AH HA moments in the library

On Friday, most of the family (minus the teenager) went to the library for building/block time.  It was a blast watching everyone build, create, think, explore, and interact with one another.

My favorite story was with my 6 and 8 year old children playing with KEVA planks.  Ben made a ramp and was rolling a ball down.  Eventually, they creatively decided to make sides so the ball would stay on the path.  Then the ball would not go FAR enough down the path....so they figured out if the ramp was HIGHER then the ball might roll farther.  This is the basic of physics!  Bella was getting all scientific.

It was an AH HA moment...I want the students in my library having these moments in school library where I work every day!

Here are two pictures from our adventure...same planks were used in both pictures!

Who wants KEVA planks now?

Keva Planks

SUMMER READING

As promised, I am making my Sunday post.

What to write about? Sustaining Leaders Academy, summer reading, or something else????

I am going write this week about ways to increase reading time with your family!

As a mom of 5, I want the "perfect" schedule....bedtime stories, prayers, brushing teeth, and off to bed...

Reality is far from this picture...

So where and when can I read with my children in a meaningful, fun way???

THE CAR/VAN is our answer!!!

So far we have read Magic Tree House books #1 and #2...now we are reading number #3 "Mummies in the Morning".  As we dash to swim practice, a play date, the beach, the store, hubby DRIVES and I read (sometimes my son reads who is 8).

Where do you and your family like to read together?
What is your family reading routine?

Share your routine!

Magic Tree House

UPDATE: As of October 31, 2016, our family is up to book #17!
UPDATE: As of January 21, 2017, our family is up to book #23!

Continuing Education

Continuing Education...Life Long Learner...Teach the Teacher

I am always striving to learn and grow in some way personally and professionally.  There is ALWAYS something to learn.

So here is my story about Sustaining Leaders through the Pennsylvania State Library Association (PSLA).  Sustaining Leaders Academy

January/February - I see a post about this new learning co-hort opportunity that I would have to apply to on the website and via emails.  So I re-write a resume (I hadn't done one in 7+ years), essay, letter of recommendation, etc...
March - accepted into program for mid-career librarians in Pennsylvania with 6-15 years experience (only 23 in the state were accepted)
April - answer an extensive self survey
May - attend PSLA in May in Hershey, meet the team of Sustaining Leaders, meet my mentor, etc...
May/June - develop my Personalized Learning Plan
July - attend a 4 day immersion learning experience to RENEW, REFRESH, and REVITALIZE the library.

Here is one piece that I have accomplished below which will be my frame for my Personalized Learning Program!

Welcome

I created this blog in 2010....and did nothing with it...no followers, no posts, no activity!

I wanted this time to be better, different, lasting, etc...

So after attending the Pennsylvania State Library Association, I met Richard Byrne.  He has an amazing technology website (http://www.freetech4teachers.com),  This summer, I am taking a 5 week course on blogging and social media that he offers!

WHY am I creating this blog?
1. To share with school community what I am doing in the library and computer lab/maker space
2. To share my ideas with other librarians
3. It is part of my Professional Learning Experience.  In the spring 2016, I applied and was accepted to be part of a cohort of mid-career librarians

WHAT will you find on this blog?
Lesson idea, student work, makerspace product reviews, links, and more

WHEN will I post on this blog?
Every Sunday is the goal for posting my big update for the week.  In addition, on our school's DAY 5, I will share what the students had been working on.

WHO is creating the elementary librarian blog?
My name is Heather.  I am an elementary librarian for 500 students in Kindergarten through 4th grade in north western Pennsylvania.  Below is a picture of my beautiful family!