Texas Hold ‘Em @ the Library February 29, 2008
Texas Hold ‘Em, originally uploaded by Lester Public Library.
Fund School Libraries February 28, 2008
Fund Our Future Rally, originally uploaded by ALA - The American Library Association.
I must visit LPL this summer February 28, 2008
LPL Trading Card, originally uploaded by Lester Public Library.
Monkey with a Tool Belt February 28, 2008
I picked up Monkey with a Tool Belt and put it down twice. Charge me with judging a book by its cover. I’m so thankful for picking it back up, especially since my laugh carried throughout Anderson’s Bookshop. Two women stared at me as if I were insane.
Chico Bon Bon is a monkey that can build anything with his tool belt. Check it out…
Will his tools come in handy when an organ grinder captures him in the hopes of turning him into a circus monkey?
Really? February 28, 2008
I know of few people who frequent the local video store and it seems that more video stores are closing. Therefore, I read this sign a few times wondering if it actually said: GROWING COMPANY! Hmm…
Never take a Shark to the Dentist February 28, 2008
I am a fan of Judi Barrett’s books and felt pleased while reading her newest book, Never take a Shark to the Dentist (and other things not to do). Throughout this beautifully illustrated text, you learn not to hold hands with a lobster, not to sit next to a porcupine on a subway, and, never, ever take a shark to the dentist.
Recommended for ages 4-8.
Not your Grandma’s Librarian February 27, 2008
Not your grandma’s librarian…
As workstations replace dust-covered shelves in your district libraries, a new breed of librarian—the library media specialist (LMS)—has become an essential part of a school’s faculty. These are the people who will integrate the digital world into today’s classroom and throughout the curriculum. Specially trained and knowledgeable in the use of information technology, library media specialists have become one of the most important instructional partners, working with teachers and administrators to change what is possible in the classroom.
“Library media specialists empower students to be critical thinkers, enthusiastic readers, skillful researchers, and ethical users of information,” says Sara Kelly Johns, president of the American Association of School Librarians (AASL), one of the 11 divisions of the Chicago-based American Library Association.
Visit Scholastic for the rest of the article.
iPods and Podcasting in the Classroom February 27, 2008
I spent an enjoyable day at the 2008 Illinois Technology Conference for Educators conference in St. Charles, Illinois. I attended iPods and Podcasting in the Classroom led by Robert Hudson and Matt J. Fuller, both of whom are Apple Distinguished Educators. The hands-on workshop showed us how to record, produce, and publish podcasts. My group and I wrote a script about the disappearance of bees and then had a blast recording it and enhancing it with pictures. There are endless possibilities for the classroom . Hudson and Fuller provided the 7 Ps of Podcasting:
Purpose–What are you passionate about? How does this allow your students to be creative and innovative? What do you want to communicate?
Prepare-What curriculum are you teaching? What state or local standards are you assessing through this project? What technology tools do you need?
Perform–Who writes and/or organizes the podcast? Who performs the podcast? Who directs and otherwise supports the podcast during the performance?
Produce–Who produces and edits the podcast? What additional assets (music, sound effects, etc.) are needed? Who supports the podcast during the production process?
Publish–Where is the podcast published? Who publishes this podcast? Who provides the technology support during the process?
Promote–How does your audience find you? What website(s) lists and/or publicizes your podcast? Is your podcast submitted to the iTunes Music Store?
Present–How is your podcast presented to your local audience? How is your podcast presented to your remote audience? How do you get feedback from your podcast?
