Sharing

Here's a little Animoto of my ALA trip this summer. I'm sharing it with my students tomorrow as they drop by the library on the first day of school.

I've already blogged about it here, but for the students at my school it will be new. It's a little part of me, and who I am, and I hope that as they see a piece of my life, they can know how special it is for me to get to know them, too.




As educators, it is important to tell our learners what matters to us, and what we are passionate about. In it, they will find something to connect to their own lives. I'm hoping it will help them understand that even though they have a new librarian, it is still their library.

A Network to Turn To

It's been a while since I did any crafting. So it wasn't a surprise that I was somewhat lost when I went to the fabric store to buy the supplies I needed for my latest project.  I described my project to an employee there, and she told me what I needed to buy. But she was a little busy, so I still didn't get the complete version of what I needed to do.

I walked around looking for the stuff I needed, and after a few walks around the same aisle, I finally just asked for help. In those moments before I sought an expert, my first instinct was to ask my PLN on Twitter. (I know a lot of really crafty librarians!) I found this really interesting! My PLN has become such a part of my daily life, that I now consider them almost immediately when I have a question.

Thankfully, the nice employee pointed me in the right direction, and even told me exactly which roll I'd need. I was out of there about 20 minutes later, and my project is now complete.

But now as I sit here thinking about it, I can apply the whole experience to learning and my future students.

Just like I had my own PLN to turn to (as well as a really helpful employee at the store), I hope that they would also have a network ready and available. When they have a question or a need, I hope they know who to ask and that they have SOMEONE to ask.  I hope they have LOTS of people to ask. The more answers the better!

How DO I help my students get their own PLN? Figuring this out is one of my many responsibilities as a librarian.

For me, it started by making connections. For my students, it will be the same!

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What I'm reading now:

 

 

Current shoe situation:

 

I am looking for a pair of leopard flats. I went shopping last weekend, but didn't quite find what I had in mind. Still searching! (Maybe I WILL ask one of my Twitter friends about this one.) 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 8/12/13

It's Monday! I'm joining my friend Jen over at Teach Mentor Texts in a meme called "It's Monday! What are you reading?" Here, teachers, librarians, and other readers share their reading for the week. It's a great way to add to your book lists!

My summer is officially over, and I ended it with these books:

PRISONER 88 by Leah Pileggi
Published by: Charlesbridge Publishing
Publication date: September 1, 2013

This is historical fiction based on a true story about a ten-year old boy sent to prison in the 1800s. It's a harsh story, and very compelling. I really felt such sadness for the boy the entire time. I couldn't believe the story and all he'd been through (perfect for middle school and up).

THE SURPRISE ATTACK OF JABBA THE PUPPETT by Tom Angleberger
Published: August 6, 2013
Published by: Amulet Books

The latest in the Origami Yoda series! I laughed out loud at so many places in this book. It also made me think! I really enjoy this series.

HENRY'S FREEDOM BOX by Ellen Levine; illustrated by Kadir Nelson
Published: January 1, 2007
Published by: Scholastic
Caldecott Honor Winner 2008

A beautifully illustrated book! The story is powerful! Kadir Nelson's illustrative work is always breathtaking.

What I'm reading now:

I'm currently reading a book I've had for awhile and should have read a long time ago:

SALT: A Story of Friendship in a Time of War by Helen Frost
Published: July 23, 2013
Published by: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux

This is historical fiction in a narrative. I've been reading it and thinking about what a great source it will be to any study of Native Americans and the War of 1812.


What are you reading?


Picture Book 10 for 10

I'm joining a great meme today:  Picture Books 10 for 10. The meme was started by Cathy over at Reflect and Refine and Mandy over at Enjoy and Embrace Learning. The idea behind the meme is this: What are ten picture books you cannot live without?

Isn't that a great question? I just love picture books and so do fourth graders. As a teacher I used them for writing, discussion, community-building, and of course, reading. We even celebrated Picture Book Month in November.

But choosing JUST 10 picture books is NOT easy. Here's what I came up with, and they're not in any particular order at all!

But I do LOVE them all!

 

 

EXTRA YARN by Mac Barnett and Illustrated by Jon Klassen  

2013 Caldecott Honor Winner

 

When I read this to my class and book clubs last year, I had the most enjoyable time! Such great discussions! Such great characters! What an honor it was for me to meet Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen at the Newbery Caldecott Banquet! I told them just how much this book meant to my students. And I thanked them for their work. A great life memory! A great book!

 

 

THE GENTLEMAN BUG by Julian Hector 

 

I really adore this sweet book! It's really not easy to find a copy of this book, so you should buy it if you find it. Why do I love this book? Well, it's about a teacher bug who falls in with a librarian lady bug, and they both love books. Do you see why I love this book?

