Librarian In Training

Sunday, November 27, 2022

The Joy of Reading by Donalyn Miller and Teri S. Lesesne

Standard 6: Learner-Centered Information Science & Librarianship

(12) Engage in continual self-evaluation and self-directed learning for professional growth

The Joy of Reading is a manual for educators, librarians, managers, and families on how to foster a love of reading in their students. With a thorough knowledge of the realities of today's classrooms and libraries, Donalyn Miller and Teri Lesesne provide techniques that promote joy while recognizing variables that destroy it. They do this by drawing on their decades of experience working with children, teachers, and librarians. I heard the audiobook version of the book “The Joy of Reading” which is divided into 18 chapters and is narrated by Donalyn Miller. This fun and easy-to-follow book draws the reader into pulling their inner love for reading. It makes you reflect on how and why you fell in love with reading to begin with. Our students may not have this instant attraction to reading off the bat. This book helps educators and librarians to put into practice what we preach to their students, that knowledge is power and finding joy in reading can bring huge rewards to our students' academic success. This professional development non-fiction book is sectioned into five main components. The authors discuss the focal point in the first section of this book, what reading enjoyment means to different individuals and its significance of knowing the differences when reading with our students in the classroom. Access and time are the main topics in part two. This segment of the book offers helpful suggestions for motivating pupils, such as using classroom libraries, school libraries, and public libraries. The significance of reader choice is covered in part three and offers readers a wealth of suggestions for igniting reader choice, from book discussions to reader surveys. In the fourth segment, the discussion of reading responses arises and how to improve their authenticity for students. The final section, part five, looks more broadly at reading communities and how to create one. I highly recommend this book to other fellow educators, in efforts to influence teachers to help direct their students towards a path of reading joy. Reading provides comfort and gives us opportunities to find joy in reading, finding that motivation to open a good book. We have years of reading and sometimes dry reading spells, it can be depressing at times, but knowing that we can always go back to reading gives me hope. It is all about perspective. Reading is always waiting for us!

I wanted to share my comment that I posted on Nerdy Book Club, “A reading life...interrupted” by Teri S. Lesesne.

Thank you Dr. Lesesne for beAlthough this book is geared toward educators, librarians will find some appeal in it.ing an amazing inspiration! It was a pleasure being your student in your LSSL 5360 LITERATURE FOR CHILDREN FALL, 2020. I am graduating this semester with you in mind. Although you are no longer with us, you still are very much a part of my journey being a student of the Sam Houston State University Library Science Masters Program (Class of Fall 2022).

Your grateful student,

Nicole Hope Garcia-Gonzalez

R.I.P Professor Nana

#Goddess of Young Adult Literature

I truly enjoyed reading Dr. Lesesne’s blogs on “Nerdy Book Club ''. I could almost hear her voice as I read through her free writing. She really enjoyed picture books, I just didn’t know how important and significant they played a role in her fight with cancer. I remember reading our class syllabus, Dr. Lesesne (rhymes with insane). She was such a kind and brilliant individual that I look up to. I found this YouTube video of Dr. Lesesne titled, “Outstanding Services TLA 2020 Award: Teri Lesesne”. ‘Teri Lesesne received the Outstanding Services Award from the Texas Library Association. Lesesne is a Professor of Library Science at Sam Houston State University. Lesesne has dedicated the last 23 years to educating library science students at Sam Houston State University’s Department of Library Science and Technology.’

*Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhfFTc07Cj4

Editorial Reviews

About the Authors:

“Donalyn Miller's work champions self-selected independent reading, providing guidance and resources that foster children's love of reading and the development of positive reading identities. A national and international consultant and bestselling author, Donalyn's published works include The Book Whisperer (Jossey-Bass, 2009), Reading in the Wild (Jossey-Bass, 2013), and Game Changer: Book Access for All Kids (co-written with Colby Sharp, Scholastic, 2018).”

