Creative Technology

For class today I watched the 2014 Tech Share opening speakers. Now why as a crafty person with a crafty blog would I be writing to tell you about my homework about a tech conference....because of an awesome app I learned about and the family has spent the day playing with. The app is called coLAR and can be found at www.colarapp.com . With this app you print pictures to color then using the app you are able to see your coloring in 3D. Hard to explain here, but go to the site and watch the video. Once you see it you have to try it yourself. The app and some of the coloring pages are free. Other coloring packages are $2.99. Technology and creativity together is awesome!

The nice thing about taking classes in instructional technology is that I get to learn about and try out a lot of new programs and apps. Maybe you have seen Bit Strips on Facebook or other social media. They are fun little comic strips you create yourself. They have a web site for schools/ educators which is nice because it does not limit the amount you write (at least not that I have found) and allows the teacher to preview before anything is posted. Here is the Bit Strip I created for an assignment The instructor wanted us to create our report/ paper using web 2.0 tools. I want to try Bit Strips with my students, but I think I am going to have to be very specific with time limits so they do not waste time creating characters. Which I have to admit is fun.

I am in my second semester as a doctoral student. This is a new challenge with work and family, but it is something I have wanted for a long time. What it is really forcing me to do is sit down and learn all the tools that are available to help me stay organized and connected. I was also made the social administrator for my school and I have decided with a birthday approaching I better take my health seriously so I have started working out. This does not mean the crafting is stopping it just means I will be trying some new things digitally. My newest love is Google+. It has so many features I am finding helpful as a teacher and student. Have you tried any Google Communities?

Not a good Blogger.

Why is it so hard to keep up with my social network. I started with this blog as a way to keep track of what I am doing in the library and get ideas from others. Seems I am only blogging at the end of school vacations when I am facing a new semester. I really need to get better at this.

What is a school librarian?

It is almost the end of my winter break and I am preparing for the spring semester.  These preparations have me reviewing what I have done so far.  I tend to do a lot of reminiscing this time of year.  Another thing that has me thinking is that I ran into a former student this afternoon.  Even though it has been a little over four years since I've seen her she needed my help. 

All this leads me to a set of questions I often find myself answering for myself and trying to explain to others; "What is a school librarian?"  "What does a school librarian do?"  "How would you describe a school librarian?"

What is a school librarian:  We are teachers, book peddlers, multi-taskers, technical support, protectors of freedom, friends, cheerleaders, presenters, a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen, someone to share a laugh with, and a general problem solvers.

What does a school librarian do:  We collaborate with and assist teachers with lessons, resources, and research.  We help students reach their potential, become literate citizens, learn to share, become creative, discover who they are, and on occasions learn a new talent.

How would you describe a school librarian:  A passionate, caring, creative individual who is always seeking to become a more knowledgeable person in order to better serve their community.  We are young, old, tall, short, conservative, and sometimes a little edgy.

I did not set out in life to become a librarian...I wanted to be a Rock Star.  Little did I know that the satisfaction I desired would be found in a career that is ever changing and often misunderstood.  After helping a teacher or student I often feel like a super hero.  Silly I know, but there is something gratifying about helping someone.

By the way.  I was able to help my former student with the help of another librarian.... ;)

So...what is your definition of a school librarian?

Knitting a Following

If you would have told me a year ago that I would be knitting I would have laughed at you.  If you then told me I would be knitting with students and other teachers I would have said you were crazy.  Yet, here I am knitting, teaching knitting, and hunting for more yarn.

In an earlier post I talked about loom knitting, which is the way I started.  Since then I have learned to knit ruffled scarves (thanks to a friend and fellow knitting junkie).  The move from the loom to the needles was very natural and satisfying.  As a crafter I am always looking for new ways to express myself.  As a teacher librarian I am always looking for new ways to connect to students.  The looms were/ are a great way to get students started with knitting, but using needles for knitting will be cheaper and more convenient.
   
It still amazes me how many students, boys and girls, that knit or want to learn to knit.  There is also something very calming about working with the yarn and the rhythm of the stitches.  For middle school students having a way to relax and unwind at school is valuable. 

My goal for this spring is to work with students to write curriculum that can be used by other students and teachers beyond our school to learn knitting.  I plan to use Cat Bordhi's books and web site as a guide.  Wouldn't it be nice to have students working together and talking while doing something constructive.  Students spend so much time focused on technology and media that they need time to have conversations with another person.  I have found that knitting and crocheting is the perfect opportunity to bring a variety of people together and conversations just naturally flow.

The bonus for our community has been handmade hats and scarves that are donated to refugees and the homeless.  As well as, our students having a skill that they can enjoy and be proud of for the rest of their lives.  We have also found it is a good way to connect generations and cultures.

So, if you are looking for a way to connect with young people find some yarn, a loom, knitting needles or a crochet hook and start creating.  Knitting and crocheting attracts attention without requiring you to put in a lot of effort.  Teens love to learn and to share what the know.  It is a win win for everyone (just make sure your library has enough craft books for students to check out).

 

Looking Forward

Last winter in Nebraska was mild; so, of course this year there are lots of cold days and snow.  I find that I want to spend more time curled up with a book and a cup of hot tea.  However, now that the first week of winter break is over I better start lesson planning for the second semester.  I am excited about the opportunity to collaborate on a Civil War historical fiction literature circle project.
I am hoping to help students connect with history through the stories they read.  Now I just have to figure out how to make the magic happen!