 

 

UNSPOKEN by Henry Cole

 

This is a wordless picture book that will literally take your breath away. I remember reading the ARC (the fold & gather or F&G) for this book at ALA 2012 with my friend Susan, and we literally gasped OUT LOUD at this book. It's about the Underground Railroad-- powerful and gorgeously illustrated by an author I would love to meet one day: Henry Cole. My friend Alyson gave me a signed copy of this book, and it is one of my book treasures that I will cherish always. ALWAYS! 

 

 

 

 

I WANT MY HAT BACK by Jon Klassen

 

This one is such a favorite of mine! Jon Klassen gave us a wonderful gift with this book. My students and I had endless discussions about Bear and Rabbit. Such a clever, clever book. Have you read it? If not, don't wait! No matter how many times I read it, I want to read it again because I see new things!



 



 

 

FLORA AND THE FLAMINGO by Molly Idle

 

This is another wordless picture book, and when you open it, and see the flaps and gorgeous color, you know you're about to read a book unlike any other. A story of a friendship, and learning something new. So sweet! And pink! 

 

 

THE BOY AND THE AIRPLANE by Mark Pett

 

In this wordless book, a boy loses his plane and tries many times to get it back. It will make you think, it will make you wonder, and you will want to read it again and again. And again. 



 

 

BLUEBIRD by Bob Staake

 

This is another must-have picture book. A lonely boy meets a bluebird that becomes his friend. I've blogged about this one before. It's breathtaking, too. I loved the blue and the gray on each page. The story is unforgettable.

CREEPY CARROTS by Aaron Reynolds - Illustrated by Peter Brown
Caldecott Honor Medal: 2013

My students really loved this book about a rabbit who cannot get away from a bunch of really scary-looking carrots! The book is brilliant and entertaining and wonderful. I met Peter Brown at the Newbery Caldecott Wilder Banquet and reminded him of this moment with my class and @debfrazier's students in Ohio: Our Latest Wow Moment . He remembered!

BOY + BOT by Ame Dyckman and Dan Yaccarino
A robot and a boy are very different. They meet, they become friends, and learn about how really alike they are! One of my very favorites! And Ame Dyckman is delightful! 

And last but not least:

THIS IS NOT MY HAT by Jon Klassen
Caldecott Medal Winner: 2013

Jon Klassen's speech at the Newbery Caldecott Banquet was brilliant, just like this book. I continue to be amazed at Jon Klassen's talent, and I cannot wait for his next
book. Winning the Caldecott and the Caldecott Honor in the same year = Amazing.

It is really difficult to come up with just ten great picture books. But this is a great problem to have because it means I've read many good ones.

What are YOUR  picture book faves?

Beginning of the Year List for New Librarians

I used to make a lot of to-do lists as a teacher, and now that I'm a librarian, that definitely continues. I used to have an app for this, but I couldn't keep up with it.
Then it became a one ripped page from a legal pad, and I'd fold it up and carry it around everywhere--and when things got crossed off, it made me feel great! I don't think I've found one system I am completely happy with. Still searching for it. In the meantime, I'm using a spiral planner!

A really important to-do list I'm working on right now is the beginning-of-the-year to-do list.  I want to make sure that when the year begins I have done everything I could! So I got some help from my wonderful Twitter PLN: thanks to Cathy Potter, Crystal Brunelle , Tamara Cox, Barb Keister,  Margie Myers-Culver, Chris Roberts, and Deanne Seigler for their input on this list. I hope it is helpful to someone else. It certainly is helpful to me. (These are in no particular order.)

• Ask for class lists to organize library cards or bar codes.
• Check in new materials so they can be ready as soon as possible.
• Introduce yourself to new staff and let them know you are there to help. (Also send an intro email or letter.)
• Make sure new students are added to circulation system.
• Place a book order.
• Start a state book award display (and others).
• Create bar codes (or library cards) for new staff.
• Host Open House for staff.
• Find and meet your parent volunteers. They are willing to help!
• Compose parent letter to be sent home.
• Create a folder or bag for each teacher in which you provide basic library information.
• Create a literacy event calendar and share with teachers.
• Schedule first visits as soon as possible to make sure students have books!
• Pull potential read-alouds for teachers.
• Share noteworthy titles with teachers on professional development day.
• Get book trailers together for first library visits.
• Gather stacks for book talks.
• Start a webpage for your library or update it if you already have one.   

 

Thanks to Mr. Schu (from Watch Connect Read) for his wonderful advice and encouragement as well.

I know this isn't a complete list, but it's a start, and it's something to work with!

 

If you are a school librarian, what would you add to this list?

 

 

 

 

 

 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 8/5/13

On Mondays, many in my reading community post to this meme: IT'S MONDAY! WHAT ARE YOU READING? Teachers, librarians, and other great readers share what they've been reading by posting links to their blogs today. It's a great way to get book titles. Check out Teach Mentor Texts for all the posts!

I will admit that throughout this busy summer, my IMWAYR posts have been spotty. But because I want to make this part of my routine again, I'm posting one today and I'm proud of myself for that. I do it mostly to document my reading and, of course, to share great book titles.

