We have been busy here at Meadowview Intermediate. It seems like yesterday that we were celebrating Christmas, and now, it's March. I have presented lessons on Internet safety to the 4th graders -- we called them our "CyberSmart" lessons, and they have created a little drawing or rhyme for me to share what they thought was the most important thing to remember. Mostly, I tried to stress that a person you don't know online is still a stranger and should be treated as such.
Digital Citizenship has been the theme for 5th grade lately. We have talked about everything from having strong passwords to using good manners when communicating electronically. I try to get across the idea that people don't read your words that way you want them to all the time, so take your time and be really clear. We also stress that once you press Send or Post, you can't take it back.
Now, we take a little break from lessons and concentrate on some reading. Series books are the focus for 4th grade, and award-winning books are the focus for 5th grade. Students will be reading and writing for me in the next few weeks. To kick-start everything, all students had the opportunity to vote for their choice for the Golden Archer award last Friday at lunch. It was a very close vote with Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hard Luck edging out Wonder by three votes. Our votes have been sent in to the state headquarters for this award and will be added to the votes of other schools. This year's award winner will be announced late this month at the Wisconsin Educational Media and Technology Association conference.
Monday, March 2, 2015
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Strange But True...
I enjoy historical fiction. In fact, I believe I have learned more history from fiction books than I ever learned from a textbook. Recently, I read One Came Home by Amy Timberlake, and it was filled with strange but true facts about, of all things, passenger pigeons.
The story takes place in Wisconsin in 1871 when an incredibly huge nesting of passenger pigeons occurred. According to records from that time, the nesting covered 850 square miles -- a conservative estimate, according to the notes! Some experts speculated that all the existing passenger pigeons were part of that nesting. The story is full of details about what that many birds can do to a piece of land and how huge groups of people followed the flock to "harvest" the birds and their eggs.
Of course, there is a lot more to the story (see my Read Like a Librarian blog), but it just struck me that books are full of so much more than the story, and a reader never knows what he or she might learn when they pick up something new.
The story takes place in Wisconsin in 1871 when an incredibly huge nesting of passenger pigeons occurred. According to records from that time, the nesting covered 850 square miles -- a conservative estimate, according to the notes! Some experts speculated that all the existing passenger pigeons were part of that nesting. The story is full of details about what that many birds can do to a piece of land and how huge groups of people followed the flock to "harvest" the birds and their eggs.
Of course, there is a lot more to the story (see my Read Like a Librarian blog), but it just struck me that books are full of so much more than the story, and a reader never knows what he or she might learn when they pick up something new.
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
The More Things Change...
It has been an interesting start to our school year, with lots of changes and adjustments. Our former secretary, Mrs. Anderson, has moved on to a new position, and we wish her well. However, that meant months of substitutes while we posted the job, had interviews, and then waited for the process to repeat for the person who got the job. Finally, she has come on board, and we welcome Mrs. Kim Rugg to our LMC. Mrs. Rugg has worked at MVI for a number of years as a literacy aide, so she knows many of the kids. That should make the transition a bit easier.
Another big change this year is the addition of four reading groups to our schedule. Teachers nominated students who were doing well in reading and could use some more challenging work, so I will be working with both fourth and fifth graders this year. We will be participating in Wisconsin's Battle of the Books and the Global Read Along, both of which require some higher order reading and thinking. In addition, students will need to manage their time and work independently in order to do well. We'll have a little fun along the way, too!
Another big change this year is the addition of four reading groups to our schedule. Teachers nominated students who were doing well in reading and could use some more challenging work, so I will be working with both fourth and fifth graders this year. We will be participating in Wisconsin's Battle of the Books and the Global Read Along, both of which require some higher order reading and thinking. In addition, students will need to manage their time and work independently in order to do well. We'll have a little fun along the way, too!
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Back to School...Again!
It's been a busy start to our school year, with a new reading series and all 4th and 5th grade students getting iPads. Can you believe we are already doing our first round of MAP testing? Mrs. Anderson has been busily working on the first group of new books, so they will be ready to check out on Thursday, September 19. I am concentrating on planning for my classes, trying to make sure we hit all the standards we need to cover.
Meanwhile, the calendar marches relentlessly on. Soon, we will be having conferences, and our first book fair will run at the same time. Mark your calendars: the fair will be open for sure on Tuesday, October 8 and Thursday October 10 from 3:30 to 6:30, then on Friday, October 11 from 7:30 to 10:00. We pack up right after that, since the materials need to go back to Scholastic the following week. I am always in need of book fair volunteers, so give me a call at school (269-2187) and let me know when you can help. We rely on the fair to purchase things like extra display shelves and classroom incentives. This fall, I would like to make enough to buy a projector for our stepped room.
