20+ Ideas for AWESOME Instagram Posts

20+ Ideas for AWESOME Instagram Posts -Here are some great ideas for awesome, engaging Instagram posts that are perfect for your school library IG account.

Instagram is a fantastic way to connect with students, teachers, parents and community members.  You can showcase what is going on in your library, promote a love of reading and feature student work.  If you’re new to IG, it can be easy to feel stuck and unsure of what to post.  (Check out my previous … Read more

The Power of Instagram to Connect With Students

The Power of Instagram to Connect With Students // Instagram is a powerful tool for connecting with your students and community. Here are some ways to utilize IG.

I’ve long used Instagram as a way to reach out to my students.  It started back when I first got an iPad through DonorsChoose at my previous library (before I had a personal smartphone).  Some of my former students (now adults) still follow that account and keep in touch.  When I started at Tampa Prep, … Read more

COVID Library Update Part 2: Bringing Books to My Students

COVID Library Update Part 2: Bringing Books to My Students // Since access to our library space is limited this year, I've found creative ways to continue to get books into the hands (and devices) of students.

This is a multiple post series.  In Part 1, I gave an overview of what my school has been doing during COVID and how my library’s physical space has adapted.  In this post, I’ll be sharing about programs I’ve done to encourage reading, plus collaborations with teachers.  For Part 3, I’ll share how we’ve adapted … Read more

Read This Book: Sketchnoting in the Classroom

Read this Book: Sketchnoting in the Classroom // Nichole Carter’s book is an excellent resource for educators looking to find ways to bring sketchnoting into their classrooms.  She provides excellent ideas and examples to get your students started sketching.  If you’re looking for more of a basic how-to sketchnote, start with Mike Rhode’s The Sketchnote Handbook.

These last few months, I’ve been focusing on improving my sketchnote skills.  Part of that work was reading several books on the tis topic for educators (see my review of My Pencil Made Me Do It).  Many general books on sketchnoting focus on the basics of how to sketchnote, which is awesome.  I love using … Read more

9 Favorite Tools for Making Awesome Sketchnotes

9 Favorite Tools for Making Awesome Sketchnotes // Here's some of my favorite pens, notebooks, markers and pencils for making physical sketchnotes.

I’ve been using sketchnotes a lot lately as a way to help me focus and retain information with virtual PD.  Here’s a mini-post in case you’d like to know what tools I use for sketchnoting (or were thinking about getting some for yourself.) A quick “note”: I prefer physical sketchnoting.  I know that there’s great … Read more

Virtual PD Hack: Sketchnoting Conference Recordings

Virtual PD Hack: Sketchnoting Conference Recordings // Now that we all have more time for virtual PD, I've discovered a particular hack that's working really well for me: sketchnoting recordings of conferences sessions and webinars.

Virtual PD Hack: Sketchnoting Conference Recordings (and Webinars) Like many other educators around the globe, back in March I quite suddenly found myself teleworking.  As a librarian, I struggled with this, since so much of what I do is about connecting with teachers and students.  I worked at our online student help desk, trained our … Read more

How to Choose Books to Support Your Makerspace

How to Choose Books to Support Your Makerspace // Books are an essential part of any makerspace. Here's advice on how to choose the right books for your particular makerspace and school.

Why We Need Books in Makerspaces Books play an essential role in all makerspaces, whether they are in the library or not.  Instructional books can support students in learning complex skills and tools. Project books can give ideas and inspiration for what to make next.  Art books can provide visual inspiration.   Professional development books can … Read more