Saturday, August 4, 2018
Sunday, July 22, 2018
Final Reflection
This was a very busy semester with two classes and my portfolio before graduation. I enjoyed this class the most because I liked the exploration of new ideas and applications. I want to teach others new technology connections particularly for the classroom. I have introduced new concepts to the students during my library classes, I teach Kindergarten and 1st grade so I am laying a foundation they will use their whole lives. This class opened the door to new ideas and allows for creation to share with students and teachers. It was very practical in the information and application but also it was fun to challenge myself.
The applications that excited me most was Screencast and Telligumi. I enjoyed the ease of Screencast and the practical application is endless. I liked creating Telligumi, it was beautiful to look at and gave the wow factor. I used screencast almost immediately and read a book to students and posted it on our school’s Facebook page. This connected the students and parents to the school during the summer and advocated for reading and summer public library programs. As for the Telligumi app, I showed it off that week to whoever would view it. I spoke to a teacher coach who was excited about the practical application.
The most difficult application for me was the infographics, I didn't feel like it had ease of use. I think they are beautiful and important but I felt I couldn't create what I wanted without paying extra fees. It might have been the time pressure I felt with other projects and I am willing to revisit the sites for exploration. I thought the final products of most of the students were stunning.
I believe the QR codes will be benefit students greatly as teachers implement them throughout their classroom. They can be used in stations and in homework assignment, in the library we can connect QR codes to just about anything. They can be used for book trailers, library information, book fair information, etc. They are easy to navigate and can be put on social media links. I think if a teacher implements screencast, it will benefit the students tremendously. They can be used in centers for instruction, homework assignments, meet the teacher and professional development. As a campus with one on one technology these tools will be easily implemented even with early elementary students.
I will teach screencast to my teacher the first week of professional development. I will show how easy it is for students to use and implement as a project. I will also show Telligumi to the teachers the first week and teach it to my students during library classes. I will also incorporate exploration of comics with my students. I believe there is a great opportunity to teach technology on my campus that they can feel confident in exploration and creation. They can then bring those skills back to the classroom and home. Once I teach them a skill, I bridge the gap for teachers to create lessons and assignments that implement a project without paper. We can then incorporate these projects on a blog or central site for parents to view. We can create a QR code for the blog or site and post it on social media, remind or class dojo even on weekly newsletters sent out to parents.
I did create a Facebook and Instagram library pages and will be sharing them with parents and students connecting with my school's social media sites. I believe as we are leaders in technology and new ideas we are advocating for our positions by showing the vitality of the librarian and the expertise we possess as professionals. It also creates collaboration and mentorship with our teachers and staff. As I teach someone a skill, I am adding to their tool belt and building trust.
Buncee might be another great application to explore for this class. I enjoyed the learning and creation of the products more than the papers. I was able to share what I learned immediately and link it with my own social media for teachers and friends to experience.
I like the missional statement of knowing your audience. We should reflect on what can we bring to our campuses to make it a better learning environment and advocation of teamwork. What might work for me on an early elementary campus might not work in a high school. Always being willing to learning and explore new ideas is important as a Library Media Specialist, we must not discount an idea without exploration first. As we connect others to technology, we become stronger advocates for the library and leaders on our campus.
The applications that excited me most was Screencast and Telligumi. I enjoyed the ease of Screencast and the practical application is endless. I liked creating Telligumi, it was beautiful to look at and gave the wow factor. I used screencast almost immediately and read a book to students and posted it on our school’s Facebook page. This connected the students and parents to the school during the summer and advocated for reading and summer public library programs. As for the Telligumi app, I showed it off that week to whoever would view it. I spoke to a teacher coach who was excited about the practical application.
The most difficult application for me was the infographics, I didn't feel like it had ease of use. I think they are beautiful and important but I felt I couldn't create what I wanted without paying extra fees. It might have been the time pressure I felt with other projects and I am willing to revisit the sites for exploration. I thought the final products of most of the students were stunning.
I believe the QR codes will be benefit students greatly as teachers implement them throughout their classroom. They can be used in stations and in homework assignment, in the library we can connect QR codes to just about anything. They can be used for book trailers, library information, book fair information, etc. They are easy to navigate and can be put on social media links. I think if a teacher implements screencast, it will benefit the students tremendously. They can be used in centers for instruction, homework assignments, meet the teacher and professional development. As a campus with one on one technology these tools will be easily implemented even with early elementary students.
