Edutopia Weblinks on Reading and Literacy

A couple of articles from the Edutopia website on Literacy, Reading and using comics and Graphic Novels.  

Using Comics and Graphic Novels to Support Literacy | Edutopia

Is it Time to Drop ‘Finding the Main Idea’ and Teach Reading in a New Way? | Edutopia

Take a look if you get a few moments and see what you think. 

2021 finally coming to an end!

 We made it - and survived!  Well, I think we did anyway?  

It has been a tough year in SO many ways - and I'd like to thank everyone who has been there and helped to make it all work.  I truly appreciate the support. 

Time for you all to spend the next few weeks relaxing and getting ready for whatever 2022 brings us.  (To be honest, I think that maybe we need to view the Terms and Conditions before we accept it!)  

Remember to take the time to READ!  It is relaxing AND research shows that it lowers the blood pressure.  Besides - the Dinosaurs didn't read, and look what happened to them!  Why take the chance?? 

For those of you moving on from here, I wish you all the best wherever you go and for those of you staying on, I'll see you all back here next year to do it all again.  

Merry Christmas and the best of everything to you all!  

More Edutopia Weblinks

See below for some more weblinks from Edutopia - that hopefully may be of some interest to you. These cover areas such as: Science, Math, reading and writing - and also STEM. Who knows, these may just give you some crazy ideas to run in the classroom that will TOTALLY get the students on board!! Miracles happen ... 

https://www.edutopia.org/article/fun-survivor-themed-classroom-activity-promotes-science-learning

https://www.edutopia.org/article/how-can-we-survive-mars

https://www.edutopia.org/article/quick-and-inexpensive-design-challenges

https://www.edutopia.org/article/connecting-math-and-science-reading-and-writing

https://www.edutopia.org/blog/why-origami-improves-students-skills-ainissa-ramirez

https://www.edutopia.org/blog/making-is-essential-to-learning-youki-terada

Edutopia Articles that may be of interest

 Below are a few weblinks from the Edutopia website, that could be of some use for you all - and if you check the site out, you may find lots more for your interest.  

https://www.edutopia.org/article/strategy-exploring-student-creativity-collaboratively

https://www.edutopia.org/article/school-wide-focus-choice-reading

https://www.edutopia.org/article/10-new-focused-attention-practices

https://www.edutopia.org/article/how-find-games-classroom-learning

https://www.edutopia.org/article/game-based-learning-middle-school-math

https://www.edutopia.org/article/does-our-natural-affinity-games-have-place-classroom

https://www.edutopia.org/article/coding-across-curriculum

I hope that you get something from these articles - and the home site for Edutopia is:

https://www.edutopia.org/

Enjoy the upcoming weekend - and carry on being your awesome selves! 

Goodbye to 2020!

Just a quick post to wish you all a fantastic end of term break, and to thank you all for for the opportunity to work with you this year.  It has been a crazy year in so many ways - but I think that we have made it - although whether still of a sound mind, remains to be seen, of course. 

For those of you who are moving on, I wish you all the best wherever you may be next year - and everyone else - I'll see you back here next year!  

Philosoraptor

  Make sure you have a relaxing break and definitely spend time  reading!!  Not only does it lower blood pressure - it could truly be considered a matter of survival! 

  Remember - Dinosaurs didn't read and now they're extinct!         Coincidence? - Well, I think not!!  

  All jokes aside - have an awesome Christmas break and we'll get to do it all over again next year.  

Weblinks on Reading and Libraries

When you get a few moments, check out some of the links below which talk about students and their engagement with reading.  

There are also a couple promoting libraries and their role in today's society.  I have also included one that talks about the rationale and purpose of libraries and librarians - and why we do what we do.  As well, there is an article about school libraries and activating the 'Third Space' which is a concept that is being seen more and more in various places in communities - and is becoming an important consideration in many school libraries today.

Although many of these articles are talking about Public Libraries,  I can see no reason why a lot of it can't also be true of school libraries.  Most 'library stuff' isn't really about the books - it is more about the connections made, and the time and information shared. 

https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/book-talks-with-librarians-opportunities-and-perspectives?

https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/successful-student-reading-engagement-initiatives

http://publiclibrariesonline.org/2013/04/community-centered-23-reasons-why-your-library-is-the-most-important-place-in-town/

https://www.brookings.edu/blog/up-front/2017/03/30/how-public-libraries-help-build-healthy-communities/

https://287.hyperlib.sjsu.edu/colab/2020/03/03/third-places-and-four-spaces-the-evolution-of-public-libraries/

https://education.nsw.gov.au/teaching-and-learning/professional-learning/scan/past-issues/vol-36--2017/unlocking-the-third-space-activating-your-library

https://www.blyberg.net/darien-statements

Thoughts about reading

Check out the links below for some interesting thoughts on reading and our students today - from ways to keep promoting reading during virtual learning to thoughts about 'reading trauma'.  

