Lena Shaw Hosts Mentoring Group

The teacher-librarian mentoring group met at Lena Shaw Elementary for an after school session on favourite picture books and sharing ideas. We all took away some great library display ideas from Armee Malig, the teacher-librarian at Lena Shaw. Check out these great ideas!

Lena Shaw Library Learning Commons

I love this idea for a dust cover banner.

Clear, visual clues for students to find books on their topic.

Eye catching display for the graphic novel section!

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/

Exploring the Core Competencies through the Use of Picture Books

Surrey TLs joined together to explore the core competencies through the use of picture books. This is a resource that may be shared with classroom teachers and is meant to act as a starting point for discussion.
The slideshare can be viewed at http://bit.ly/SD36TLCore. The last page links to the bibliography that was created at the session. It can also be viewed at http://bit.ly/SD36TLBiblioPB

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!

Through the Forest to the Castle

Yesterday, the Surrey Chapter of the BCTLA met for our AGM at J.T. Brown Elementary (thanks to Emiline for hosting us!) I wanted to share a couple of photos of the library. I always like visiting libraries and these meetings are a great chance to network and come away with some great ideas. 

This library has a little forest in the centre space where the search stations are located. I love the visual break and calm feeling this creates. On the wall opposite is a castle with a dragon guarding some boxes of books. What an inviting space for students! 

Do you have a space in your library that students love? Please share your idea in the comments below!

Meridian Makers

Today I had the pleasure of visiting Andrea Langelaar at Coast Meridian Elementary. She has begun experimenting with makerspace and had some great ideas to share. I love the challenge cards in holders she's posted on each centre and how they focus the making. And the creations have found a new home in the display case in the front hallway! The whole school community has enjoyed looking at them and the students are so proud of their work. She also let me in on a little secret: go to IKEA and look for the bin of loose parts. You can fill a bag for only $3!! Those little bits and bobs are a great addition to your maker materials. You can follow the making at Coast Meridian on Twitter at #meridianmakers. Follow Andrea on Twitter @AndreaLangelaar.