I will teach screencast to my teacher the first week of professional development. I will show how easy it is for students to use and implement as a project. I will also show Telligumi to the teachers the first week and teach it to my students during library classes. I will also incorporate exploration of comics with my students. I believe there is a great opportunity to teach technology on my campus that they can feel confident in exploration and creation. They can then bring those skills back to the classroom and home. Once I teach them a skill, I bridge the gap for teachers to create lessons and assignments that implement a project without paper. We can then incorporate these projects on a blog or central site for parents to view. We can create a QR code for the blog or site and post it on social media, remind or class dojo even on weekly newsletters sent out to parents.
I did create a Facebook and Instagram library pages and will be sharing them with parents and students connecting with my school's social media sites. I believe as we are leaders in technology and new ideas we are advocating for our positions by showing the vitality of the librarian and the expertise we possess as professionals. It also creates collaboration and mentorship with our teachers and staff. As I teach someone a skill, I am adding to their tool belt and building trust.
Buncee might be another great application to explore for this class. I enjoyed the learning and creation of the products more than the papers. I was able to share what I learned immediately and link it with my own social media for teachers and friends to experience.
I like the missional statement of knowing your audience. We should reflect on what can we bring to our campuses to make it a better learning environment and advocation of teamwork. What might work for me on an early elementary campus might not work in a high school. Always being willing to learning and explore new ideas is important as a Library Media Specialist, we must not discount an idea without exploration first. As we connect others to technology, we become stronger advocates for the library and leaders on our campus.
Sunday, July 15, 2018
Podcast
As I prepared for my project, I remembered I had created a podcast for an earlier class but could not remember how I created it. I thought it was Soundcloud but once I accessed the website, I could not find how to create a voice recording. Then I went to Audioboom, t the website promised of an easy creation of a podcast. I was still looking for a website to that incorporated a voice recording within the website. Audioboom had buttons that said "Create a new podcast". I was relieved, I thought here it is but it had several steps to which the first podcast would be $9.99 and I would have to activate the podcast. I looked a little further on the website but still was stuck on the steps page with the cost factor. So I went to the last website recommended by our professor, Podomatic. This site looked promising but it wanted me to upload a file rather than having a voice recorder attached to the website.
I went back to the first step and thought about surely my computer had a voice recorder. (I know it seems elementary but I've been a bit foggy after working three weeks straight on my portfolio, traveling 16 hours to another state and creating the project at my friend's kitchen table...but that is another story). After a little delay, I found the voice recorder on my computer and recorded two different files. It was easily upload to Soundcloud. I choose Soundcloud because I had other links that I had already created and it was easy to upload and embed to my blog. The other websites I wasn't familiar with and they seemed harder to decipher plus I did not want to spend extra money or time creating this project.
We as librarians and teachers can use podcasts very easily once we understand the foundational steps. In my district, we are one to one in technology. Students can create a voice recording of their favorite book, book reviews or even interviewing each other about books or activities in the library. It could be set up as a game show or interview. I believe students could be very creative with a voice recorder and they could be guided on adding to the library podcast page or the librarian or teacher could add their files.
I created my podcast on Good Book Reviews where I talked about books, gave a synposis and extra detail. It was interesting and easy to do, I thought of several ways to share with teachers and students the application of the voice recorder and podcast features. We could even interview the principal on her favorite book, upload the recording and share it on social media. The ideas are endless. Happy Listening!
Four podcasts creators stood out to me, they can be use educationally for student, teacher or librarians.
1. Ted Talks Daily - access through iTunes.
2. Star Talk Radio - access by his website: www.startalkradio.net
3.Good Job, Brain - access through the website: www.goodjobbrain.com
4. Cyberpunk Librarian: - access through her website: www.cyberpunklibrarian.com
I went back to the first step and thought about surely my computer had a voice recorder. (I know it seems elementary but I've been a bit foggy after working three weeks straight on my portfolio, traveling 16 hours to another state and creating the project at my friend's kitchen table...but that is another story). After a little delay, I found the voice recorder on my computer and recorded two different files. It was easily upload to Soundcloud. I choose Soundcloud because I had other links that I had already created and it was easy to upload and embed to my blog. The other websites I wasn't familiar with and they seemed harder to decipher plus I did not want to spend extra money or time creating this project.
We as librarians and teachers can use podcasts very easily once we understand the foundational steps. In my district, we are one to one in technology. Students can create a voice recording of their favorite book, book reviews or even interviewing each other about books or activities in the library. It could be set up as a game show or interview. I believe students could be very creative with a voice recorder and they could be guided on adding to the library podcast page or the librarian or teacher could add their files.
