What's in the Box?

I can't believe half of our school year is almost over. Doesn't it go by in a blink? I have one more day of school tomorrow, and I am just a bit jealous of all those school districts that ended their semester on Friday.  However, tomorrow will go just as quickly as today.  Unfortunately, that means the whole break will do the same, but I am getting ahead of myself.

Let's talk "Mystery Boxes."  That is just an easier title for BreakOut EDU.  Last year I started creating a breakout box for the library each month.  Last year I took most of my ideas from the "lock of the day," which is a part of the BreakOut EDU platform.  It's usually a one lock problem, and mostly digital.  I just recreated that problem with a physical box and placed that box in the library.  I always have books in the mystery box along with some candy or stickers.  To be honest, it didn't go as I had imagined it.  Most of the mystery box enthusiasts solved the problem and opened the box at the beginning of the month, and then the box stayed on the table (collecting dust) for the rest of the month.  Despite that less than stellar debut, I decided to repeat the activity this year.

This year I have been very strategic with the breakout box.  Up until December, I still only did one problem per month. I also tied it to our district Vision 2030 guiding statements, the one that particularly goes with Algebra.  I was trying to decide how to support math in the library and decided to create math breakout box problems.  In addition, I also started advertising on the morning announcements and on social media.  The results are in, and the mystery box is way more popular this year.  In fact, I have an office aide who loves them so much, she created an alternate problem for December.  That made everyone happy.  They were able to break open the mystery box twice this month.  Once by solving a math problem and again by decoding the secret word.  We will probably continue the 2 boxes a month  now that I have a helper.

Here are the mystery box problems for December.  Mine is the green one, and it was up from Dec 1 - 9.  When the students solve the last equation, that is the combination to the lock. Then the white one came from my student, and it started on Dec 12 and will be running until tomorrow, Dec. 20th.  When the students find out what letters they need, they rearrange them to spell out a Christmas word, and then those letters correspond to a number from the chart.  Those numbers are the combination to open the lock.

I'm not sure if it is the variety that is bringing the students to the library to solve the "mystery box," or if it is the announcements, or maybe it's just word of mouth.  To be honest, it does not matter.  The mystery box is a very popular station in the library now, and I couldn't be more thrilled.

Happy Holidays!

Bringing in the Patrons

One of my goals this year is to reach those students who are reluctant to come to the library.  I am really good about keeping my regulars coming back, but I need to reach more than just the library lovers if I am going to make an impact on all students.  My theory is to get them coming through the door with the fun stuff first.  Then I can slowly build those relationships in the hopes that they come to me later for help, be it research or books they might want to read.

I am trying 2 different things this year that seem to be working.  I have a National Day Give Away once a month.  For instance, on August 31st, it was National Trail Mix day.  So students came to the library to make their own trail mix to take back to lunch with them.  My latest one was "No Shave" November.  Since it was for the whole month, I just picked a day to hand out fake mustaches and book marks.  That has been the most popular one so far.  We gave out 250 mustaches and over 150 book marks.  It was crazy.  Who knew that mustaches were going to be so popular.  LOL! Here is a list of my Give Aways this year.

The second idea is called Fri-YAY.  On Fridays, we set out games, puzzles, poetry activities, crafts, the mystery box, and the latest to make it's debut are the Drones.  The drones are so popular that we fly them twice a week, instead of just on Fridays.  It gives more students a chance to fly them.  I picked up some cheap drones on Amazon.  

My plan was to cycle through different activities each month, but that has not happened.  Once I introduce a new game or activity, it is a permanent part of Fri-YAY.  I tried explaining that to the students, but they want what they want.  After all, getting them into the library was my goal.  As new things I have ordered come in, I add them to the Fri-YAY activities.  The only things that does change is the craft table.  It cycles with the seasons.  Here was my Fri-YAY list at the beginning of the year when I naively thought I was going to switch all activities each month.  Now it is just a Friday free-for-all.  The students are coming in which makes me happy, and they seem to be happy with all the choices they have each Friday.

SHS Library - the Second Six Weeks

 Our second six weeks was a busy one.  That's always a good thing!  This 6 weeks our highlights include our Fri-YAY makerspaces each Friday, book club (meets twice a month), and 37 Library Introduction classes.  We celebrated National Train your Brain Day, and we hosted a plethora of other Library activities as outlined by our October 2022 calendar.  In addition, we hosted the Yearbook photos, a faculty meeting and multiple PLC meetings.  Not bad for our little library.

