Let's Try This Again

I have always struggled with what to post here.  I have never felt "original" enough blog.  However, in the past couple of years, I have grown as an educator and person in ways that have given me the confidence to start sharing more here.  So, keep an eye out for new content and ideas coming soon!

#readfortherecord 2016

I've put it out there to many via Twitter, including Mr. Hamilton himself, Lin-Manuel Miranda, to read with one of my classes on Thursday.  What are you doing to #readfortherecord???  We may Halt and Catch Fire with Lee Pace, head to paradise with Jimmy Buffett or not blow away a shot with Mr. Miranda - what's the worse they could say: no?  Even asked Jimmy Fallon - might make a great new Carpool Karaoke!!! :)

CASL/CECA 2015 and new beginnings

So this place has been a bit neglected. But after going to CECA/CASL Monday, I want to recommit to this endeavor.  My biggest challenge is setting realistic goals and habits.  

Children Who Love Reading

I read an article from NPR about author Dr. Daniel Willingham and his new book, Raising Kids who Read.  I have not yet read the book, but was fascinated by what he said about kids and reading.  As a school librarian and mom, instilling a love of reading is something that is paramount to me.
Some tips that he offers include:

• be a good model of loving to read yourself
• in your family, make it a family value
• make it appealing (keep books in places kids typically get bored, like the car)
• DON'T reward reading

That last one sounds counter intuitive, but in actuality makes a great deal of sense.  What do we reward people for doing?  Usually things they don't want to do.  And, according to Willingham, research shows that if you reward someone for doing something and then remove the reward, they will most likely stop or reduce doing that behavior.  As is said, reading should be its own reward.

So then, how can one begin to instill this love of reading in kids?  Why are some kids more likely to become voracious readers while others could care less?  And most importantly, why should we as educators and parents care?

I agree with Willingham in setting a model for your kids.  I try myself to show my kids how much I enjoy reading, both at home and school.  When I assign quiet reading in the library, I pick up a book and read with them.  Being a reader yourself is the best way to show your kids (at home and school) that reading is something people of all ages do.

But why do some kids want to read more than others?  I would argue that kids have a lot vying for their attention: TV, Internet, games, sports and "necessary" reading (homework).  Reading is passive.  Reading at times does not appeal to "active" kids.  So how can we compete with these other distractors?  We can prove that reading isn't just passive.  Pair activities with reading.  Show that reading can lead to activity.  Read a book about baseball (fiction or non) then go have catch and discuss. Read a cookbook then head to the kitchen to whip up something together.  Show that reading connects directly with life through learning or connections.  It is in reading that we can experience that which lies beyond our own limited worlds.  Show your children that reading expands your horizons and can show you the possibilities.  Build excitement around reading and those who are apprehensive will come around.

Finally, why should we care whether or not kids prefer to unwind with a book or by surfing the web?  I mean at the end of the day, does it really matter?  My answer as a parent first and librarian second is a resounding YES!  As the previous paragraph goes on to say, reading takes us beyond our limited worlds.  Its commonly argued that knowledge is power and learning is what can lift kids our of poverty.  As an urban teacher, I agree, but reading is so much more.  As a child, reading was my escape.  Reading was my relaxation.  Yes, there weren't the distractions that exist today, but reading was a way at the end of the day to just go on a mini-vacation.  As I grew, I realized how rich my own life is because of those mini-vacations.  I never lived in "the big woods" and had to survive without modern comforts.  But thanks to Laura Ingalls Wilder, I knew what that experience was like.  I was never locked up in an asylum, but thanks to Ken Kesey, I got a view into the Cuckoo's Nest.  I can't cast a spell and have never stood by my friends in an attempt to defeat evil, but Harry and his friends expanded my views of friendship and standing up for what I believe in.  You see, it is books that take us beyond.  Its not the knowledge or learning that is most important.  It is the expansion of our own world and the enriching of our life's experiences that makes reading so important in both our and our children's lives. 

#QuestiontheWeb

Well, it certainly has been a while.  I have definitely let this blog slide and not updated it nearly as much as I'd like.  But hopefully, this PLC opportunity will be the catalyst for change in that.

So, why am I here?  Well, I have an interest in PLCs and, specifically, as a school librarian, in how students use the Internet and all that it can offer.  I am looking for resources, ideas and best practices in terms of teaching students how to effectively and appropriately use the web other than "WIKIPEDIA IS NOT A VALID SOURCE!"  Working in a low socio-economic school, I also run into the challenge of access as well as reading ability.  Therefore, I also look to network and connect with other urban minded librarians and teachers to see what works for them.