I created my podcast on Good Book Reviews where I talked about books, gave a synposis and extra detail. It was interesting and easy to do, I thought of several ways to share with teachers and students the application of the voice recorder and podcast features. We could even interview the principal on her favorite book, upload the recording and share it on social media. The ideas are endless. Happy Listening!
Four podcasts creators stood out to me, they can be use educationally for student, teacher or librarians.
1. Ted Talks Daily - access through iTunes.
2. Star Talk Radio - access by his website: www.startalkradio.net
3.Good Job, Brain - access through the website: www.goodjobbrain.com
4. Cyberpunk Librarian: - access through her website: www.cyberpunklibrarian.com
Wednesday, July 11, 2018
Cartoons and Comics
ToonDoo
Larger image: MsM's Summer by MsM
Larger image: MsM's Summer by MsM
ToonDoo was easy to use and therewere several choices of how to arrange the comics. It has a lot of characters to choose from as you create a panel also you can vary characters on different panels.It was hard to see the details on the characters when going through the list because the images were so small. The characters were a little dated but I preferred them to the Make Beliefs Comics. On a funny note, the prison background as not intentional at first but felt it was appropriate how I feel tied to the computer and my projects.
MakeBeliefscomix
Larger image: Around the Corner Comic by MsM
Make Beliefs Comics
The comics strip was fairly easy to create and very easy to save. I think the comic strip characters and background are fairly dated but I think it would be a good activity for students. I like that once you chose a character it gave 4 poses of that character. Over all I think, I would be a great gateway activity for students even in early elementary. I probably wouldn't use them professionally, because looks a little outdated. I really like this site though because of the creator, the links and connection he has to education particularly ESL students.
Pixton
Larger image: Library Girl's Summer
Tellagami
Tallagami was an interesting app, I liked the app but had to create the avatar every time I went out of Tallagami. It is relatively easy to navigate but the free version does not having many options on changing the avatar. Also, the free version had only 30 seconds of recording capacity which made it a little difficult to conduct a book talk. The graphics are visually appealing and I will probably buy the full version, I wish they would create an iPhone version. Students would have lots of applications for this in their schoolwork and to build their technology skills. I will most likely use this app with my early elementary students. The final product is striking and allows for the wow factor.
Click on image to see larger
Pixton was the most attractive cartoons out of the three sites we reviewed. I liked that you could start with a template and then change the text and images. It was fairly easy to navigate although I didn't understand why it was linked to subject matters. I used the help feature several times but it wasn't necessarily helpful in my project. I had a hard time embedding the image. I have spent more time trying to embed the image than on the whole project, so that was disappointing. Students would be able to have great use from this website and technology but the free account ends after 15 days. You can create a classroom feature which is also nice.
I plan on sharing these apps and websites to my teachers this year. Our campus has one to one technology, teachers are looking for areas to expand their students' skills and activity based on their Chromebooks. I will share with teachers the ease of using technology to have a product to grade without paper. I can help them establish a rubric for scoring projects. I believe at the age of students on my campus using these sites will develop a foundation of technology and willingness to experiment. I will introduce most of these products in the library and create some lesson plans on how the teachers can implement and tweek for a final product and grade.
Sunday, July 8, 2018
Videos and QR Codes in the Library
Ruby's mind is always full of ideas. One day, she finds some
old boards and decides to build something. She invites her brothers to help,
but they just laugh and tell her she doesn't know how to build. "Then I'll
learn," she says. And she does! When she creates a dazzling fort that they
all want to play in, it is Ruby who has the last laugh.
With sprightly text and winsome pictures, this modern spin on a timeless favorite celebrates the pluck and ingenuity of young creators everywhere! - Scholastic
You can find the book trailer I created for The Little Red Fort by scanning the QR Code below.
With sprightly text and winsome pictures, this modern spin on a timeless favorite celebrates the pluck and ingenuity of young creators everywhere! - Scholastic
You can find the book trailer I created for The Little Red Fort by scanning the QR Code below.
I created the book trailer with Animoto, it was a fairly easy to use website which provide a limited free account. I used images I found on Pexel and Pixabay and uploaded them, then created text. Animoto has a some music to choose from and you can upload your own music and logo as well.
Students could use this product to create their own book trailers or design when presenting any project. I will be using this website with some of the early elementary students I serve.
QR Codes can be used in many ways in the library. The use of QR Codes for book trailers, learning about specific books and genres, teaching library lessons. I used a QR code for teachers to hang in their classroom to access the library catalog. You could create a QR Code after taking pictures of your collection for records or to share with your campus. You can access YouTube, create QR codes of certain videos or sites you would like students to visit. The ideas are endless.
