How many times have you found yourself sitting in the middle of a school professional development aimed at classroom teachers? I know I’ve been there. We doodle in our notebooks and daydream of school librarian professional development just for us. We need PD that addresses the many facets of our roles within our schools. Our professional development must prepare us to meet the needs of
Reimagine Your School Library in the New Year
I don’t know if there’s ever been a time in my life that I’ve seen so many people ready to kick the current year out the door and welcome a new beginning! 2021, please be awesome!! The new year brings new goals in our professional lives as well as our personal lives. Are you as eager as I am to reimagine your school library in
Diverse Chapter Books Not To Be Missed
There has been a lot of emphasis lately on diverse books for kids. I believe it is important for our students to have access to books that provide mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors (Rudine Sims Bishop). Here’s a collection of diverse chapter books to add to your library for middle grade readers. This post contains Amazon affiliate links for your convenience. If you click
6 Back to School Books Your Students Will Love
It’s true that Back to School 2020 is starting off like no other year in education. Regardless of our return to school scenario – distance learning, in person, hybrid – at least one thing remains the same. We need great back to school books to read aloud to our students! I recently visited my local public library to check out these titles – all opinions
More Ideas for Back to School in the Library
A couple of weeks ago I shared some ideas for school librarians as they get ready to go back to school. As more and more librarians find out what their unique back-to-school situations may be, whether face-to-face teaching, blended learning, or distance learning, they are scrambling to make back to school plans. So I’ve got a few more back to school library ideas for you!
Specialists Collaborate for School Wide Engagement
As school librarians, we are constantly working to collaborate with the other educators within our schools. We know that these efforts result in stronger and deeper learning experiences for our students. School specialist collaboration takes traditional collaboration up a notch by uniting the entire school community around an engaging learning theme. If you need more convincing, read my previous post: Energize Your School Community With
How to Energize Your School Community with Specialist Collaborations
We know that students benefit from collaboration between classroom or content area teachers and the school librarian. You can read my previous posts for more information: Students benefit from Collaboration in the School Library and More Ideas for Collaboration in the School Library. I’d like to invite you to consider school specialist collaborations to energize and unite your school community around a common theme. I
Show Up for Your Students When School is Closed
As we all deal with the wide spread effects of school closures during this COVID 19 coronavirus outbreak, educators are looking for what is truly best for their students at this time. Many people may panic at the idea of missed instructional time and a possible decline in academic achievement. I believe the more pressing need is to maintain a connection to and among our