Looking forward to all our shared learning!

New Year, New Commitment

Commitment.  As in vowing to do something.  This year for me professionally, it's adding to this blog at least 2x a week.  I'd like to say daily, but with 2 kids at home, not sure if that's going to happen.  So, what will I be blogging this year?  Lesson ideas, books, projects and of course online tools that I find useful.  So, back to work for me is next Thursday with kids coming the following Tuesday.  What are some great back to school books?  Well, here's some I've used in the past to start.  Feel free to add yours in the comments section!

Back to School Books:

How I Spent my Summer Vacation by Mark Teague
The (teacher, librarian, nurse, music teacher, etc) From the Black Lagoon by Mike Thayler
First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg
Franklin Goes to School by Paulette Bourgeois

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

Happy Read Across America Day!

Image from http://www.mamiverse.com/30-dr-seuss-quotes-to-live-by-4920/

Reading is fundamental for us too!

Recently, I was reading a blog post (can't recall where and I apologize to the author) about how we need to model good reading habits to our students.  The question was posed: when was the last time you read just to enjoy it?  Think about it, we read blogs, professional journals, memos and many other things that pertain to our profession.  For me, that means reading award winners for children and new books.  Don't get me wrong -- I love it!  But am I challenging myself as a reader?  The last book I read that had nothing to do with work was The Help this summer (see earlier posts).  I (and you dear reader) need to carve out time to read for oursevles for the simple joy of it.  Last night after conferences, the principal, assistant principal and I were talking about how we'd read at night after we had gone to bed.  That "rebel reader" in me that read by the nightlight with books I had tucked under my bed!  Now, I drag myself to bed after watching TV.  Let us not forget the simple joy found in a book and let us make sure to share that with children.

Starting Student Blogging

One of the second grade classes at my school is going to be working with me on their own blogs.  The classroom teacher is very excited about working together and having the students publish their writing online.  I am asking those of you reading this, to please be sure to comment on these wonderful students' blog posts.  I will update this post with the website of the blog as soon as they write their first posts.  Anybody have any good resources for blogging with students?

Hispanic Heritage Month

Teachers usually get so caught up in back to school that they can miss a great cultural celebration and oppotunity to teach diversity.  September 15-October 15 each year marks Hispanic Heritage Month.  It is celebrated during this time frame because many Hispanic nations celebrate independence during this time.  From the Library of Congress:
"National Hispanic Heritage Month had its origins in 1968 when Congress passed Pub. L. 90-498 (PDF, 153 KB),  which authorized and requested the President to issue an annual proclamation designating the week including September 15 and 16 as National Hispanic Heritage Week.  By directing that this week should include September 15 and 16, this law celebrated Hispanic Americans and the anniversaries of independence for the Latin American countries of Costa Rico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua as well as Mexico’s independence on September 16.  In 2010 Mexico is celebrating the bicentennial of its independence. President Lyndon Johnson issued the first such proclamation, Presidential Proclamation 3869, which stated in part:  Wishing to pay special tribute to the Hispanic tradition, and having in mind the fact that our five Central American neighbors celebrate their Independence Day on the fifteenth of September and the Republic of Mexico on the sixteenth, the Congress by House Joint Resolution 1299, has requested the President to issue annually a proclamation designating the week including September 15 and 16 as National Hispanic Heritage Week."

Here are some resources:

Book Suggestions from Scholastic

Recommended Reading from State of Florida

History of Hispanic Heritage Month (Library of Congress)

Back to School

Well hello!  Its been quite a summer (thanks Jimmy Buffet for that line, just no rental cars and westbound trains).  This summer has brought many personal changes for me and has prevented me from keeping up the blog.  But rest assured!  Now that school is back, I am going to commit to writing something each school day.  Even if its just a hello, the best way to start a habit is to JUST START!

So for today, I welcome all teachers, students, staff and administrators to a new year.  I always find this time of year a lot like New Years -- resolutions and hope for what is to come.  With that in mind, I wanted to share some web-based resources to help you start your year!

Google Calendar -- great place to keep track of everything going on.  Color coding keeps it easy to keep school and home life ine order too!

Quote a Day (from Education World) -- great way to begin the day with journaling or think aloud activity

Scholastic Teachers -- tons of wonderful resources: lessons, printables, and ideas

Educational Technology Guy -- fantastic blog with great resources

Free Technology for Teachers -- another great blog with resources

Junie B Jones First Grader: Boss of Lunch

As a librarian, I am ashamed to admit that this is my first foray into Junie B.  It is a cute book for children and the short chapters would entice reluctant girl readers.  Do not know if boys would appreciate it as much...  Not as good as I had expected.