Library Videos
Videos that are helpful for students
As I researched school library school videos, four stood out to me as helpful to the students.
1. Norman High School - How to use EBCSO Host would be helpful because it guided students and staff on how to navigate through the library catalog. After searching students would be able find the book before they enter the library. It also helps them view others books they might not have thought about previously.
2. The Unquiet Library - How to embed content in workspaces from Slideshare would be helpful as student can view at home or on their device the instructions to their required project. This would help parents understand what is required and help their student if issues arise. As the librarian/teacher post the video students are able to acquire real life skills as they decipher their project.
3. Pikesville HS Library - AP Calculus A/B Tutorial/Explanation would be helpful to students and parents as they choose their classes for the next year. This teacher provides a very clear expectation and why the students should and should not enroll in the class.
4. BBMS Media - Noodletools - How to create a book citation would be helpful to students as they are preparing a report. Despite listening in class, sometimes students forget the steps to create references or other needed material needed in their project. The video provides for a flipped classroom and students to have use at their convenience.
Videos students would like:
1. NAS Library - Norman Public schools celbrates your freedom to read I believe students would like this to see if they books they loved were included but also to see their teachers, administrators read passages from their favorite books.
2. The Unquiet Library - "Rocky Top" Performance by the Roots Music Club Students would like seeing their fellow students perform in a casual setting and share their common passions. This would also be a great place to showcase their talents to their parents, grandparents without the pressure of a concert.
3. Pikesille HS Library - The Panthers Library (Dec. 2011) Students enjoy seeing the familiar and looking to find if they or their friends were included in the video. They can show their families and friends the facilities of their school. Also they can look back and view fond memories.
4. BBMS Media - Fifth Harmony Overdue Library Book Parody Everyone enjoys parody to songs and watch someone having fun and not taking themselves seriously. Students would enjoy seeing their friends and the new ways to sing about overdue books.
I will use YouTube as a way to reach students and their families. As I share videos on YouTube, it creates advococy and excitement for my library and my school. It shows extra effort and creativity on my part which show the importance of having a 21st Century librarian. I will use Youtube videos for book talks, reading books to students and posting it on social media, having students read books, sharing use on the library catalog and other helpful procedures of the library. The ideas are endless in the use of YouTube in the library.
References:
Bbmsmedia: Retrieved from https://www.youtbue.com/user/bbmsmedia/videos
Calypso Gilstrap. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/user/TheNHSLibrary/videos
Pikersvillehslibary. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/user/pikesvillehslibrary/videos
Theunquietlibrary. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/user/theunquietlibrary/videos
Tuesday, July 3, 2018
Instagtam, Flipagram and Screencast
Screencast:
I enjoyed exploring screencast with Screencast-o-matic, I found it easy to use and thought of many ideas how I could use this application. I could create a library prelesson to share with the students before introducing them to a new concept. I could also make videos for my staff for professional development or videos they could share with their students before they come in the library. I made a few screencasts of reading a book. I am hoping to put at least one on our Facebook page so the students can listen to a storytime with Ms. Pierson McCarty. I also creating a screencast reading from one of our database books. Using a screencast to demonstrate to students how to use the library catalog was fun to develop as well. The only trouble I had was trying to embedded the video straight from screen-o-matic to my blog, the embedded link was not working correctly. The video quality is not great when shooting with a web cam. I also tried to embed them by downloading an MP4 which was one of the options given by Screen-o-matic. The only way that work for me was to upload them to YouTube and embed them from there to my blog. Here are some examples of my screencasts:
Instagram:
Instragam was familiar to me and I had dual accounts before but it had been awhile. I had to google how to add another account but it was relatively easy to do. I liked the different ideas given to our class by my professor and the materials I read. Documenting plants growth was something I hadn't thought of prior. I post many pictures on Facebook about the activity in the library and believe that Instagram would serve well in that purpose. I am not sure about my district's policy but will explore it further. I believe that parents particularly at the age of the students I serve want to see their kids and like to connect with the school. I have already added pictures of the staff lunch the last day of school to my new library account. I would recommend Instagram to librarians and teachers for connection with parents, community and students. It is easily to use and most everyone has a Instagram account. I will incorporate Instagram to my library social media presence.