I will have a hard copy newsletter to send home soon with all my online information and an update on what each grade level is doing. Parents are always welcome in the LMC, so consider this an open invitation to stop in some time and check us out.
Meanwhile, the calendar marches relentlessly on. Soon, we will be having conferences, and our first book fair will run at the same time. Mark your calendars: the fair will be open for sure on Tuesday, October 8 and Thursday October 10 from 3:30 to 6:30, then on Friday, October 11 from 7:30 to 10:00. We pack up right after that, since the materials need to go back to Scholastic the following week. I am always in need of book fair volunteers, so give me a call at school (269-2187) and let me know when you can help. We rely on the fair to purchase things like extra display shelves and classroom incentives. This fall, I would like to make enough to buy a projector for our stepped room.
I will have a hard copy newsletter to send home soon with all my online information and an update on what each grade level is doing. Parents are always welcome in the LMC, so consider this an open invitation to stop in some time and check us out.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
School Library Month!
Can you believe it's April already? I know, the weather doesn't make it seem spring-like, but we are gearing up for summer here in the LMC. My last book orders of the year are in; inventory has started, and we are celebrating National School Library Month by studying how we are persuaded by media.
Students are starting their study of persuasion by creating their own advertisements -- some print, and some electronic -- promoting school libraries or reading. We briefly talked about slogans and some visual elements, but for the most part, the students are in discovery mode. I try really hard not to give too many directions, as I want their creativity to flow. There are some really good ideas out there! I can't wait to see what they create.
As a school, there will be some trivia activities, a bookmark contest, and of course, a Drop Everything and Read moment. It should be fun, and fast, and we will be entering May before we know it!
Students are starting their study of persuasion by creating their own advertisements -- some print, and some electronic -- promoting school libraries or reading. We briefly talked about slogans and some visual elements, but for the most part, the students are in discovery mode. I try really hard not to give too many directions, as I want their creativity to flow. There are some really good ideas out there! I can't wait to see what they create.
As a school, there will be some trivia activities, a bookmark contest, and of course, a Drop Everything and Read moment. It should be fun, and fast, and we will be entering May before we know it!
Monday, February 25, 2013
Events Update
Just thought I'd take a few minutes and bring everyone up to date on the progress of any LMC events.
- Battle of the Books is officially over. More than a dozen students managed to stick with the weekly meetings, giving up recess to talk about the books and take practice tests. Toby M., Carson H., Carson O., Nathan M. and Mackenzie N. snagged the spots as the state battle team and earned 171 points on the state test. Not bad, but we already have plans to do better next year.
- Believe it or not, the spring book fair is right around the corner! The fair will run during conferences the week of March 11. We stay open in the evenings on Tuesday and Thursday; other times can be arranged with me, as they depend on my teaching schedule. We will use some of the proceeds to buy books for the preschool this year, so please stop in.
- Read Across America and World Read Aloud day are fast approaching. We will be sponsoring a Seuss trivia contest for classes to participate in, making sure teachers have a couple of Seuss books for read alouds, and asking students to create some 3-dimensional, futuristic readers for display in the LMC. Packets will go out to classroom teachers by Wednesday. Prizes awarded will be certificates to spend at the book fair.
Friday, December 7, 2012
LMC in December
A lot happens in a school during the month of December. Choir rehearsals, decorating, special activities, and dress up days are just a few. Not to be outdone, the LMC is having a reading challenge this month. I call it the Charity Challenge.
For each book a student reads, he or she can fill out a blank ornament (available at the LMC desk). When they turn that ornament in, we will place it on our wall, and 25 cents will be donated to the Heifer International charity (http://www.heifer.org). With that money, we will -- hopefully -- be able to help a needy family become self-sustaining.
This challenge is based on the book Beatrice's Goat, which tells the story of how receiving one goat helped a family in Uganda afford to send their child to school. Depending on how much reading the students are willing to do, maybe we can help Heifer International afford another goat. The final count of ornaments will happen on Jan. 7. Keep reading!
For each book a student reads, he or she can fill out a blank ornament (available at the LMC desk). When they turn that ornament in, we will place it on our wall, and 25 cents will be donated to the Heifer International charity (http://www.heifer.org). With that money, we will -- hopefully -- be able to help a needy family become self-sustaining.