Amelia Bedelia's First Day of School (H. Parish)

I am definitely going to use this one in the fall!  It is a wonderful tale that uses descriptive language and puns to describe Amelia's eventful first day.  With classmates with names like Clay and Rose, Amelia makes some silly mistakes, but learns that teachers learn too!

Knuffle Bunny (1-3) (M. Willems)

Now for some kiddie-lit!  All three Knuffle Bunny titles are adorable!  A hit for kids and adults alike.  Mo Willems illustrations combine b/w photographs with wonderful cartoons that bring to life the development of Trixie.

Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale - In the first book, Willems tells the (cautionary) story that any parent knows of the dreaded "lost lovey".  The repeated phrases make this a great read for early readers and an endearing tale for parents.  A word of "caution" - beware the laundry!

Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity - In the second installment, Willems warns the toddler set that their toys aren't so unique after all... and that what we have in common with others can lead to friendship!  Trixie heads off to pre-school with her beloved (and thought to be one-of-a-kind) Knuffle Bunny, only to find another at school!  Trouble ensues, late-night phone calls bring an end to choas and friendships emerge.

Knuffle Bunny Free: An Unexpected Diversion - In this final book, parents get a tissue ready, for Trixie is growing up.  As they fly to visit grandparents, Trixie loses her beloved Knuffle Bunny (again!)  However, on the plane home, she recovers her bunny only to discover that another may need it more than her...  Oh how quickly they grow up!  A fitting end to a wonderful set of books!

The Personal History of Rachel DuPree (Ann Weisgarber)

I read this as a historical fiction buff.  I really enjoyed the survival story of a woman living in the Badlands of South Dakota in the early 20th century, but was very disappointed by the ending.  To me, it was abrupt.  This tells the story of the title character who marries her boss's ex-army son and move west to stake their claim.  As African American land-owners, they feel that this is the best way to move forward in life.  The book tells of the difficulties of life in the Badlands and the survival of Rachel and her family.  ***Spoiler alert!*** In the end, she heads back to be with her mom in Chicago, but as I said, its an abrupt ending.

The Help (K. Stockett)

A good friend warned me that she did not like this book and did not think that I would.  I couldn't disagree more.  This book gives the viewpoints of two African American maids and one white "society" girl of the 1960s in Jackson, Mississippi.  The civil rights movement is starting to gain steam and these three women in their own way "help" others gain fulfillment.  I must admit, I initially read this because of the movie coming out later this summer.  But as the author points out: "Wasn't that the point of the book? For women to realize, we are just two people. Not that much separates us. Not nearly as much as I'd thought."  No matter where we are on our journeys through life, we all share the same humanity.

Summer Reading Challengs: Books Read

Ok, so I've been reading, but not posting.  So here is a post blast with the titles I've read so far this summer.  We'll see if I can't be more diligent in my posts from here on out...

Summer Reading Challenge (modified)

As we are getting ready to wrap up the school year here, I find myself energized for reading.  Like most teachers, most of my reading is done during the summer month when deadlines are no longer looming overhead.  I recently read a post by Donalyn Miller on edweek (click here for her post) about reading one book a day each day of summer vacation.  For me, what would work out to approximatley 63 days.  She mentions using picture books to help up your averages.  For instance, if you read 2 books today and none tomorrow, you would still be good.  I think I'm up for the challenge!  However, for me, I'm setting that challenge with a twist: since this is School Library Place, I'd like to keep my readers up to date with the titles I'm reading.  So my challenge to myself (and others!) is this: for each book read, post a short review on your blog.  This way, other teachers and librarians can share in the good read and have ideas to pass on to students as well!  Ok folks.... get reading and get blogging (outside in the sun hopefully!!!)

Happy Graduation *

Yes, that is an asterisk after "graduation" in the title.  That is simply because although I marched in my cap and gown, I am not yet done with the work required of my degree.  I am still in the midst of finishing my final project.  Its almost done, but I won't really be able to celebrate until it is done.
On that note, here is a link to my portfolio for my degree -- I'd love your thoughts and input...

www.wix.com/teachertheresa13/ils

The final project page is blank but will have the finished version of my paper...

Jing for Teachers

This is one that is so incredibly simple that it astounded me!  Jing allows your to show a user (or student) exactly what you are doing on your computer via video/audio file.  It takes video screen shots of your machine along with your audio commentary and uploads to a website for you to share.  Love this one!  Found out about it for a class towards my MLS and am already planning how to use in the library...

Jing Free Download