My Instrgram account: https://www.instagram.com/msmlovesbooks/
Flipagram:
Flipagram was not a favorite application I examined. It was not difficult to connect to Instagram and add pictures. The problem I had was adding audio to my pictures. I added many pictures but when I shared them as a video from Flipagram to Instagram, I had to shorten it to 60 seconds. Also, I had to work with the text several times before it fit the frame after sharing it to Instagram. I did like the video feature of Flipagram but the time spent outweighed the productivity of the application. I feel that Instagram has many features that I am familiar with and other applications are a bit easier to use. I will probably not use Flipagram much in the future.
Here is the embedded video from Flipagram from my Instagram account:
My favorite new techonlogy/app was the Screencast, I enjoyed all the new ways I can implement it into my library program and will share with my staff during professional development. I can see more applications for Instagram and will share ideas via a Smore with staff during PD as well.
I enjoyed exploring screencast with Screencast-o-matic, I found it easy to use and thought of many ideas how I could use this application. I could create a library prelesson to share with the students before introducing them to a new concept. I could also make videos for my staff for professional development or videos they could share with their students before they come in the library. I made a few screencasts of reading a book. I am hoping to put at least one on our Facebook page so the students can listen to a storytime with Ms. Pierson McCarty. I also creating a screencast reading from one of our database books. Using a screencast to demonstrate to students how to use the library catalog was fun to develop as well. The only trouble I had was trying to embedded the video straight from screen-o-matic to my blog, the embedded link was not working correctly. The video quality is not great when shooting with a web cam. I also tried to embed them by downloading an MP4 which was one of the options given by Screen-o-matic. The only way that work for me was to upload them to YouTube and embed them from there to my blog. Here are some examples of my screencasts:
Instagram:
Instragam was familiar to me and I had dual accounts before but it had been awhile. I had to google how to add another account but it was relatively easy to do. I liked the different ideas given to our class by my professor and the materials I read. Documenting plants growth was something I hadn't thought of prior. I post many pictures on Facebook about the activity in the library and believe that Instagram would serve well in that purpose. I am not sure about my district's policy but will explore it further. I believe that parents particularly at the age of the students I serve want to see their kids and like to connect with the school. I have already added pictures of the staff lunch the last day of school to my new library account. I would recommend Instagram to librarians and teachers for connection with parents, community and students. It is easily to use and most everyone has a Instagram account. I will incorporate Instagram to my library social media presence.
My Instrgram account: https://www.instagram.com/msmlovesbooks/
Flipagram:
Flipagram was not a favorite application I examined. It was not difficult to connect to Instagram and add pictures. The problem I had was adding audio to my pictures. I added many pictures but when I shared them as a video from Flipagram to Instagram, I had to shorten it to 60 seconds. Also, I had to work with the text several times before it fit the frame after sharing it to Instagram. I did like the video feature of Flipagram but the time spent outweighed the productivity of the application. I feel that Instagram has many features that I am familiar with and other applications are a bit easier to use. I will probably not use Flipagram much in the future.
Here is the embedded video from Flipagram from my Instagram account:
My favorite new techonlogy/app was the Screencast, I enjoyed all the new ways I can implement it into my library program and will share with my staff during professional development. I can see more applications for Instagram and will share ideas via a Smore with staff during PD as well.
Saturday, June 30, 2018
Infographics
I reviewed three webapps in preparation to create my infographic. I read the materials given by my professor. Alberto Cairo said the use of red would be great to include but to avoid bubbles and pie charts when creating an infographic. The Ted Talk by David McCandless wonderfully communicated about data in terms a librarian could love. As I sat to create my infographic in the back of my mind was Randy Krum's article on designing infographics.
I was certain I would not use Infogram because as I signed up for an account, there was not a tutorial that popped up explaining how to use this webapp. At first glance, Infogram did not have appealing graphics and seemed a little plain.
I started with Easel.ly because I liked all the different templates, they were beautifully designed with lots of graphics. There was a tutorial explaining how to use the web app. I thought this would be an easy webapp to use and could plug in my data to create an in depth designed infographic. My struggle started when I began to try to change the graphics. On the free plan, the choices for the graphics were limited and rather dated. When I tried to insert a graphic it laid on top of the template rather than changing out the graphic previously there. I decided to create a chart remembering not to make a pie chart. I liked the chart but could not easily figure out how to change at least one of the color to red. The free plan did not have many choices and I wasn't will to Go Pro to have more options. Three templates later, I gave up and tried a different webapp.