This challenge is based on the book Beatrice's Goat, which tells the story of how receiving one goat helped a family in Uganda afford to send their child to school. Depending on how much reading the students are willing to do, maybe we can help Heifer International afford another goat. The final count of ornaments will happen on Jan. 7. Keep reading!
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Ahhh, November...
It's snowing as I write this today. It's a little early for snow here in Wisconsin, but the dreariness sort of suits the mood here at school. We are deep into WKCE testing right now. Stress is the word of the day, especially for any students who struggles with reading or processing. So, what am I going to do to try and help lift the mood of the students and teachers? I have new books to introduce!
It's amazing how excited kids still get when I have new books for them to look at. Even in this technological age, many of the kids still love to hold a new book in their hands and page through it. Part of it, I suppose, is sharing my excitement over the new titles. We do the new book boogie walk over to the carts; then, I do a quick little booktalk for a few of the titles. After that, the kids are free to browse through as they wish. I wonder how I will promote new titles when I start adding ebooks??
It's amazing how excited kids still get when I have new books for them to look at. Even in this technological age, many of the kids still love to hold a new book in their hands and page through it. Part of it, I suppose, is sharing my excitement over the new titles. We do the new book boogie walk over to the carts; then, I do a quick little booktalk for a few of the titles. After that, the kids are free to browse through as they wish. I wonder how I will promote new titles when I start adding ebooks??
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Independent Reading Programs Starting in October
I have been working with the classroom teachers to revamp and unify the independent reading programs for each grade. We started by reviewing our goals. What did we want this activity to accomplish? We want kids to choose to read, to read for pleasure as well as for knowledge, and to find materials that they will finish. It became clear that some of our previous practices, such as having parents sign off on the number of minutes read each day, weren't really accomplishing this, so we came up with new ideas.
The fourth grade will have a different focus each trimester, so we can introduce them to as many genres, authors, and series as possible. The fifth grade will emphasize setting goals and reading at least one book a month that covers a topic that matches what is being discussed in science or social studies. Both grades will track the reading they are doing and will have opportunities each week to share their reading. Some small prizes may be awarded, as well.
A letter should be coming out from the classroom teachers with more details. Both approaches are designed to allow students at different levels to reach their potential and still be part of the program. I will also be celebrating some of our readers in the LMC with pictures and posters of books they recommend. At home, we ask that time is provided for reading and talking about what is being read. There is simply no better way to build interest and motivation than to share what we are reading, and we want to build that culture of reading in our school and at home. I hope you will join us on our new reading adventures!
The fourth grade will have a different focus each trimester, so we can introduce them to as many genres, authors, and series as possible. The fifth grade will emphasize setting goals and reading at least one book a month that covers a topic that matches what is being discussed in science or social studies. Both grades will track the reading they are doing and will have opportunities each week to share their reading. Some small prizes may be awarded, as well.
A letter should be coming out from the classroom teachers with more details. Both approaches are designed to allow students at different levels to reach their potential and still be part of the program. I will also be celebrating some of our readers in the LMC with pictures and posters of books they recommend. At home, we ask that time is provided for reading and talking about what is being read. There is simply no better way to build interest and motivation than to share what we are reading, and we want to build that culture of reading in our school and at home. I hope you will join us on our new reading adventures!
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Welcome Back!
Welcome back to all students, staff and families! Here at the Meadowview Intermediate Library Media Center (LMC), we are excited to start our new school year. Mrs. Teresa Anderson has joined us as the new LMC secretary; she will be working here most mornings.
We have a few other changes that will be happening as the year goes on. iPad access to the catalog and eBooks are two of the biggest changes. Students will learn that there is, indeed, an app for that! We will also be working hard to gear instruction to the classroom curriculum. Our goal is to help students make those connections between what goes on in the classroom and the outside world. We will also be adding internet etiquette and safety lessons to the LMC skills classes. We want our students to be safe, secure, and savvy online, so we will try to give them some tools for achieving that goal.
Finally, both Mrs. Anderson and I will be working on being more involved with students' independent reading. We have already been discussing some ideas for how to provide our students with more opportunities to share what they read and to build reading motivation.
It will be a busy and productive year. We look forward to working with all the students and staff here ate Meadowview Intermediate. If you are ever in the building, feel free to stop in and visit. We would love to see you!