“Teri Lesesne's long and influential career was devoted to readers. Author of several books, including Reading Ladders and The Joy of Reading (co-authored with Donalyn Miller), she was known for the passion she brought to connecting readers with books. Teri was a middle-school teacher, a Distinguished Professor the department of Library Science at Sam Houston State University, Executive Director of ALAN (the Assembly on Literature for Adolescents of the National Council of Teachers of English), a National Book Award judge, and recipient of the 2007 ALAN award for her significant contributions to the field. Known to many as "Professor Nana," Teri's legacy lives on in the librarians and teachers her work has nurtured.”

Sources

Colby Sharp. (2022, July 7). A conversation about reading joy with Donalyn Miller and Colby Sharp. YouTube. Retrieved November 25, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0F5FhvNIQhU

Cover reveal: The joy of reading by Donalyn Miller and Teri S. Lesesne. Nerdy Book Club. (2022, February 13). Retrieved November 25, 2022, from https://nerdybookclub.wordpress.com/2022/02/13/cover-reveal-the-joy-of-reading-by-donalyn-miller-and-teri-s-lesesne/

Miller, D., & Lesesne, T. S. (2022). The joy of reading. Amazon. Retrieved November 25, 2022, from https://www.amazon.com/Joy-Reading-Donalyn-Miller/product-reviews/0325061564/

A reading life...interrupted by Teri S. Lesesne. Nerdy Book Club. (2017, January 23). Retrieved November 25, 2022, from https://nerdybookclub.wordpress.com/2017/01/23/a-reading-lifeinterrupted-by-teri-s-lesesne/

Sunday, October 23, 2022

Mental Health in the Library

Mental Health in the Library

Listen to Article:

Mental Health School Fund Article

With the pandemic at its end, our society has been exposed to this nation's mental health issues. In 2020, life as we knew it came to a stand still and life became a crazy circus. As we attempt to readjust to what we used to know, it becomes evident that life will never be quite the same after the global pandemic that caused so much destruction. It is undoubtedly clear that our mental health is of grave importance, because of its effect on our lives. Especially for our youth, they have been through so much these past few years. We are all adjusting to our post-COVID 19 world, where technology and mental health awareness presence lingers. Now, more than ever, we are taking into account and understanding the importance of the mental health of our students, staff, and faculty.

After reading the K-12 Dive article, "Applications open for $280M in school mental health supports" by Kara Arundel, I began to think about how libraries can help with the cause. Federal funds drain into the educational system, school districts should utilize these monies with utmost consideration to school staff and the students who they serve.

The U.S. Department of Education announced a grant program that will increase mental health professionals in our schools.

"The first grant program — School-Based Mental Health Services Grants — is for states and districts to increase the number of credentialed school-based mental health service providers in districts with a demonstrated need. There is $144 million available each year for five years, with an average award size of $1.75 million. The department estimates making up to 150 awards."

As a to-be-librarian, I think about how I could extend myself to build partnerships with a newly hired school counselor, asking the individual if they need support from the library. For example, the librarian and counselor can collaborate, create, and organize a Mental Health program for the school, where students can come into group therapy sessions in the library -afterschool hours.

Now this has me thinking, How will my future collection be influenced with this new found idea of mental health being a priority for the school's library? Will the collection include self-help books or mental health issues being addressed in the school's literature? Also, if space is available, maybe I can create a nice nook area for individuals who need to collect their emotions and thoughts (Calming Spa or sorts)?

I have lots to think about..! Thank you for reading!

What are your thoughts when it comes to the library being an advocate of Mental Health Awareness? Are there conflicting issues?

Sources:

Texas State Teachers Association (TSTA) Link:

https://www.tsta.org/news_center/education-news/

Education News article, “Applications open for $280M in school mental health support” by Kara Arundel, Senior Reporter of Texas State Teachers Association (TSTA).

Article Link: https://www.k12dive.com/news/applications-open-for-280-million-in-school-mental-health-supports/633165/

Friday, May 6, 2022

Reflecting through Digital Storytelling

Final Reflection

Educational Technology

A final creative use of technology is to share your reflection through the use of digital storytelling. For my final reflection, the digital tool I decided to use was Bookcreator.com (https://bookcreator.com/).