This week I read:

 



 

AL CAPONE DOES MY HOMEWORK by Gennifer Choldenko

Publication date: August 20, 2013

Published by: DIAL

 

Oh, I really loved this book! Moose is a really interesting character, and there's an element of mystery to the story that makes you not want to put the book down. It's the 3rd installment of a series, and I do recommend that you read these in order--especially because they are ALL good.





THE BIGGEST BEAR by Lyn Ward
Published: June 1, 1952
Published by: HMH Books for Young Readers
Caldecott Medal (1953)

I'm reading Caldecott books for two reasons: 1) I'm very interested in learning about them and 2) I'm doing a Caldecott Challenge (my own timetable).  This one is a REALLY unexpected story about a boy who finds a bear, and if you read it, let me know what you thought of the ending!
The artwork is done in black and white watercolors.

GOODNIGHT iPAD by Ann Droyd
Published by: Blue Rider Press
Published: October 7, 2011

I thought this one was fun, but I still prefer GOODNIGHT MOON by Margaret Wise Brown. It's about a family saying goodnight to all their devices. If you have a lot of techy tools, you'll enjoy this one.

CLASSROOM HABITUDES by Angela Maiers
Published: June 12, 2012
Published by: Solution Tree

I read this one for a campus book study. I've learned a lot from Angela Maiers both from listening to her speak to reading her books, and I can't wait to discuss this one with my coworkers at my new school!

RULES by Cynthia Lord
Published: April 1, 2006
Published by: Scholastic
Newbery Honor 2007

This is a really good book, and you will see why it won a Newbery Honor. It was a reread for me, and even better the 2nd time around. It's a story about a girl named Catherine who has a brother with autism, and their very special connection. She teaches him rules as a way to help him.  Their family story has touched many readers' hearts. I highly recommend it!!

What am I reading now? Well, I just started Prisoner 88 by Leah Pileggi. It's based on a true story about a boy who was  sent to the state penitentiary for 5 years in the 1800s. It's a gripping story, and I'll probably finish this one tonight.

PRISONER 88 by Leah Pileggi
Published: July 1, 2013
Published by: Charlesbridge Publishing

What are YOU reading today?

The Unexpected

Making a large Origami Yoda isn't something I thought I would ever do in my lifetime.

But now, it totally makes sense.
First, I have to say that I am a HUGE fan of THE STRANGE CASE OF ORIGAMI YODA books by the fabulous Tom Angleberger. These books are so funny and creative and third, fourth, and fifth graders love them!

It was also our Texas Bluebonnet Award winner in 2012!

WHY did I make a large Origami Yoda out of green butcher paper? Because it's fun and awesome and--I am hoping-- the kids at my new school will love it.

Here's what it looked like when it first started.

 

Now, I'd made one of these out of regular-sized white paper, but making a wall-size one was another story. My students loved making them and I'd find them all over the classroom! I even found one in the library last week! (I'll take that as a sign.)

But I wanted to make a large one I'd seen on Pinterest. I think it will look great on a wall in the library.

Now, when I started out getting my library ready for learners, I had some idea of what I wanted it to look like. But strangely, a lot of the really creative things I've done haven't been completely planned out. I start with one poster, prop, or other anchor object. I think about it for a minute or twenty. I surf Pinterest, and then I start working with it, and things start to gel. Is that considered designing? I think so!

Here's what I'm going for: As I get the library ready for the first day of school, my goal is to create an environment that sparks conversation, promotes reading and books of course, and creates an environment that celebrates learning. Is this a good list? I think it's a start! It's definitely not complete.

Also, I want everyone to feel comfortable there! I want our learners to be happy when they come to the library! Just like I feel when I go to my own public library or when I walk through the doors at our own library now!

When I finished the Yoda,  I knew I wasn't done with the display. I know myself: when I get to making things, sometimes my projects don't have hard and fast ending points. Sometimes I don't reach the answer or the end--until I've have been working on the work for a long while. For me it takes a lot of thinking and doing. And a lot of times, I'm not happy with I come up with in the end because it's never perfect.

Here's what my Yoda looked like when I finished:

I really wanted the eyes to be more "artistic", but it was late and I was really tired.

If you want to know how to make your own Origami Yoda, ask a 4th grader. They can show you. Or, you can go here to Tom Angleberger's awesome website like I did! Tom has some really great directions and examples there!


Now, before I end this post I must remind myself and you that the new installment in the Origami Yoda series will be released soon! Last I heard, the release date was August 6th!

The new book is called THE SURPRISE ATTACK OF JABBA THE PUPPETT!
 I. CANNOT. WAIT. I found out about it at ALA Midwinter and I know I tweeted the picture out.

Here's my picture of Tom Angleberger at ALA 2013 with JABBA. Tom is such a fun author, and he is always so very kind to librarians and teachers!

One last thing:
My shoe choice for the day:

Well, when you are making an Origami Yoda out of green butcher paper on your hard wooden floor, wearing shoes just gets in the way--even cute ones.