library teacher and Instructional technology specialist affords me the opportunity to belong to many different learning communities in the online learning world.   EdWeb.net, Edmodo, Google Apps, iTunes U, SimpleK12, Library 2.0, Classroom 2.0, and Twitter, to name a few, are all excellent sources of professional development that offer exposure to all kinds of learning tools, pedagogy, and perspective on all things in the education world. Sometimes it's hard to keep up, but sites like Evernote, Diigo, Delicious, and Scoop it provide great organizational methods to keep a person from being overwhelmed.  Every single day I pick up a new tip that helps me learn, and the most important piece of advice I could give any teacher is when you are learning more, your students are learning more. So I will take some time to relax this summer, but also find more opportunities to learn something new or share something new with a colleague. The ability to continue to learn, grow, and improve my practice is right at my finger tips with social media. There are a lot of wonderful educators out there sharing and learning.  These are exciting times to be an educator!

Friday, June 14, 2013

So what to do with 48 fifth graders and kindergartners on a Friday afternoon....have a Mo Willems fest!

Yesterday I taught the fifth graders how to use the Scribble Press app. I told them I wanted them to teach the kindergarteners today. Their job: to get the kindergartners to answer the question "What was your favorite part of library this year?" Then partnered up with a fifth grader,  they used the app to illustrate and write their answer in the style of Mo Willems' Knuffle Bunny series. We had to share the ipads so while half of the students created with the app the other half explored the Mo Willems website,  or read a Mo Willems book with their partner.  All the students had a great time and the fifth graders did such a wonderful job of coaching the kindergartners. They were collaborative and creative. Sometimes it's tough to keep the learning fresh and exciting in June, but this app really did the trick!

Thursday, June 13, 2013

book drive becomes a reality at Williams

I am so pleased to announce that our fundraiser for schools in need raised enough money to purchase 26 new books for three schools in Massachusetts and one in Oklahoma that was devastated by the tornado. In addition, our students donated  new and gently used books to support the effort. Each school will received one box with 26 new books  dedicated to the 26 victims of the Sandy Hook tragedy. They will also receive two more boxes each with the additional donated books. I am so proud of the Williams community's commitment to community service. Great job by a great school!

Principal Bob Beaudet and myself getting the books ready to send to schools.

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Fourth grade classes use face talk for their biography projects

Kudos to the fourth grade teachers! They used the Face Talk app to enhance their biography research projects. I am so happy the ipads are being used in such creative ways.  Check them out here:

Mrs. Black and Mrs. Kanode

Mrs. Azia

Today Ms. Tanner came down to library with her first grade students carrying this:

Sometimes you just have to be grateful to have a job like mine!

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

I am so pleased with the author cards that the fifth graders created with Google Draw. They researched their favorite authors and shared highlights of their lives as well as books they have written for kids. Check them out online at:

Grade 5 author cards

I am sure you will not only enjoy learning about the authors, but you will pick up some good summer reading ideas.