Thing 50: New AASL Standards

I agree with the introduction to the AASL Standards sections that each time new standards are released, it is overwhelming! The wheel graphic is especially overwhelming for me, though when I printed the framework for learners in its rubric style, it was much easier to digest. In fact, there are many aspects of the new standards that I appreciate. As mentioned in the video, one purpose of updating the standards is to provide a better framework for librarian evaluation. This is a topic that we have often discussed as a department, and it is often difficult for administrators to know all the many roles teacher librarians play in schools. The Common Beliefs component of the standards is also a wonderful guide to align with the program and my educational philosophy. I can imagine referencing that section when faced with decisions that require prioritization of funds and time.

As I read through the framework and other materials about the standards, it became clear that my colleagues and I are already working in many of the domains and competencies. My students are young, but I always communicate with families and our administration that one highlight of our program is that the children are absorbing so much about social responsibility and their personal growth without even knowing it. They learn to care for shared materials, take turns, engage in learning and explore personal interests, and even the basic elements of democracy. These elements are truly rephrased in the new standards.

Of course the standards are also useful for thinking about areas to improve the program and teaching. One area that I recognized for an area of improvement is a reflection piece that is noted in several parts of the framework. Time is often not on my side, but I do need to make a point of setting time aside for children to think about their library experience or project and discuss with other students.

Thing 35: Supporting English Language Learners

The idea of providing better support to English language learners is something that has grown near and dear to me. We have an ESL teacher's office located in our library back room, and I have come to know her services and students very well. I think the work she does is incredible on many levels, and I have talked to her about how I can support these children with my limited budget. I have a decent foreign language book collection, but after reading Jacqueline Jules article, I am inspired to purchase more books about countries (and states) of origin. For example, we have recently had some students enter our school from Puerto Rico, and I think it would be nice for them to be able to share a book or story about their home of origin with their classmates. We also used Google Maps to look at satellite pictures and street views of the island. I am also going to add the Britannica Escolar database to my website. I did not realize that it was available from NOVEL! Several sources also emphasized the importance of having a visual, such as a flannel board, to tell stories. I imagine this would not only help students understand the story itself, but English vocabulary as well.

I plan to keep the articles in this section close by to reference as I grow my library to be more ELL friendly. These resources were inspiring by pointing out how the library can assist these children in acclimating to a new home while finding pride where they came from.

Thing 14: eBook Creation

I was very curious to read about how to create ebooks with students, especially young students. This is an idea I've toyed with for a while, but I wasn't sure how to find creator tools. Storyjumper looks like a wonderful fit for my school, especially since you can add your own photographs. Our students often use social stories to assist with behavior issues, transition anxieties, or interpersonal skills. Creating a personal ebook could be an effective way to involve students in their social stories, and they could use actual photographs from our school. In the library, it would be nice to be able to put an ebook together as cumulative project after class research, or if we are simply making up stories! In recent years, fiction writing has taken such a back seat to other forms of expression, and I see an opportunity to integrate creative writing into technology. I can also see some parents enjoying these sites to create ebooks at home.

Storybird also looks like a beautiful tool for ebooks. The art work is appealing and definitely appropriate for younger students. I think students who have the aesthetic eye would really enjoy this creator tool!

Thing 4: Digital Storytelling

I am very interested in digital storytelling for so many reasons. Most practically, I have been working for several years with my first grade classes on an arctic animal research project, and I have noticed we need to add some excitement final presentation! The digital storytelling medium, with its simplicity of text, is perfect for our primary students. One year, we were able to make a movie with the green screen and it was much more engaging than simply writing a report. However, when our technology specialist left, his assistance and the green screen left too! Since then, I have wondered about using a tool to create digital stories that they could share with one another. I am so happy that I now know where to look and have resources to create these stories, especially next year when we get ipads in the library.

As mentioned in the articles, this medium is not only an enjoyable expression, but an important tool for supporting student writing and technological fluency. This presentation method also seems to be authentic as our professional worlds embrace this type of format more and more. 

Thing 1: Blogging

My name is Jennifer Nather, and I am a librarian in a primary school in Brockport, NY. Having been out of graduate school for several years, I am hoping Cool Tools will help me freshen up on my technology skills and some topics for the library. Already, I have discovered that Google Classroom requires some exploring!

I have some conflicted feelings about blogging and how to use it in schools. After reading some of the articles and listening to "How to Safely Connect Six-Year-Olds to the World," I am impressed that teachers are using this format so well with their students. Authentic assignments are the most meaningful way to teach digital safety and citizenship. However, I have some reservations about sharing student work with the "world," and wonder about the relevance given the growth of new platforms, such as Schoology.

On a professional level, I have wondered if creating a blog about our new books, or books related to the curriculum, would be an efficient way to "promote" them to busy teachers. In our time-strapped school day, I struggle to find time to talk with teacher about useful or enjoyable books. I wonder if a blog could allow teachers to read synopses and gather ideas at their own pace. Perhaps we could have a little book club online!