https://www.scisdata.com/connections/issue-115/21st-century-literacy-with-graphic-novels/

https://knowledgequest.aasl.org/promoting-reading-during-virtual-learning/?fbclid=IwAR2S_u6sBfXBA9aFZK-DfmCXJSUYKOggT9Cz07p6hntCj0yOrdOrzfeNU-4

https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/56900/when-kids-say-im-not-a-reader-how-librarians-can-disrupt-traumatic-reading-practices?fbclid=IwAR2O9Sw6n_2yEqI4286hYD830Y5cddycikLXxKKGHchLIzS4bZggBmEvmWs

International Day of Maths and other links

 First week done and dusted and we survived.  Just 10 more to go!  Enjoy your weekend and remember - READING lowers the blood pressure!  

Below are a few Weblinks for you to check out. 

https://www.bustle.com/p/7-reasons-libraries-are-essential-now-more-than-ever-43901

Just a quick promotion of Libraries and the benefits they offer.  It is talking mainly about Public Libraries, but a lot of the reasons are just as valid, if not more so, in a school library.

https://www.esafety.gov.au/safer-internet-day

This is celebrated in almost 150 countries around the world and encourages people to think about their safety and their presence online.

https://www.idm314.org/

March 14 is already celebrated in many countries as Pi Day because that date is written as 3/14 in some countries and the mathematical constant Pi is approximately 3.14.

The International Day of Mathematics (IDM) is a worldwide celebration. Each year on March 14 all countries will be invited to participate through activities for both students and the general public in schools, museums, libraries and other spaces.

Welcome to 2020

Well, here we go - the start of 2020 and a whole new year of opportunities for books, and reading.  How awesome is that?  In truth, it's a whole new decade!!

I thought I would start this post off with a quick reminder of some of the services we offer and maybe you could let your students know as well - or better yet, introduce them to this blog so they can find out for themselves.  Maybe you could get them to write a Twitter book review on a book they have enjoyed, or write a report about their class activities .... after all the written word ROCKS, however it is used..

Yes - we do loan books out. We LOVE to loan books out. Loaning books out is our whole rationale. (And not just books, either) Of course, we do want them to come home at some point and can get a little upset if they don't.

• Looking for a particular book? Come and talk to us. We can organise an Inter-library-Loan or help you find where to purchase it.  
• Resources: Books, Magazines, iPad sets, Digital Cameras, Video Recorders, Computer Mice sets, Boxes of Headphones, Data Projectors, Teacher Reference, Web Cams........
• IWB area, and a bank of computers and laptops that are available to be booked for classes. The laptop trolley in B3/B4 is only to be used in the Library area, however.
• Help with research, proofreading of assignments, suggestions for books to read - we are your people.
• Library Skills Activities/Boolean searching
• A place to display your amazing class work.
• Collation of websites for subjects/classes
• Anything else?  If there is something that you think we can help with, just come and have a chat.  We have learned to be fairly good at pulling rabbits out of hats and we also like a challenge, most times anyway.  There are some days .....

Students have a 3 week borrowing period while staff have a month. For most of the resources, we can adjust the loaning period for whatever is needed - at least till the end of term. However, this doesn't include the AV materials - that is a 1 week loan period only. Depending on what it is - Headphones, laptops, etc. are all due back at the end of the lesson. Students can borrow 2 items at a time and staff are pretty unlimited in borrowing.

One of my goals for this year is to attempt to make the library more relevant to the needs of the school. Hard call really, when I'm going up against the ingrained idea that Google can give you EVERYTHING!!  But I'm going to give it a shot anyway!  
So, now... some homework for you all.  Could you email or comment and give me some ideas on what you see as the purpose of the school library and my role in it?  I'd love to be able to make this a one-stop shop type of deal for everyone.

Below are a few quotes that I think sum up, to some degree anyway, my philosophy about libraries.  Enjoy!

"Google can bring you back 100,000 answers - a librarian can bring you back the RIGHT answer".   (Neil Gaiman)

"Libraries are full of ideas - which are perhaps the most dangerous and powerful of weapons".   (from the 'Throne of Glass')

and being a fan of Albert Einstein, how could I pass up this one?

