Library Learning Commons Tour

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of showing a few of our library learning commons to a principal and small group of teachers from an independent school who are interested in creating a LLC in their school. I always enjoy the rich conversations that happen when teachers get together and it's always interesting to visit teacher-librarians in their space! Thanks to Sue, at Chantrell Creek, Carly, at Pacific Heights and Jane, at Rosemary Heights for the warm welcome and the professional conversations.

LLC at Chantrell Creek. Curved bookshelves are easily moved.
Small armchairs are perfect for young readers.

LLC at Chantrell Creek. Wall decorated with stick on mural.

SSBOY display at Pacific Heights.

Soft furnishings are easily (and often!) rearranged by students
in the LLC at Pacific Heights.

Pacific Heights library cart transformed into rolling tool kit!

Pacific Heights LLC display pairing natural objects with books.

Rosemary Heights LLC makerspace in progress.
 Students were so engaged with these activities!

October Newsletter #2

LLC at Mary Jane Shannon

I had the pleasure of visiting Sonja at M. J. Shannon and took a few photos to show some of the great features of the library learning commons.  I noticed seating available in a variety of heights. It was a very welcoming space!

Soft green high tables with stools have proven to be very popular with students.

Comfortable bean bags, pillows and stools offer seating at different levels. The large counter hides deep shelving, perfect for makerspace bins! The countertop provides display space and is easily cleared for project work.

Shaped tables with wheels on two legs are easily rearranged according to need. 

Semiahmoo Secondary Library Learning Commons

Semiahmoo Secondary has undergone a transformation from library to library learning commons and I'd like to share a few features of the new space. Teacher-librarian, Maureen McDonough, gave me a little tour and shared how much she enjoys working in the new LLC, which she calls, "A work in progress." Students in the LLC were comfortable in the space: collaborating with groups, using the computers, signing books out or just catching up with friends. Some were using the meeting room which was formerly a workroom. Others collaborated in the Maker Space area behind the circulation desk. I loved how this library was transformed and it was great to see so many students taking advantage of the space.

Students feel at home working on their assignment.

Small footprint with a lot of display space on this triangular shelf.

Higher table and chairs for group work.

This was a storage room for VHS tapes. The room has been cleared out
and repurposed as a green screen room.

Breakout!

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of visiting Erma Stephenson Library Learning Commons to see teacher-librarian, Lori Ingles, in action. A group of Grade 7 students were about to participate in a "Breakout" session! I've made a short video of the session and you can find it here.

Video Description: 

Developing core competencies through group problem-solving activity. Students develop their critical thinking, communication, creative thinking, resilience and perseverance by trying to solve a puzzle together. Kit was purchased through

http://www.breakoutedu.com/

Riverdale Library Learning Commons

Riverdale Elementary is loving their new Library Learning Commons and it's easy to see why! With some shelves removed and new comfortable furnishings, it's a very open and inviting space. When I visited, the K/1 students were just finishing their structures made from Keva Planks. This was my first experience with Keva Planks and I was amazed at the structures created by these primary students. I can see that they would appeal to a wide age range! The set also comes with instructions for more complicated structures and these would appeal to secondary students as well as adults. This would be a fun activity for buddy classes or parents and children to work on together. I love the creativity!

A fall tree at the computer search station.

Very creative Kindergarten and Grade 1 students built these structures.

The new Library Learning Commons at Riverdale.
Note the white board table just waiting for a group to come and brainstorm ideas!