I truly enjoyed creating my final reflection story through book creator. This has been an amazing semester. Thank you for all you do. Happy Teacher Appreciation Week, Dr. Gross!

Final Reflection Book Creator Link:

https://read.bookcreator.com/BwRe3om0ZbckXqoH22e8t7OnUp63/9kNMtCaHTD-wkMujmaUN5Q

Teaching With Book Creator:

Storytelling and bookmaking are typical creative tasks in classrooms, and Book Creator is the best tool for the job. Its simplicity of use and media and publication versatility make it ideal for empowering students to produce and share their work. Even pupils in early elementary school can use this program with assistance to create and distribute their own simple books or comics that include images, videos, and music. Even pupils who are ready for a greater challenge will not feel limited with the alternatives for adding photographs and multimedia. Additionally, as they discuss, plan, and make creative judgments regarding their books, kids use critical-thinking and organizational abilities.

Source:

https://www.commonsense.org/education/website/book-creator

https://youtu.be/vV0zKABnb90

Monday, April 25, 2022

UDL: Learning For All!

Universal Design for Learning

An IRIS Peabody Professional Development Experience

While researching the concept of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), I found a professional development opportunity on the IRIS Center Peabody website titled "Universal Design for Learning: Creating a Learning Environment that Challenge & Engages All Students". It was an easy process sign-up, I used my personal Gmail address to make an account with IRIS center. If you decide to try this educational course that only took me about 2 hours, you will also receive a certificate of completion. You will have 90 days to complete the module... plenty of time! After the completion of the professional training, I feel much better with the notion of UDL and it's principles.

In the module, the following is explained:

What is Universal Design?

Design: curriculum, lesson planning, and learning process
Universal: addresses the needs of all learners
4 main curricular components: These principles of UDL is engagement, representation, and action & expression

Challenge (Scenario):
Sycamore Middle School (Urban School) with a large % students from diverse backgrounds
Age group- 10-14 years old
11% students with disabilities
85% of students receive free or reduced lunches
# of students do not score in the proficient range on the required EOC standardized exams.
A team of Sycamore Middle School personnel convenes to research and evaluate potential approaches

Some student are engaged, struggle with academic expectations, and others are not engaged
Challenge: How can teachers at Sycamore Middle School meet the educational needs of all of their students?
Initial Thoughts: To meet the needs of the widest range of students, what should teachers consider when planning their instruction?

Objectives:

Understand the principles of UDL
Be able to apply UDL principles to the components of a curriculum

Universal Design in Architecture: In 1990, Congress passed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) law which discriminates against persons with disabilities in employment, transportation, public accommodations, and telecommunications.

Principles of Universal Design:

Equitable Use
Flexibility of Use
Simple and Intuitive
Perceptible Information
Tolerance For Error
Low Physical Effort
Size & Space for Approach and Use

UDL Addresses the educational needs of all students:

Average learners
Emergent Bilinguals
Student who have received poor instruction
Students with learning disabilities
Students with sensory and motor challenges
Gifted & Talented
Migrant Students
Students who have been affected academically from the circumstances brought upon by the global pandemic (COVID 19)

At this point, you will come across an activity of a 'Barsch Inventory' survey which encompassed 32 questions. This can be used with students to seem what type of learners my students are and plan my lessons accordingly. Through the questionnaire, I received a score of (Visual 32/Auditory 24/Tactile 30/Kinesthetic 20). Based on my score, I am more of a visual and tactile learner.

Curricular Components:

UDL Goals:

As a practice exercise, the team attempts to apply what they have learned about UDL to a social studies goal developed by one sixth-grade teacher: “The students will read the textbook chapter about ancient Egypt and write in cursive a 500-word report about burial customs.”

Traditional Goal: The students will read the textbook chapter about ancient Egypt and write in cursive a 500-word report about burial customs.