Next, I explored Piktochart, there was not many templates but I felt one had good graphics for charts and I liked the color scheme. I felt even though there was not many choices, I could make a colorful infographic. I tried to upload a picture but instead of inserting and taking the place of the first graphic it laid on top of the template. As I input my data, both categories I created had the same color. As I tried to change the color to red, I was informed there were no color scheme choices on the free plan. In order, to change the color of my chart, I had to "Level Up" for 39.99. I decided it was time to give Infogram a try.
Infogram was a bit plain but it was easy to navigate. I was able to input my data easily and different colors were already included. I was able to easily add and delete applications, text and pictures. My final product of infographic had a pie chart with a little red but I was pleased with the process. The infographic was different that I imagined but I feel with time each application could be usable and serves various purposes.
Infogram was the easiest webapp for me and saved changes as I worked on my project. Infogram was effortless to share. I liked the look of Easel.ly and Piktochart with many templates and backgrounds. In my experience with these webapps, Easel.ly and Piktochart would be best if you didn't want to change any graphics and only add data. I recommend Infogram for beginners in creating Infographic especially if your desire is to work on a free account.
For a direct link to my Infographic, please go to: https://infogram.com/social-media-use-1h8n6meolnxm2xo?live
I have also included my infographic below.
References:
Krum, R. (2010, August 17). 10 Tips for Designing Infographics. Retrieved July 1, 2018, from
https://digitalnewsgathering.wordpress.com/2010/04/24/10-tips-for-designing-infographics/
Malamed, C. (2018, January 23). ELC 010: How to Design Read (Not Fake) Information
Graphics. Retrieved July 01, 2018, from http://theelearningcoach.com/podcasts/10/
McCandless, D. (2010, July). The beauty of data visualization.[Video file}. Retrieved July 1,
2018, from https://www.ted.com/talks/david_mccandless_the_beauty_of_data_
visualization
I was certain I would not use Infogram because as I signed up for an account, there was not a tutorial that popped up explaining how to use this webapp. At first glance, Infogram did not have appealing graphics and seemed a little plain.
I started with Easel.ly because I liked all the different templates, they were beautifully designed with lots of graphics. There was a tutorial explaining how to use the web app. I thought this would be an easy webapp to use and could plug in my data to create an in depth designed infographic. My struggle started when I began to try to change the graphics. On the free plan, the choices for the graphics were limited and rather dated. When I tried to insert a graphic it laid on top of the template rather than changing out the graphic previously there. I decided to create a chart remembering not to make a pie chart. I liked the chart but could not easily figure out how to change at least one of the color to red. The free plan did not have many choices and I wasn't will to Go Pro to have more options. Three templates later, I gave up and tried a different webapp.
Next, I explored Piktochart, there was not many templates but I felt one had good graphics for charts and I liked the color scheme. I felt even though there was not many choices, I could make a colorful infographic. I tried to upload a picture but instead of inserting and taking the place of the first graphic it laid on top of the template. As I input my data, both categories I created had the same color. As I tried to change the color to red, I was informed there were no color scheme choices on the free plan. In order, to change the color of my chart, I had to "Level Up" for 39.99. I decided it was time to give Infogram a try.
Infogram was a bit plain but it was easy to navigate. I was able to input my data easily and different colors were already included. I was able to easily add and delete applications, text and pictures. My final product of infographic had a pie chart with a little red but I was pleased with the process. The infographic was different that I imagined but I feel with time each application could be usable and serves various purposes.
Infogram was the easiest webapp for me and saved changes as I worked on my project. Infogram was effortless to share. I liked the look of Easel.ly and Piktochart with many templates and backgrounds. In my experience with these webapps, Easel.ly and Piktochart would be best if you didn't want to change any graphics and only add data. I recommend Infogram for beginners in creating Infographic especially if your desire is to work on a free account.
For a direct link to my Infographic, please go to: https://infogram.com/social-media-use-1h8n6meolnxm2xo?live
I have also included my infographic below.
References:
Krum, R. (2010, August 17). 10 Tips for Designing Infographics. Retrieved July 1, 2018, from
https://digitalnewsgathering.wordpress.com/2010/04/24/10-tips-for-designing-infographics/
Malamed, C. (2018, January 23). ELC 010: How to Design Read (Not Fake) Information
Graphics. Retrieved July 01, 2018, from http://theelearningcoach.com/podcasts/10/
McCandless, D. (2010, July). The beauty of data visualization.[Video file}. Retrieved July 1,
2018, from https://www.ted.com/talks/david_mccandless_the_beauty_of_data_
visualization
Thursday, June 7, 2018
Facebook and Twitter
Facebook School Library Pages
I examined several Facebook school library pages and found several ideas I wanted to incorporate in my Facebook library pages. Most posted intermediately with a reminders about overdue books, book fairs and happenings in their library. I researched different types of school, most Facebook school library pages were at the high school level. I was particularly interested in the elementary level. There was not a lot of responsive activity particularly with the high school level. A few likes per post if any at the higher level and not many comments. The elementary library school pages had the most interaction and shares. The Mallett School Library page incorporated a button feature to learn more about the library and its programs, I will use this feature on my library page. They included a newsletter tab, I thought I would be able to include my Smores if I followed their model.