We have a few other changes that will be happening as the year goes on. iPad access to the catalog and eBooks are two of the biggest changes. Students will learn that there is, indeed, an app for that! We will also be working hard to gear instruction to the classroom curriculum. Our goal is to help students make those connections between what goes on in the classroom and the outside world. We will also be adding internet etiquette and safety lessons to the LMC skills classes. We want our students to be safe, secure, and savvy online, so we will try to give them some tools for achieving that goal.
Finally, both Mrs. Anderson and I will be working on being more involved with students' independent reading. We have already been discussing some ideas for how to provide our students with more opportunities to share what they read and to build reading motivation.
It will be a busy and productive year. We look forward to working with all the students and staff here ate Meadowview Intermediate. If you are ever in the building, feel free to stop in and visit. We would love to see you!
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Beginning of the End...
I cannot believe how time has flown! It seems like we were at the semester break just a few days ago, but it is now almost May. Time to begin thinking about the end of the school year. Here are just a few announcements and reminders to get started.
- There will be a Buy One, Get One book fair in the LMC the week of May 14. Notices will be sent home next week. The LMC doesn't make any money off this fair, but it is a small way to thank those who have supported us during the year.
- Fifth graders have started their final research projects for LMC. They will be in the notetaking phase soon...and that means they might have some homework from me!
- Fourth graders will be starting their final work with a Wisconsin-centered trivia search in the reference section. They will have to sharpen their dictionary and encyclopedia skills to do well with this.
- All LMC materials are due back by May 15. After that, students can take discarded books home to read.
Friday, January 20, 2012
When the Students are Away...
So, just what do teachers do when they are in school, but the students have the day off? Well, in our district, the teachers go to school! So far today, we have learned about the effects of poverty and homelessness on our students and the upcoming referendum. Now, we have broken into smaller groups for additional lessons. The 4th and 5th grade teachers are in a workshop about setting up and using Wikis with our classes. This should be interesting and kind of fun. I have worked on a wiki before, but I have not set one up, so I am hoping to learn a lot. One thing is certain -- I will share what I learn with the students. Hope all the kids are enjoying their long weekend and staying warm!
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Happy Holidays Online
With the Christmas break and New Year fast approaching, people may be looking for some online activities to keep themselves -- and their families -- occupied. Here are a few I have stumbled upon that I thought were worth sharing.
A little late with your Santa letter? Email him here: http://www.emailsanta.com/
Create a personalized Santa story here: http://www.northpole.com/Den/PersonalizedStories/
Did you know that Santa is on Twitter? Follow him here: http://twitter.com/noradsanta
Not going to have enough time to mail out Christmas cards? Make some online here: http://www.presentationmagazine.com/online-christmas-card-maker.htm
Make your own snowflakes here: http://snowflakes.barkleyus.com/index.html
Play with some pictures and elf yourself here: http://www.elfyourself.com/
Here's a personal favorite -- The Reindeer Orchestra. Bop their noses to play a tune: http://dingo.care2.com/cards/new/0422/Do-a-rain-deer.swf
No snow? Make a virtual snowman: http://think-bank.com/iwb/flash/snowman.html
There's lots more, and many of them are listed on this site, Ozge Karaoglu's Blog, one of the places where I get good ideas. Have a great holiday and a wonderful New Year!
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Welcome to a New School Year
A new school year always brings new challenges, and this year is no exception. Due to budget cuts, we have moved from a 5 day cycle to a 6 day cycle. We have also implemented a new reading series. So, I have offered teachers the opportunity to schedule two LMC visits during each 6 day cycle: one will be used to support reading and the other will be used for skills instruction. I hope to see more learning and provide more reading opportunities through this schedule change.
Another potential change will be the addition of eBooks to the library collection. We have added numerous audiobooks the last couple of years, and these have been very popular. Now, I would like to add electronic books that will work with our interactive whiteboards so teachers can use them to enhance instruction. Students will also be able to access them via the computer. We have also added a number of iPads, and it will be interesting to see how these can be used in the LMC setting.
There's always some new challenge or opportunity in the library world. That's just one of the reasons I think the LMC is the place to be!
Another potential change will be the addition of eBooks to the library collection. We have added numerous audiobooks the last couple of years, and these have been very popular. Now, I would like to add electronic books that will work with our interactive whiteboards so teachers can use them to enhance instruction. Students will also be able to access them via the computer. We have also added a number of iPads, and it will be interesting to see how these can be used in the LMC setting.
There's always some new challenge or opportunity in the library world. That's just one of the reasons I think the LMC is the place to be!
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Summer's Here!