"The only thing you absolutely HAVE to know, is the location of the Library"
(Albert Einstein)

Wishing you all a fantastic school year with lots of READING involved.  Now carry on being awesome.

Mindshift Blog Articles

Check out these articles when you get a moment - it is interesting to note in the first one concerning reading, that the data shows that American students are having as many problems with reading as ours are, along with the same concerns being made by their teachers.  I guess the highlight from that is: We are NOT alone and it ISN'T just us!  Poor comfort maybe, but possibly a comfort anyway!

https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/54452/why-deeply-diving-into-content-could-be-the-key-to-reading-comprehension

https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/54514/how-tech-tools-can-reduce-anxiety-and-strengthen-relationships-with-students

https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/54389/3-ways-to-shape-math-into-a-positive-experience

Enjoy your weekend - 7 weeks to go to the end of Term!      (If anyone is counting)

Silent Reading Suggestions

Weblink with ideas on making Silent Reading accessible and useful for students, especially for students moving up through year levels.

https://theconversation.com/10-ways-to-get-the-most-out-of-silent-reading-in-schools-123531

Have a look and see what you think.

Mindshift Links

It's been a little while since I've posted on here - and that has been for a variety of reasons.... staff feeling I'm wasting my time/heart surgery slowing things down/changes in how things operate each day.  

But then, every so often I come across small, little gems (in my mind anyway) that I want to share with everyone and here I am!

Today it is a couple of articles I found on the MindShift website.  If you get a few moments, take a look and see what you think.  This site has a link on the side if you want to see what else is there.

https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/49092/digital-text-is-changing-how-kids-read-just-not-in-the-way-that-you-think

https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/53681/how-movement-and-exercise-help-kids-learn

Have an awesome day!

Australian Reading Hour

http://www.readinghour.org.au/

Check out the link above.  

On Thursday 14th September there is the Reading Hour - which is simple to take part in. Just drop what you are doing and READ for an hour.  This is open for everyone, adults and kids alike.  

Reading is truly important for both adults and children, leading to long-lasting identity formation and helping to set up success for the future.   Research also shows that reading reduces stress 68% more than by listening to music, going for a walk or enjoying a quiet cup of tea.

I wonder if it works just as well if you are being read to??  

Unusual Improbable Libraries

Libraries just don't seem to be dying out despite all the predictions otherwise.  In fact, they seem to be popping up everywhere in all sorts of places and styles.  

Check out the link below for some of the more 'improbable' libraries seen around the world. This has been taken from a book with the same title by English journalist Alex Johnson.  

It all goes to show that the Library is a very adaptable artefact that apparently has no intention of being killed off any time soon - and is a definite testament to peoples ideas and ingenuity.  

http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/latenightlive/the-world%E2%80%99s-most-improbable-libraries/6483292

Enjoy the long weekend - only one more left in the year after this one so make the most of them. Judging by the weather, a good book or two and a great coffee or hot chocolate would probably be the way to go.

Neil Gaiman on Children and Reading

"Gaiman said reading fiction was one of the most important things people can do and he was passionate in his defence of libraries, the closure of which was stealing from the future, he said. "It is the equivalent of stopping vaccination programmes. We know what the results are. In order to remain a global power, in order to have a citizenry that is fulfilled and fulfilling their responsibilities and obligations, we need to have literate kids."

Above is a direct quote from a speech made by Neil Gaiman, author, concerning closure of libraries and why it is so important for children to read fiction and to read widely.  Check out the link below.

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2013/oct/14/neil-gaiman-children-books-reading-lecture

Have an awesome long weekend!

Literature Quiz and the End of Term

Below is a link to paste in that should take you to a literature quiz which is all things book related - and lots of 'really??' moments.  
Have a try - and I would be interested to know how you went.  The best I could manage was 26 - and out of 50 that's not really good.  (I think it is a pass though??)

http://forreadingaddicts.co.uk/quizzes/great-big-literature-quiz/16503

The holiday break is on the horizon with lots of down time and recharging of batteries happening, I hope.  

Don't forget to include some non-work related reading in there as well.   It's great for your health as it's relaxing and lowers the blood pressure - and a bit of time out in a nice little fantasy world of some sort is always good for the soul.

Make it a good one! 

Reasons for Reading

My offering for today is a list of websites with reasons as to why we should be reading everyday - and why it is SO important.  For most of us, the benefits are self -evident, but it is always an issue to convince student's as to the value of reading. 

By this I mean REAL reading, rather than what they do on a computer.  There are various different types of reading and all are valid - but to be able to read well and with understanding, from a computer screen, you do need to have reading skills to start to start with.  