I believe there is advantages in creating a Facebook school library page but feel the younger the student is, the more the parents will be interested and interactive. I have found on our Facebook school page, we have have excellent responses particularly when you included pictures or some type of graphic attached to the post. I surmise about parents of younger students being more interested based on interaction of our school page and personally experience with my own children. My son has a lovely library with over 2400 students in his school but I don't even know if they have a page. If there was pictures and articles about my kid, I might be more interested. I believe that parents want to see their kids in the post or they will not follow as closely.
My Facebook School Library Page: FE Library
Sources:
Facebook School Library Pages:
Library - Lumberton Primary School
Library Northside Elementary School - AISD
Mallet School Library
Terry High School Library
The tweets of the educational technology leaders varied in content. The tweets ranged from educational resources, educational app, curriculum, articles that included technology, library functions and resources, social positions, personal life and school connections. These leaders are informative and have rich content. I will continue to follow them throughout my careers.
- Jim Lerman @jimlerman had wonderful content mainly with links to articles regarding the digital age and education. He also had tweets with resources of technology in education including apps/curriculum and helps.
10 urgent actions to take #today to remain in control of your digital life @fmheir #PrivacyAware via @fmheir https://t.co/QGdPnrb0Ec pic.twitter.com/S7QJlbl1ec— Jim Lerman (@jimlerman) June 3, 2018
Just Write! https://t.co/qKM8vttetg pic.twitter.com/lug0gECE8c— Jim Lerman (@jimlerman) June 2, 2018
Lensoo Create - Free Tablet Screen Capture App https://t.co/JUbDhUCFmo pic.twitter.com/Ks3OfoKbGj— Jim Lerman (@jimlerman) June 2, 2018
50 Questions To Help Students Think About What They Think https://t.co/FChO7N6hpv pic.twitter.com/IU1nl7B9Kp— Jim Lerman (@jimlerman) June 2, 2018
- Kathy Schrock @kathyschrock, she had content from her blog Katch of the month, tabletop texting, many education and computer apps, importance of vocabulary, learning more about incorporating technology in the classroom including app connections and 3d printing. She is knowledgable in her field and has notes from her professional development seminars. She includes valuable articles from other sources along with a few personal tweets.
Kathy Schrock @kathyshrock
My edtech Web sites: https://t.co/ZBIrhz4Qhw, https://t.co/gpoGolWfQk, https://t.co/7VSEfYhrj5, and https://t.co/r9H2DrJZiU— Kathy Schrock (@kathyschrock) April 13, 2016
My June 18 Kathy’s Katch post is live on the @DiscoveryEd site. The topic this month: A digital storytelling PD workshop. https://t.co/RfWd4kCTzx— Kathy Schrock (@kathyschrock) June 3, 2018
I have two blog post with other ideas, too! https://t.co/pDee4R8Iilhttps://t.co/dI6bdz6aYW— Kathy Schrock (@kathyschrock) May 29, 2018
RT @DiscoveryEd: Learn more about incorporating #SpotlightOnStrategies with technology: Techifying SOS Strategies https://t.co/bAlGA8uRxa pic.twitter.com/Tnpzbz7vWZ
At a great beginning 3D printing workshop with @Mrs_Scott_SHS at the #ITIP2018 conference. Her slide show- https://t.co/VdBCxqFYNa— Kathy Schrock (@kathyschrock) May 14, 2018
Played a writing/storymaking game called JabberJot. Players have 90 sec to pen a story using elements chosen by the Jabber. The stories written can be very funny! Find out more and support the re-launch of this game on their Kickstarter page: https://t.co/nxbZ61tvzh (thru 5/30) pic.twitter.com/GqS27FXQxv— Kathy Schrock (@kathyschrock) May 12, 2018
- Linda Braun @lbraun2000 has many retweets that are library related, activities and happenings throughout the country. She retweets from YALSA regularly particularly on trends, libraries and national interest. Linda Braun was a former YALSA president and is passionate about the needs of teens and how libraries can intervene and make a difference.
