Category Archives: General

Check this out:, General, Services, Training

Stress management through meditation

stress
take a moment to notice your breathing…

You may have seen the news stories about the value of meditation, and in this month of looking at Stress Management at CMLE we want to share more of that information with you.

Most studies are being done to show the value of meditation in reducing stress levels, reducing anxiety levels, reducing your sensation of pain, and actually changing the physical structure of your brain.

All these great things, and it only takes a few minutes a day. If you have not already incorporated this into your daily routine, looking at the science behind the benefits of meditation may encourage you! Continue reading Stress management through meditation →

Academic, Check this out:, General, Public, Resources, School Media Specialist

Children's literature: Books that shaped the century

kids-reading
Share a book with a child or re-discover an old favorite!

As we near the end of 2016, there are plenty “Best Books of the Year” lists out there, which are great! But if you’ve exhausted your new literature, and are looking to add some variety (specifically, in the area of Children’s Literature), check out School Library Journal’s selection of the most significant children’s literature of the 20th century! It could be a great opportunity to find a gift, or just revisit some old favorites.

The full list has several different categories, and can be found here. Some highlights are: Continue reading Children's literature: Books that shaped the century →

Check this out:, General, School Media Specialist

AASL Recommended Apps: Google Classroom

google_classroomIn June 2016, the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) announced their 25 Best Apps for Teaching and Learning. The apps encourage qualities such as innovation and active participation, and are user-friendly.

Web-based app Google Classroom combines the user’s Google Apps for Education account with all their Google Apps services (Gmail, Docs, Calendar, etc) and makes it easy for teachers to distribute assignments, communicate, and stay organized. Teachers can also see the status of assignments and post grades and feedback in real-time. A good form of communication in this app is the Announcements feature, which allows you to attach files, videos, and links to content to share with your class.

This article from eLearning Industry lists several pros and cons of using Google Classroom. And check out this post that gives 10 tips for using Google Classroom efficiently plus contains links to further resources about the using the app.

Cost: Free!
Level: Elementary, Middle and High School
Platforms: iOS and Android

Check this out:, General, Public, Resources, School Media Specialist

Do you know a teen writer that wants to get published?

sigmas-bookshelfSchool media specialists, tech integrationists, or anyone that works with teen writers – listen up! There is an exciting new publishing company started by a high school sophomore in Wayzata, MN called Sigma’s Bookshelf that is focusing on publishing books by writers ages 12 – 19. The company will work with the teen writer regarding editing, proofreading, and more!

Read on for the full explanation from the company:

Continue reading Do you know a teen writer that wants to get published? →

Academic, Check this out:, CMLE, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

Emotions are contagious: Let's make them good!

stress
spread some relaxation around your library!

You have probably heard, and noticed for yourself, that emotions are contagious. If one person in the library is having an excellent day, everyone else feels a little more smiley. And if someone comes in with the clouds of gloom over their head – you know things are going to be a little more challenging for everyone.

We are stress-busting this month, so let’s concentrate on ways we can help spread positive emotions around our libraries!

The article The More You Energize Your Coworkers, the Better Everyone Performs gives a few suggestions for strategies to energize yourself and those around you.

  • Build High-Quality Connections
  • Create Energizing Events
  • Use Tools that Promote a “Giver” Culture
  • Try Mapping Relational Energy

Continue reading Emotions are contagious: Let's make them good! →