Category Archives: School Media Specialist

Public, School Media Specialist, Services

Supercharge your storytime!

Make the most of storytime

Storytime is a fun and important time in all libraries. In order to get even more out of storytime programs, the Library of Virginia has created 12 new videos on how to “supercharge” your storytime.

They define supercharging storytime as incorporating two main characteristics: intentionality, where they focus on making connections between the storytime activities and early literacy, and interactivity, so both the kids and parents participate and get more out of the program.

You can find more resources, including videos and links to articles, on early childhood literacy expert Saroj Ghoting’s website here.

Learn the basics and benefits of supercharging your storytime by watching this short video:

General, School Media Specialist

AASL Recommended Apps: STEM: The Everything Machine

everything_machineIn 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.

The Everything Machine is an app that allows young students to explore coding concepts by programming the different sensors on their device. Creations include a light switch and a color-sensing musical instrument. Students can use the camera, speaker, mic, and more to incorporate into their inventions. The app allows multiple users and features built-in tutorials.

Check out this article from Wired that features a conversation with the founder of The Everything Machine, Raul Gutierrez, about how his son helped him come up with the idea for the app. Common Sense Education has a review of the app, which includes information on how well it works in a classroom environment.

Cost: $2.99
Level: Elementary
Platforms: iOS

Watch their video here:

General, Public, Resources, School Media Specialist

Notable Date to Celebrate: Tell a Fairy Tale Day is Feb. 26th!

You probably already know that at CMLE, we offer a service called “Notable Dates for your Noggin” which feature special holidays and birthdays of authors, as well as publications of well-known books. In an effort to help you get more from this service, we’ve decided to select one “Notable Date” each month to feature. We will include a few fun programming and activity ideas too, all for you to use!

Celebrate Tell a Fairy Tale Day!

Feb. 26th is Tell a Fairy Tale Day!

You can celebrate by reading from the classic fairy tales by Hans Christian Andersen or the Brothers Grimm, but why not get a little more creative? Continue reading Notable Date to Celebrate: Tell a Fairy Tale Day is Feb. 26th! →

Public, School Media Specialist, Training

Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) Classes Start Soon!

Here is an update about some interesting training you can take to build your skills in working with kids! Remember: CMLE offers up to $200 in scholarship money to members to help you attend these kinds of opportunities.

The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) encourages participants to sign up for Spring 2017 ALSC online courses. Registration is open for all courses. Classes begin Monday, April 3, 2017.

Continue reading Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) Classes Start Soon! →

Books, Public, Resources, School Media Specialist

Looking for historical fiction picture books?

Reading about fictional characters in a historical setting can be interesting and education for young readers. If you are looking for suggestions of fiction books in a historical setting, here are a few to try:

Freedom Over Me: Eleven Slaves, Their Lives and Dreams Brought to Life by Ashley Bryan
This book was inspired by actual plantation documents that detailed the monetary value of a slave. This book examines that topic while sharing values that cannot be sold, which are each slaves’ dreams and lived experiences.

Locomotive by Brian Floca
This book takes a look at the early days of America’s transcontinental railroad. The train’s journey comes alive with the sounds, sights, passengers, and workers that all witness the changing landscape of the country.

 

Unspoken: A Story from the Underground Railroad by Henry Cole
This story is about a farm girl that has discovered a runaway slave hiding in her family’s barn. To help the slave, she must act with courage and compassion.

Do you have a favorite historical fiction picture book? Share with us in the comments, we’d love to check it out!