The Sycamore team learns that the principles of UDL can be applied so that all students can meet the learning goal. As was outlined above, a teacher must first know the intent of the learning goal he or she wishes to create. Once this is accomplished, he or she can allow students multiple ways to access and demonstrate their learning.

The team now realizes that their goal needs to specify that the students will learn about ancient Egypt, and should not involve learning about writing a report. They thus set about applying UDL principles to rewrite the goal in a way that does not confound the means that students use to access information or to demonstrate their knowledge

UDL Goal: The students will learn about and present information about the burial customs of ancient Egypt.

Instructional Materials:

The most common type of flexible media is digital text, a format in which the content is separate from the manner in which it is presented. For example, the digital text on a computer screen can be manipulated in many different ways (e.g., by increasing the font size, switching on the text to speech feature, highlighting text as it is read) to make it more accessible to more students. After learning how UDL principles apply to materials, the team at Sycamore Middle School generates more options for students to access the content on ancient Egypt. Their UDL ideas are summarized in a table-graphic organizer.

Instructional Methods:

The Sycamore Middle School faculty now knows how to apply Universal Design for Learning concepts to teaching goals and materials. They must also assess the content-teaching approaches they employ. They discover that, just as they need to present information in a number of forms, they also need to convey content to all learners through a range of instructional approaches.

The Sycamore teachers assess the sixth-grade lesson on ancient Egypt, focusing this time on the instructional approaches utilized to teach the material. They discover that traditional training is predominantly teacher-directed rather than student-directed, and that it focuses on the acquisition of facts rather than concepts and abilities.

Below highlights some instructional methods that teachers can us to address the principles of UDL—Representation, Action and Expression, and Engagement—when teaching a diverse group of learners.

Representation

Provide multiple examples
Highlight important information
Present content utilizing multiple media and formats
Build or activate background knowledge

Action and Expression

Model skills in a variety of ways
Provide opportunities to practice with scaffolds and supports
Provide corrective feedback
Allow alternatives for students to express or demonstrate their learning

Engagement

Offer choices of content and tools
Provide adjustable levels of challenge
Allow students to choose from a variety of reinforcers
Allow options for the learning environment or context
Utilize flexible grouping

Assessment (Final Curricular Component):

Reflect the learning goal

Ex: Allowing students to create a diorama about pilgrims is aligned with the learning goal.

Provide flexible opportunities to demonstrate knowledge or a skill

Ex: For some projects, students could be allowed to create a video to demonstrate their knowledge.

Allow scaffolds and supports

Ex: Teachers may support students by allowing them to use assistive technology.

Be conducted in an ongoing manner

Ex: Teachers can monitor student understanding by asking questions during instruction.
Formative assessment-teachers can evaluate student understanding and progress on an ongoing basis

UDL In Practice

UDL in practice addresses the learning preferences and learning needs of our students.

This is key!

Learning Modalities	Examples
Visual Learners	Printed or digital text Video Images of artifacts
Auditory Learners	Lecture Narration on video Small-group discussion
Tactile Learners	Three-dimensional models of pyramids Center activity: create a picture, story, or model to demonstrate what they think they would find if they excavated the school playground
Kinesthetic Learners	Excavation kit

Implementation Issues:

As the Sycamore Middle School team becomes more knowledgeable about implementing UDL, they realize that teachers need to accomplish a number of steps to effectively incorporate the approach into their instruction.

Step 1: Acquire knowledge of UDL practices
Step 2: Move beyond the textbook
Step 3: Design curriculum
Step 4: Obtain administrator support
Step 5: Educate and involve parents

Although UDL strives to meet the needs of all students in the classroom, this is not always an accomplishable goal. In some cases, teachers will find it necessary to use other instructional approaches and supports to meet the needs of individual students.

Wrap Up: Teachers must offer information in a variety of ways, give students opportunities for learning and displaying their knowledge, and use strategies that increase student involvement, according to UDL. UDL allows students with a wide range of abilities to access the knowledge and skills taught in general education classrooms in this way. Teachers can lessen or eliminate barriers to students' learning or their ability to demonstrate their learning by including the three concepts of representation, action and expression, and engagement into their lesson plans. A teacher must also understand the aim of the lesson or unit's learning goal.

