Last year was my first at Old Town Global Academy. We spent a lot (did I say A LOT) of time working on procedures and routines. That had a huge payoff semester 2 with quick reviews and lots of action. I did wonder how much time I'd need to spend getting us back up to par this year. We reviewed procedures. Did they remember them? They did. We practiced movement around the library. Did they move correctly? They did! Bingo! Every 1st - 5th grade class got to spend some time in stations for their first class of the year. This year, we are going to add components from Ron Clark's 55 to the mix. Can't wait to see the results!

I love the start of school! I love seeing my educator friends and getting back into a regular routine. I love the organization and planning. I LOVE seeing the kids again! So just what does back to school look like for a school librarian? Meetings - lots of meetings. Some on campus, some off. Some are online. Some I don't have to go to, but they are in the library, so I am kind in those too. We meet as a whole school, we meet as librarians, we meet as specialists, we meet as smaller groups of librarians, we meet to talk about curriculum & schedules. We meet as a district. Don't laugh! The district meeting is something I rarely look forward to only because it takes more time away from the library. BUT we always have a fabulous speaker and this year was no different. Ron Clark is incredibly inspiring - he's innovative and practical. Prepping for open house. Putting up some bulletin boards. Equipment & technology - lots of things have to be checked out t...

What to do with Kinders/1st grade the first week of school. Mmmmm Those early lessons are always a dilemma for me. I've got a lesson planned using David Goes to School. I'm really happy with the lesson, but I'm thinking it might not have enough pop for the first week. I'd love for the kids to check out books. So, I've been digging, and I found this: Children's Book Week: Kindergarten Style [gallery ids="5773,5774" type="rectangular"] What a great idea! Essentially kids are playing musical books (without anyone being eliminated). Kids are moving, exposed to a variety of books, and then they check one out. I think this one is a definite keeper.

I guess this is actually week 2, but it is week 1 with the kiddos. We reviewed procedures and everyone (but K) got to check out a book! I worked about a day a week this summer in the library. I wanted it to have a different feel this year. Changing schools in the middle of the year has some limitations (even with a smooth transition). There is just not enough time to learn the library and move things to where you want them. We did make lots of changes last year. I had great assistance from Kim, Bobbie and Stephanie. I couldn't have picked 3 better or tenacious workers if I'd advertised! There were unused shelves and unclear division lines between sections. We made some displays and reorganized some labeling. We used index cards in places to help identify popular books and sections. All that helped with students finding what they needed. And we weeded and weeded and weeded. I was a little surprised this summer that I still found books to weed.  This summer though, I worked on a ...

                     

Today was the professional meeting for Library Media Coordinators for WSFCS. Mixed emotions on these. I'd always rather be at my school - this week is a tough one regardless of how ready I've ever felt walking into it. To many things to do! However, it's valuable to meet with others in the same job listening and talking with them about what we have in common and how our schools are different and the things we do.  I got lots of ideas from today. Some I'd already been thinking on and some were new. I'd been planning on doing stations this year, but I heard some other ways librarians are using stations with students. We talked about different ways to do literacy, maker spaces, gaming, data uses. We had a gal from MackinVia come to speak with us. I haven't been able to log into that, but based on what we saw today, I think it could be great! We talked about county things that are not so exciting but that are good to know like evaluations.  Tomorrow, I have to hit t...

I love the first day of school! It's great to see everyone and start getting things in order. I love making plans with others and trying to figure out how to make them really happen. Going out for lunch is fun. We don't get to do that very often!  I moved tables and chairs trying for more floor space. I think I've got it but won't know for sure until all the extra tables from today's meeting. Tomorrow I've got a workshop. Thursday is open house.  Whoosh! Week will be over before I know it!

Sometimes you just have to wonder if these folks are on the same planet with the rest of us? Can they not even do their own math? Carolina Rising Releases Statewide, “A Little Brighter,” Back to School Advertising Campaign

Today, my goal is to complete the MS for this math book, then let it sit until Monday for another round of editing. I'd also love to finish with my vehicles and get the BB paper cleaned up out of the guest room! I can do mess for a short period, but there comes a point that it wears on my nerves. Cheryl Ristow posted a video this morning of a teacher decorating his room. It is not all practical, but I do love his enthusiasm. I have done some impractical things in my room (even knowing they were impractical) because I loved the way they looked and HOPE really does spring eternal donchano. I didn't do themes in my classrooms - well, I did, but the theme was Math. ;) I'm doing my second one in the library now and I love how the theme can tie things together. I love the filming theme he uses. Got to add that to my Pinterest board !   [youtube=http://youtu.be/7Wv-FwR8c4c]   Barb Kibler shared a Buzzfeed Link - 35 Money Saving DYIs for the Classroom  from 2013. I realize this kin...

Did get the clothes washed today. Started thinking about the new roman shades for the bedroom. I worked on an alphabetizing activity for BTS. Finished cutting out school items didn't get cut out on the way to the beach. Saw this on FB. Great idea for open house. Posted by School Outfitters.   Last night, I watched  Jane Eyre.  It was decent.