SHS Library - Oct 2022 by Jeneene Tahaney

The First 6 Weeks: How did it go?

 

When you start off the year with a cyberattack, how do you recover?  My district was without internet and wi-fi for over a week at the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year.  That threw all of our well-laid plans into disarray.  I was  planning to target all of the English I & II classes this six weeks to do my beginning of year library introduction.  To be honest, I am at the end of the six weeks, and I am just now planning those classes.  I was able to see the Junior English classes for Book Speed Dating and a quick library introduction.  The seniors are on their own this year.

Having said all that, it has been a productive 6 weeks - at least when I look at my library usage statistics.  We have way more students coming into the library this year.  Our numbers are up before school and during lunch.  I even get a few students after school who need to print or check out a book before the busses roll away.  Yay! I love a full library.

Here are the 1st Six Weeks Usage Statistics for the SHS Library.  They are a bit longer this year.  After doing so many presentations with Pam last year about telling our library's story (see presentation here), I realized that the library is more than just numbers.  So the 2nd page of my statistics includes snapshots of tangible things that happened in the library.  You have to show the "fun stuff" as Pam said so often during our presentations.  That is what I am doing this year.  Showing the quantitative and the qualitative information in my report which seems to broaden my range of people who are interested. Nice!

This year started off a bit of a nightmare, but we are slowly starting to gain momentum.  By the end of the next 6 weeks, I am hoping to have all of my library introductions done.  I guess only time will tell if that will come to fruition.

I'm still planning to have a fantastic year.  I hope you are too.

Getting Down to Business - 10 Years Later

 It is hard to believe that 10 years ago I started this blog to record my every day adventures of being a high school librarian.  Where does the time go?

 I did a lot of reflection at the end of the year last year as to what I want to do and where I want to go next with the library.  Since my previous 5 year plan was complete, I made the bold decision to plan for one year at a time.  Details to come.

Here was my previous 5 year plan that was finished at the end of the 2021-22 school year: SHS Library Strategic Plan, 2017 - 2022, and here is my one year plan to be completed at the end of the 2022-23 school year: SHS Library Strategic Plan, 2022 - 2023

The difference between the 2 plans

• My 5 year plan was more about the physical space and the book collection. It was about the library.  Now that those items have been accomplished, I am ready for this year.
• The 1 year plan has more to do with me and my role as the librarian.

The Mansfield ISD librarians did a book study last summer, and it really inspired me.  I've been coasting along since COVID, and I decided this was the year to get back into the game, so to speak.  Hence the one year strategic plan which I believe will hold me accountable.  With a 3 - 5 year plan, it is easy to schedule things way in advance, and not do much year 1.  Now I have a plan for just this year.  Can't put that off!

The book we read was Leading for School Librarians: There is no other option by Hilda K Weisburg,  and I highly recommend it to any and all librarians out there.  I am good at my job, but I wasn't giving it 100% of my effort.  I think with my new plan and this book under my belt, I am ready for a new year.

Bring on the 2022 - 2023 school year!  I am planning it to be fantastic.  Hope you are too.

Book Review: Why Humans Build Up

Why Humans Build Up by Gregor Craigie

In his nonfiction book, Why Humans Build Up; The Rise of Towers, Temples and Skyscrapers, author Gregor Craigie walks the readers through the evolution of these great monuments.  In the beginning, these buildings were erected for safety and religious purposes.  Now the main focus is to build tall towers for population booms.  Some newer skyscrapers are even built to reduce pollution and help battle climate change.  Each chapter explains this progression from safety to sustainability.  The author anchors the readers’ learning by citing well-known high-rise structures such as the Great Pyramid of Giza, The Leaning Tower of Pisa, The Eiffel Tower, and The Empire State Building. In addition, the author stretches the readers’ learning by discussing other lesser known structures.  These include The Lighthouse of Alexandria, The Shanghai Tower, Hong Kong High-Rise, and The Manitoba Hydro Palace just to name a few.  

Both the illustrations and the photos included enhance Mr. Craigie’s story and assist the readers in understanding the content. The language is clear, and the author includes a glossary for those who need it.  Consequently, it is a valuable resource for students who read below grade level, or those who are reluctant to read.  In addition, students who are fascinated by history and architecture will enjoy this book. It is similar to some of David Macauley's older books such as Cathedral (Clarion Books, 1981), Castle (Clarion Books, 1982) and Pyramid (Clarion Books, 1982).  Both authors have a way of using both language and illustrations needed to help the readers learn.