Apparently,  the Silicon Valley people who design computers, quite often won't have their kids in a school that uses the things!  Whether this is actually true or not is debatable - but I can appreciate the reasons why.  

Their reasoning is that learning to use computers is about as complicated as learning to use toothpaste - so they want their kids to have the opportunity to gain a variety of skills and to be able to think outside the square. People that have this ability are very much in demand in almost any workplace.

These are not skills that can be gained from computers or TV - but are absorbed through books - the old fashioned print and pages style - which leads on to a better development and strengthening of their neural pathways.

Anyway, enough of my soapbox.  Take a few minutes and have a look - then be sure to make time for 'strengthening your neural pathways" this weekend.   Or just grab a good coffee and a good book and take some time for yourself. Either way it works.  

http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/10-benefits-reading-why-you-should-read-everyday.html

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-athletes-way/201401/reading-fiction-improves-brain-connectivity-and-function

https://selfhelpfix.com/benefits-of-reading.php

https://www.edutopia.org/blog/5-reading-reasons-reluctant-readers-rebecca-alber
http://www.inspirationboost.com/8-reasons-why-reading-is-so-important

2017 and a new school year.

New Year, new start - isn't that the phrase?  Certainly a new start here in the Library - or it will be once we get everything sorted after being flooded due to the heavy rains during the holiday break.  We have had a large part of the carpet ripped out due to mould and the rest will go soon, when the new flooring goes down.  
I had been talking about a revamp of the Library space and it appears that the Universe decided to help out. 

Books and resources are scattered in various places at the moment - and although I have a fair idea as to where to find what - please don't expect miracles.   
There are also a few issues with printers, phones and so on - again probably to do with the flooding, so please be patient.

For the new staff some information about the Library and what we (usually) offer is below, but if anyone has any queries, please come and see me.  I will need to get all your names and details anyway to add you to the library system so you can borrow. 

Below is a list of some of what we can help you with. I put this list up each year, so if you go back through the posts, it is all there. Anything else? If there is something that you think we can help with, just come and have a chat. We have learned to be fairly good at pulling rabbits out of hats and we also like a challenge.  (Although maybe no challenges just yet till the Library is running the way it should)

• Looking for a particular book or resource? Come and talk to us. We can organise an Inter-library-Loan or help you find where to purchase it.
• Resources: Books, DVDs, Magazines and Newspapers, iPad sets, Digital Cameras, Video Recorders, Computer Mice sets, Data Projectors, Teacher Reference, Board games, Chess sets, Kits........
• IWB area and a bank of computers, as well as laptops that are available to be booked for classes.  The Library laptop trolley is only to be used in the Library area, however.
• Help with research, proofreading of assignments, suggestions for books to read - we are your people.
• A place to display your amazing class work.
• Collation of websites for subjects/classes
• Booking sheets for: Library areas, F Block Laptops, Headphones, Ipads.

Students have a 2 week borrowing period while staff have a month. For most of the resources, we can adjust the loaning period for whatever is needed - at least till the end of term. However, this doesn't include the AV materials - that is a 1 week loan period only.

The school also subscribes to the TV4Ed system so if you are looking for something that has been screened on TV at some point, let me know and I can find it and put it on the school system for you to access.  
However, the subscription was recently upgraded so you can access a wide collection of YouTube materials that have been collated for schools and following the National Curriculum Framework.  Hopefully we can organise a training through TV4Ed soon, so you can all do your own searching.

So ... wishing you all an awesome term with lots of books and reading involved.

Holiday Break coming up!!

Thank you for all your resource returns, and patience with my grouchiness. 

Next term will see a new Library Management System in operation, which should be miles better than our poor 20 year system that battles along with us every week - so the start back will be BUSY!

Enjoy a lovely, relaxing break - and don't forget to include LOADS of recreational reading.  It lowers the blood pressure, calms the mind - and, well it's just good for you.  Snuggle up with a blanket, hot chocolate and just forget about everything for a while.  The real world will come knocking on your door soon enough, so make the most of it.

See you all back next term

Something to ponder

Every so often the conversation about reading levels for students pops up again and whether or not this is a good way to teach children to read.  

My personal opinion is that - in an ideal world, which, of course we aren't - that being encouraged to read for pleasure, and reading things that interest them, is going to get them on board far more than trying to hit some target number of books.

However, check out the link below for more thoughts and opinions on the matter from people probably more qualified than myself.  

 https://theconversation.com/how-should-reading-be-taught-in-schools-61361