So, the kids have left the building, and the teachers are finishing up in their rooms. I have taken down all the decorations and cleaned off the circulation desk, but the LMC never really closes. First of all, there are still students who have not returned books, which means I will have to mail letters home and hope for the best. Secondly, I have reports to write and planning to do for the fall. Finally, I have all those items in my office that I just didn't have the time to deal with during the last month. Each summer, I promise myself that I will start in the fall with no backlog of work -- but it just doesn't ever work out that way. If nothing else, the mail will continue to arrive, so I will always have that waiting for me!
On a more positive note, a number of students took advantage of the offer to check out up to 10 books for the summer. Studies have shown that reading just 4 books over the summer can help a student maintain more of what they learned. I am hoping that more students will make the commitment to read over vacation as we keep trying to eliminate that summer loss of learning. If anyone is looking for some suggestions for good reads, here are the top 10 most checked out books in the Intermediate LMC this year.
On a more positive note, a number of students took advantage of the offer to check out up to 10 books for the summer. Studies have shown that reading just 4 books over the summer can help a student maintain more of what they learned. I am hoping that more students will make the commitment to read over vacation as we keep trying to eliminate that summer loss of learning. If anyone is looking for some suggestions for good reads, here are the top 10 most checked out books in the Intermediate LMC this year.
- Guinness World Records 2010
- The Lightning Thief
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days
- The Invention of Hugo Cabret
- Okay, So Maybe I Do Have Superpowers
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Greg Heffley's Journal
- Guinness World Records 2011
- Ripley's Believe It Or Not
- Walk Two Moons
Thursday, April 28, 2011
It's That Time Again!
Well, we have nearly come full circle and completed another year in the Intermediate LMC. The staff is busily working on inventory and repairs and all the other many chores associated with preparing a library for the summer respite. Our biggest hurdle, though, is getting the materials back from all of our users! I guess that is a good thing, but it does make me think it would be nice to have year-round school. To help all of our users -- teachers, students, and parents -- I have listed a few deadlines and due dates here.
- Week of May 2: Students limited to 4 materials. No more Playaway audiobooks checked out. No checkouts to those who owe fines or have overdue materials.
- Week of May 9: Students limited to 2 materials. Overdue and fine letters mailed. First reading logs are due at the end of the week.
- May 20: All student materials are due. No additional checkouts unless authorized by classroom teacher. Genre reading sheets are due.
- May 31: Second reading logs are due.
Notices will be printed at the beginning of each week, so any student with an overdue or a fine will have been notified before any letters go home. The LMC staff truly appreciates all those parents who work so hard to help our students be responsible users of our library materials. Helping them find and return their overdue materials or pay for those that have been lost or damaged requires time and effort on your part, as well, and we thank you in advance for making the end of this school year as smooth as possible!
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Read Every Day
Many thanks to the 16 community volunteers who came and read to our classrooms on Wednesday, National Read Across America day. Our students always enjoy a good read-aloud, and it means even more when it comes from someone who isn't one of their teachers! The best way to "grow" readers is to motivate them to read every day, and that's what our volunteers did. I will continue their work as I introduce new genres, authors and titles to all the students, hoping that I will manage to pique their interest and get them to try something new.
I also am gearing up for the spring book fair. With the help of more volunteers, the book fair will run during spring conferences on March 22 and 24. I am always looking for more volunteers, so if you are interested in helping out, please contact me at school, and I will gladly add you to the schedule. The addition of the cash machine to the book fair has made the money handling much easier!
The book fair will be the beginning of our spring reading promotion. I will use some of the profits from the fair to provide prizes for the students; the rest will be used for materials for the school, not just the library. Our last two fairs provided us with enough money to buy a classroom set of whiteboard response systems, a tool which has made those wonderful SmartBoards even more useful. Many, many thanks to all of the parents and students who help make these fairs so successful.
I also am gearing up for the spring book fair. With the help of more volunteers, the book fair will run during spring conferences on March 22 and 24. I am always looking for more volunteers, so if you are interested in helping out, please contact me at school, and I will gladly add you to the schedule. The addition of the cash machine to the book fair has made the money handling much easier!
The book fair will be the beginning of our spring reading promotion. I will use some of the profits from the fair to provide prizes for the students; the rest will be used for materials for the school, not just the library. Our last two fairs provided us with enough money to buy a classroom set of whiteboard response systems, a tool which has made those wonderful SmartBoards even more useful. Many, many thanks to all of the parents and students who help make these fairs so successful.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
What's a Genre and Why Do So Many Teachers Assign Them?
