#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