Examples of work
A critical focus in my library experience has centered around the importance of creating authentic tools for users navigating towards information. I believe in developing programs and services for patrons and students that include the creation of useful, valuable artifacts and skill-sets that will assist in the processes of everyday life. Libraries have become beacons in the storm that is "Information Overload". As a librarian, I feel it is my duty to guide the way - promoting information literacy, helping to establish constructive researching skills, and being a part of the magical crossroads between ideas and contribution.
Fake news lessonTeaching information evaluation has always been an essential part of a librarian's responsibilities. More than ever before in history, users encounter inaccurate, misleading, and false information on the Internet. This lesson looks at ways to identify Fake News, red flags to spot when researching, and ways to avoid spreading false information once encountered. Students also play a game at the end of this lesson wherein they present real and fake information to each other and use clues to guess what's true.
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Blind Date with a bookThis is a really fun library display with a lot of personality. The idea is that you pick some of your favorite, most page-turning bestsellers, wrap them up to conceal their identity, and then write a brief, intriguing description on the front. Patrons can scan the descriptions and pick whatever piques their fancy. Then they take them home, unwrap, and enjoy. The idea is to introduce stories and ideas to people who wouldn't normally pick that type of book. By keeping an open mind and going on this blind date, readers are exposed to new worlds and voices. I set this up (left) at the Brighton High School library and we couldn't wrap books fast enough to keep the display stocked!
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Looking for caldecott lesson planThis lesson plan, published in the 2013 December School Library Monthly, was so fun and revealing - who would have thought that 3rd and 4th graders could talk about art and illustrations like professional art critics?! We reviewed information about the Caldecott Award and talked about visual elements and how important illustrations can be to a story. Students broke out into two exploration stations; one group watched book trailers and filled out a Google form about their observations while the other group looked at potential 2013 Caldecott winners and wrote their thoughts down in the graphic organizers to the right (click to see larger image).
Click here to see: The full lesson plan Sample ballots for voting Clean copy of graphic organizer |
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This image was created as a school library re-design project. The flexible layout in the "after" picture details an open space that encourages collaborative work, communication with the librarian, and ease of access from the outside. There is enough separation, however, so that classes can meet and do focused work and individuals can find quiet places to read.
To see a larger picture, click on the image. |
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Book reviewsBook reviewing and selection is an important facet of a librarian's responsibilities. In addition to my book reviews published on Library Media Connection, I keep a LibraryThing account as means of keeping track of what I've read, what's good, and what to steer clear of.
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School Library Lesson PlanThis lesson plan is designed to promote making connections between print and real world experiences via a read-aloud of Elisa Kleven's The Wishing Ball. First and second grade students are encouraged to draw comparisons, explore the idea of social responsibility, and develop more concrete ideas about their goals and hopes for the future.
To see the whole lesson plan, click here. |
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Book Talk Audio Trailer"Book-talking" - or the librarian's version of movie previews for books - is a great way to get patrons and students interested in new additions to the collection. To see all that can be accomplished with free and easy-to-use online software, click the "play" button on the left audio player to listen to my trailer.
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