Genre is simply a word that means "type" or "kind". Students are usually introduced to the concept of genre through their reading instruction when they start to realize that what they are reading is not always the same. At first, it may be as simple as determining that there is fiction (made-up stories) and nonfiction (information). As students become more adept at reading, they begin to break these large groups into smaller classes. Fiction comes in many forms: historical fiction, fantasy, mystery, science fiction and realistic fiction, to name a few. Nonfiction can be divided as well, either by subject (math, science, history) or by form (biography, autobiography, essay). Each type provides the reader with something unique, and each type requires slightly different skills from the reader.
Many teachers here at Meadowview Intermediate assign students to read one book from a certain genre each month as part of their independent reading program. In the fourth grade, this is done so each student tries each genre. By the end of the year, students should have enough experience to know which genres they like best and should be better able to choose books independently. In the fifth grade, students are usually given at least two options for the genre they are assigned to read each month, so they can gain additional practice and experience while still being allowed some level of choice.
The overall goal behind assigning genres is to develop life-long readers. If, at some point in their reading development, we can get students into a series or a genre they enjoy, the chances of their continuing development in reading increase dramatically. Hopefully, by continuing to expose them to all the possibilities, we can help all students make this very important step in their reading development.
Many teachers here at Meadowview Intermediate assign students to read one book from a certain genre each month as part of their independent reading program. In the fourth grade, this is done so each student tries each genre. By the end of the year, students should have enough experience to know which genres they like best and should be better able to choose books independently. In the fifth grade, students are usually given at least two options for the genre they are assigned to read each month, so they can gain additional practice and experience while still being allowed some level of choice.
The overall goal behind assigning genres is to develop life-long readers. If, at some point in their reading development, we can get students into a series or a genre they enjoy, the chances of their continuing development in reading increase dramatically. Hopefully, by continuing to expose them to all the possibilities, we can help all students make this very important step in their reading development.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
What's Up in 2011
The new year always forces me to look forward and realize that our current school year is almost half over! There is so much left to be done, to be taught and to be learned, to read and to experience. It is enough to raise my anxiety level! That's what makes it the perfect time of year to change a few things about instruction in the LMC.
Starting the second week of January, we will move to a more project-based approach to learning through the LMC. I will be working directly with classroom teachers to create, schedule, and complete projects that support the classroom goals while allowing students to use research and technology to learn and communicate. An example of this would be a project with Mr. Pederson where students will use LMC resources and the web to learn about the life and discoveries of important scientists. They will then share this information through podcasts and PowerPoints. To accomplish this, Mr. Pederson has scheduled time in the LMC and the labs for a number of consecutive days and will use his weekly LMC time for book checkout. This way, the students will maximize their learning and research with both Mr. Pederson and me to assist but will not lose any time for exploring their own interests through their independent reading. I hope to complete at least one such project with each class before spring.
This means that the beginning schedule of weekly lessons will be compacted and changed. Students will still come to the LMC weekly to exchange books but will not have a lesson planned and taught by me at that time. If I am available at that time, I will share authors and series with them in an effort to motivate more independent reading. Instruction in research and technology will occur through the projects. This approach will actually result in more time with me and in the LMC and the labs than a weekly lesson provides. The end result, we believe, will be students who are more independent and capable in their use of the LMC and its resources.
Starting the second week of January, we will move to a more project-based approach to learning through the LMC. I will be working directly with classroom teachers to create, schedule, and complete projects that support the classroom goals while allowing students to use research and technology to learn and communicate. An example of this would be a project with Mr. Pederson where students will use LMC resources and the web to learn about the life and discoveries of important scientists. They will then share this information through podcasts and PowerPoints. To accomplish this, Mr. Pederson has scheduled time in the LMC and the labs for a number of consecutive days and will use his weekly LMC time for book checkout. This way, the students will maximize their learning and research with both Mr. Pederson and me to assist but will not lose any time for exploring their own interests through their independent reading. I hope to complete at least one such project with each class before spring.
This means that the beginning schedule of weekly lessons will be compacted and changed. Students will still come to the LMC weekly to exchange books but will not have a lesson planned and taught by me at that time. If I am available at that time, I will share authors and series with them in an effort to motivate more independent reading. Instruction in research and technology will occur through the projects. This approach will actually result in more time with me and in the LMC and the labs than a weekly lesson provides. The end result, we believe, will be students who are more independent and capable in their use of the LMC and its resources.
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