In summation, Why Humans Build Up: The Rise of Towers, Temples and Skyscrapers is recommended for audiences in grades 6 - 12.  It would be an asset for both school and public libraries.

TCEA Library Conference

I can't tell you how much I enjoyed the TCEA Library Conference.  It was virtual which I enjoyed because I could attend the classes in my PJs.  I have always been into the tech side of things.  So this conference really spoke to me.  I would definitely do this again next summer. 

Here are some of my favorites that I hope to use in the 2022-23 school year.

• The Library Calm Corner: Creating a Digital Space for Mental Wellness
  
  
• Spark Creativity with Literary Food Trucks
  
  
• Grow Your PLN: From a Seasoned and Newish Librarian POV
  
  
• Top Five Apps & Websites for School Librarians
  
  
• Stationpalooza
  
  
• Take and Make Evolution 

The End of Another Year

 Today is the last teacher work day, and I still feel as if there is so much to do.  I have one more day on my contract, and we have graduation tomorrow morning.  Then I am presenting at the Region 11 Conference on June 15th.  I am also attending a virtual TCEA Library conference at the end of June.  So I guess this really isn't my last day.  Is it ever when you teach?

Today I want to talk about summer reading.  There are a couple of different things I promote just in case students want to read but can't get to the public library for the summer.  It happens - a lot.

First I create a Google Slide of all of the eBook platforms we have available.  This one is similar to last year except for the Mansfield ISD reading requirements.  Apparently, we do not have any summer reading requirements this time around.  I advertise in our Principal's newsletter, the morning announcements, and all of our social media outlets.  That has been going on about 2 weeks now.  Hopefully everyone knows about this resource now.  In addition, I also have it posted on my library LMS, which is Canvas.

The other program I promote is Audiobook Sync's summer program.  They give away 2 audiobooks every week from April to August.  The audience is 13+ which is perfect for my high school kiddos.  If you don't know about this program yet, you need to take a look.  No strings attached - free books every week.  Check it out: https://audiofilemagazine.com/sync/

Hope you have a great summer!  Keep Reading.

Book Review: The Twins of Auschwitz

 Here is my latest review for School Library Journal:

The Twins of Auschwitz

By Eva Kor and Danica Davidson

Little Brown & Company

2021

 

In 1941 at the ages of seven, Eva along with her twin Miriam were already experiencing antisemitism.  The small village of Portz on the border between Hungary and Romania was not beyond the grasp of the Third Reich. Eva remembered going to the picture show and watching a movie called, “How to Kill a Jew” where a Jewish father and son were running away from Germans with guns, hunting them for sport.  In schools, “The Protocols of the Elders of Zion,” a fabricated document about the evils of the Jewish race, was being taught as truth. Both Eva and Miriam were bullied and harassed in school for being Jewish.  In 1943, Eva’s father tried to take the family and flee into the night, but it was too late.  They were made to be prisoners in their own home.  The following year the Nazis invaded Hungary, and Eva’s family was forced to wear the Star of David patches on their clothes.  After that, they were forced to board a train where they were shipped to Auschwitz  The family was immediately separated, and the twins were taken to Dr. Mengele for experimentation.  Eva and Miriam endured starvation, medical experiments and more.  They made it out of Auschwitz when the Soviets liberated their camp, but their lives would never be the same.

 

The Twins of Auschwitz is a disturbing read as all memoirs of the Holocaust are.  Here the readers gain a different understanding of Auschwitz from Eva’s perspective.  As a twin, she was forced to take part in medical exams, tests, studies and experiments.  Many holocaust books make a passing reference to these twin experiments, but Eva gives the readers a first hand account.  The narrative flows well and is easy to read.  The vocabulary is simple, and there is a glossary in the back for readers who need more information about key terms.  Seeing that the main character is between the ages of 7 - 10, it would seem as if this is a story for young readers.  However, due to the mature content, it is this librarian’s opinion that The Twins of Auschwitz should be purchased for middle school or high school students.  It would also be a valuable purchase for reluctant readers at both levels due to the fast paced chapters and easy vocabulary.  In a world where people who lived the Holocaust are no longer with us, this book is a sincere and truthful reminder of this horrific event.

March Announcement BINGO

 So I took a page from one of the sessions I attended at TCEA last month and decided to organize Announcement BINGO.  First I procured permission from the campus administrators, and then I went to work.  Since I am also the one who gathers the information and reads the announcements every day, that was the easy part.  We always have a "random fact of the day."  For the month of March, I focused on Women's History and came up with a fact of the day for every school day.  Then those facts went into the BINGO board.