Certificate:

Which of these guidelines am I already using?

The UDL principles that I have incorporated in the past is Representation. I do give my students various examples and build on background knowledge. As well, I try to implement Engagement in my lessons by giving students the opportunity to research a topic of their choice for a final project presentation.

Which of these could I add right now to my teaching practice?

I could incorporate more Engagement into my teaching practice by offering choice of content and tools for class activities and assignments. I do enjoy embedding hands-on projects/assignments for student to also use their artistic creativity- as it pertains to the content (Action & Expression). As well, I will be thinking about the space and layout of items like furniture in the classroom, making the learning environment comfortable for all learners is always a good thing. When thinking about planning my future library, I may have changed my idea of what a great library looks like. By bringing architecture and encouraging ourselves to ask, "Is this library layout ADA compliant?" It encourages you to plan accordingly to meet your students needs and knowing your school's population. This way librarians are able to give patrons the most out of their library experience.

Which of these looks great, but I might need some help to implement?

The Action & Expression components of the UDL looks great but I may need some help to implement. What I can do better at when it comes to my lesson planning is allow alternatives for students to express or demonstrate their learning, especially when it comes to kinetics learning. I feel I shy away for lessons that involved throwing around a ball because I fear horse playing may arise in the classroom. This is something I would like to overcome with time, resources, and experience.

Thank you for reading!!!

Sources:

https://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/module/udl/#content

https://udlguidelines.cast.org/

The IRIS Center. (2009). Universal Design for Learning: Creating a learning environment that challenges and engages all students. Retrieved from https://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/udl/

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

Online Book Communities

Online Book Communities

Goodreads, LibraryThing, Shelfari, & Biblionasium

Book lovers may use these online book social networking platforms to learn and share thoughts over literature. These online book community sites give readers another way to promote books and interact with readers who are interested in them. You can also create a profile and engage in advertising as an author.

Goodreads

Link: https://www.goodreads.com/

Account Photo

Goodreads is a website that allows you to keep track of the books you've read, are reading, and wish to read, as well as rate them once you've finished them. You may use the app to follow writers and other readers and see what books they like. Almost every book can also be found on Goodreads. The software will provide average ratings, reviews, the genre, and length if you scan a book cover or type in the title. So, if you ever feel alone in your love of books or are stuck in a reading rut, Goodreads is a terrific app to utilize.

Learning Through Podcasts

Podcasts: Audio Learning at its Finest!

By Nicole Hope Garcia-Gonzalez & Dee Anna Gray

Podcasts are a popular source of news, entertainment, and culture, as well as innovative journalism and storytelling. They're also an excellent teaching aid. Students can gain on-the-go insight into current events or intriguing stories by listening to podcasts, which can augment and extend classroom learning. Making podcasts may help students organize and communicate, while also teaching them recording, editing, and publishing techniques. This list includes some fantastic podcasts that will inspire students, as well as recording, editing, and sharing resources to enable them create their own episodes.

Soundcloud:

https://soundcloud.com/

SoundCloud is a fantastic platform for sharing audio material and discovering new musicians. SoundCloud, on the other hand, is the go-to spot for audio on the web for anyone interested in posting their own work (or hearing other people's work). SoundCloud, like YouTube, is a wonderful educational tool as well as a creative outlet for teenagers, albeit it isn't perfect for either. The categories in the search tool might be broadened and fine-tuned to assist consumers find exactly what they're looking for. SoundCloud is a great place to share audio files. Its most appealing feature may be the breadth of its content, as well as the inspiration it can provide users. SoundCloud, at its best, allows users to start a conversation with other audiophiles.

Audioboom:

https://audioboom.com/

It's a perfect podcast hub for instructors and students because it allows them to access ready-made content, as well as create their own. While AudioBoom is a terrific method to discover educational content, it isn't designed exclusively for education, which is a good thing for podcasts with a wide range of topics. AudioBoom has a wide range of applications, from generating playlists to sharing learning resources with a whole class. This software also assists with marketing and monetization for individuals interested in going deeper into podcast development - something to keep in mind for those media education classes.

Podbean:

https://www.podbean.com/

Podcasts are an excellent approach to learn new information in a passive manner. Students can listen on their own, allowing for more active learning in the classroom. This can include answering questions, participating in group discussions, and building things with others.

In the end, my partner and I chose Podbean to complete our assignment over podcasts. We researched some library lore topics and became intrigued by “slow fire”. The term "slow fire" is used in library and information science to characterize the embrittlement of paper caused by acid degradation. Slow Fires: On the Preservation of the Human Record, a 1987 film by Terry Sanders, inspired the name. Use of acid-free paper stocks, microfilming, photocopying, or digitizing, and a range of deacidification processes are some of the solutions to this problem.

‘ Slow fire’ : The Little-Known ‘Slow Fire’ That’s Destroying All Our Books. https://lithub.com/the-little-known-slow-fire-thats-destroying-all-our-books/

Script: https://docs.google.com/document/d/14XflWnT6syNy6liMy47Z0B7hIsmmPyLuRDwtRf_SUig/edit?usp=sharing

Podcast Link: https://deegrays.podbean.com/e/the-slow-fire-in-the-library/

While exploring podcasts, we found a few educational podcasts!

The Past & The Curious

“Reminiscent of the TV show Drunk History (minus the alcohol), this amusing podcast features people telling interesting, little-known stories from history with an emphasis on fun and humor. Although it's not specifically a music podcast, each episode contains an often-silly song that's sure to get stuck in your head. There's even a quiz segment, so kids will learn something, too. Best for: All ages”.

The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel

“This Peabody Award-winning scripted mystery series has been called a Stranger Things for tweens. With a voice cast of actual middle schoolers, a gripping, suspenseful plot, and interactive tie-ins, this story about an 11-year-old searching for his missing friends will keep tweens hooked to the speakers for hours -- more than five, to be exact. Best for: Tweens”.

Brains On

“Similar to But Why, this is another radio show/podcast that takes kid-submitted science questions and answers them with the help of experts. What makes this one different is it tends to skew a bit older, both in its questions and answers, and it has a different kid co-host each week. The result is a fun show that's as silly as it is educational. Best for: Kids and tweens”.

Flyest Fables

“In the tradition of The NeverEnding Story, this original fable centers on a magical book that takes its readers to a world where they find the strength to overcome any obstacle. The writing itself is beautiful, and the stories are immersive. Themes can be serious (bullying, homelessness) but are handled with sensitivity and remain appropriate for kids. These powerful, modern stories are sure to entertain and provoke meaningful family conversations. Best for: Big kids and tweens”.

This American Life

“This popular NPR radio show is now also the most downloaded podcast in the country. It combines personal stories, journalism, and even stand-up comedy for an enthralling hour of content. Host Ira Glass does a masterful job of drawing in listeners and weaving together several "acts" or segments on a big, relatable theme. Teens can get easily hooked along with their parents, but keep in mind that many episodes have mature concepts and frequent swearing. Best for: Teens”.

Stuff You Should Know

“From the people behind the award-winning website HowStuffWorks, this frequently updated podcast explains the ins and outs of everyday things from the major ("How Free Speech Works") to the mundane ("How Itching Works"). Longer episodes and occasional adult topics such as alcohol, war, and politics make this a better choice for older listeners, but hosts Josh and Chuck keep things engaging and manage to make even complex topics relatable. And with over 1,000 episodes in its archive, you might never run out of new things to learn. Best for: Teens”.

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/the-best-podcasts-for-kids

As well, check this link out https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/pod/ . It will take you to a site called ‘The Cult of Pedagogy Podcast”. There are tons of podcasts to explore and listen to! Jennifer Gonzalez (the host) sits down and interviews with educators, students, administrators, and parents about the academic and social issues of our educational system.