To create the BINGO board, I visited a free site called My Free BINGO Cards.  You can make 30 for free.  I have over 180 staff members, but I took into account that not everyone would play.  Therefore, it wasn't so important that everyone have a different card.  If a few staff members called BINGO at the same time, they still had to come to the library to verify the BINGO. In addition, everyone who participated won something.  

The first 5 won a large Sonic drink, and all other participants who BINGOed won a candy bar.  I even emailed the Women's History fact at the end of the week for those who were absent or just couldn't hear the announcements. Everyone who played enjoyed it.  I'm thinking about doing this activity once in the fall and again in the spring next year.

In case you want to do something similar at your school, here is my Wakelet of resources.

For inquiring minds, the 5 Sonic winners . . . 

TCEA is Back in 2022

It was so exciting to attend the TCEA (Texas Computer Education Association) conference this year - in person.  I did the online version last year and enjoyed it, but this year felt so normal.  After a couple of years of pandemic fun, I'll take a bit of normal.

I presented a poster session with our district lead, Pam Pinkerton.  I think that went really well.  We talked about the importance of keeping usage statistics in your library as they tell the story of what you do.  I am always amazed at how many librarians don't keep stats.  I think it is a great way to start those conversations and to know what is working and what is not.

Here is our presentation, What's Your Story? Using Data to Promote your Library, which will be repeated at TLA in April 2022.

I also attended many worthwhile sessions.  Here were some of my favorites.

Potty Training - Not Just for Teachers Anymore

I enjoyed this session and another called "PD They will Love" because both talked about their Potty PD examples, and I am always looking for another perspective.  After going to these sessions, I did change up my template quite a bit.  Here is a before and after sample if you want to compare.  I just love those relevant sessions where I can use the information right away.

Potty PD October 2021  vs    Potty PD March 2022

Tips & Tricks for All My Chromies

These presenters were highly entertaining.  Their session was fast-paced and relevant.  One of my favorite tips was setting all of your questions to require an answer in a Google Form.  Once you set it for one form, it will carry over into all forms created after that. I hate when I create a Google Form and forget to make the question required.  Now, it's all good.  If you are interested, click on the presentation.  It will walk you through the process.  It's a time-saver for sure.

Parallel Programming & Promotions for Elementary and Secondary Libraries

I really enjoyed the diversity of ideas with this session.  It truly was both for elementary and secondary.  One of the best tips I absorbed was teacher BINGO for the announcements.  Since I do the announcements for my school, this was an easy activity to do.  For March, I am designing a Women's History Month BINGO.  I end each day's announcements with a "fact of the day."  I already have the facts of the day created for March.  So all I need to do is transfer those into BINGO boards.  The first 5 teachers who BINGO will receive a large Sonic drink.  All other BINGOs after that receive a tasty snack.  Crossing my fingers!  We'll see how this goes.

Here is my Wakelet of BINGO Resources in case you want to do something similar on your campus.

Have a great day!

Another January in the Library

 We started back on January 5th, and it's been full steam ahead ever since.  This month I applied some of those virtual skills when helping the juniors start their research this year.  There are about 14 different Junior ELAR classes, and in years past, I have visited every class every block to give them the library research introduction.  This year I created a TEAMs class and added each of the classroom teachers to my class.  I could then virtually explain the library guide once each block, and all the classes get the same information at the same time.  After that, I floated in and out of the classrooms to answer any questions or in case someone needed another demonstration.  

Here is the library guide I created for them to go with their College & Career Research. Each of the books is a link to more information.  Ms. Washington and I have been collaborating on this assignment for 5 years now.  I finally feel confident that I have all the information they need.

I was so happy when the TEAMs classes worked!  Of course, we had to meet a day early to make sure everyone's equipment was working.  The teachers had to be able to see me, hear me and project me onto their classroom screens.  So glad we did that ahead of time because there were some mic and camera issues, but it was nothing we couldn't handle.

After the initial equipment check, I created a meeting for each block and invited the teachers.  All they had to do was click on the link from their email at the designated time.  It worked like a charm, and now they are off and running.

I was planning to do the same with the Freshman ELAR teachers.  We even had the equipment check set up and ready to go.  However Omicron hit, and our MLK holiday was extended to 5 days.  That knocked the Freshman teachers off schedule.  So they pushed the research, but I am expecting to hear from them soon.

Have a great day!