Reading this and thinking about teen college career readiness and libraries - College May Not Be Worth It Anymore https://t.co/7kZuxDCGFL— Linda W Braun (@lbraun2000) May 17, 2018
The work being done by @jasoncyip and @virtualrubio (and others) on this project is really awesome. Library staff and youth learning from and with each other. https://t.co/uZFUO6zKie— Linda W Braun (@lbraun2000) June 4, 2018
“the connected learning framework helped me to see how code, literacy, empathy, and civic engagement intersect. As such, I uncovered how instruction in coding not only relates to literacy instruction, but how it can foster critical literacy and civic engagement.” #ReadytoCode https://t.co/6YLIwKN0ZX— Linda W Braun (@lbraun2000) June 7, 2018
- Joe Fahs @mpondu has an excellent twitter feed. His content is timely and has great connection for the librarian or anyone interested in technology and education. He has a variety of content from personal, social, sports and education. He tweets about privacy, digital apps, educational tools. I particularly enjoyed his retweet on the Smithsonian Learning Lab, a unending trail of information. The Smithsonian has links for collection images, and articles pertinent to issues in education, popular culture and technology.
Think Different? Apple Takes Its Message Seriously https://t.co/4i41qJQrlo— Sherry Turkle (@STurkle) June 5, 2018
Smithsonian Learning Lab: Discover millions of resources, create personal collections and educational experiences, and share your work. https://t.co/lMLod13JJH— Joe Fahs (@mpondu) June 4, 2018
Yes, Alexa is recording mundane details of your life, and it’s creepy as hell #privacy #NoEcho https://t.co/y9JdTKJPB9— Joe Fahs (@mpondu) May 26, 2018
https://t.co/NQZegmR9LJ is a great tool (Mac and Windows) for entering, uploading, and exporting movie captions in a variety of formats. #accessibility— Joe Fahs (@mpondu) May 23, 2018
- Gwyneth Jones @gwynethjones has a good twitter feed that mostly reflects the content of her blog. As I mentioned in an earlier blog, I think Gwyneth is amazing and would love to go to her profession development classes. She covers and retweets issues related to the library, her blog and post wins from her library. Ms. Jones has content specifically for her families but also for other interested in the topics she blogs and teaches. She is an excellent example on how a school librarian can to connect families, students to the library and thus the school. She includes emojis, memes and pictures of her students that joins her community whether at her school or a larger following together.
Summer Reading List for all Ages! by @hcpsslibmed & @HoCo_Library Librarians— Gwyneth Jones (@GwynethJones) May 29, 2018
PLUS a confession: I have fonty issues. Shocker. (OK, not really)
NEW Blog Post https://t.co/QmdE7IQvAc #TLChat #EdChat #EngChat #TittleChat #ComicSans #QRCode pic.twitter.com/BipAxDIyuL
Top 100 Education Blogs to Follow in 2018 | @MyJobMag Thank you! I'm honored to be #8 https://t.co/UmvXYMgv9z#EdChat #TLChat— Gwyneth Jones (@GwynethJones) June 8, 2018
How Important Is Writing by Hand in This Digital Age? via @ImFutureReady https://t.co/0lCv7icDs7 pic.twitter.com/25ND99snEv— Gwyneth Jones (@GwynethJones) June 6, 2018
50 School Libraries to Follow on Instagram https://t.co/eBQt8PtkMh via @bookriot— Hampton High Library (@crabberlibrary) May 30, 2018
If you are interested, you can follow me @MsMlovesbooks16 . I am still building my feed and haven't posted regularly. I will do better, at least this semester. I have found there is usually a certain social media site that one gravitates to - my 18 year old son tends to communicate mostly on Snapchat and some on Instagram. My early twenty something daughters use Instagram and a little Twitter. My 20 year old has refused to create an account on Facebook, probably because Grandma is on there too. (This is important when thinking of our students' likes/dislikes). Needless to say, I have many accounts on varied social media sites as I connect with my own children. We should be conscious of what avenue our target audience will gravitate to and use.
*I enjoyed this project and learned how to use HTML a little, which feels like a win. #happyreading
Saturday, June 2, 2018
Blogs and Blog Readers
Feedly
I chose Feedly as my preferred Blog Reader. As I was reviewing different Blog Readers, I was looking for a RSS Reader where I could create my own personalized feed. In Vicky Cassidy's article The 12 best RSS Reader Apps to follow your favorite Blogs, Sites and Feeds, she clearly deciphers many options of RSS Readers. Cassidy explained the features of each app along with the cost and graphics. Feedly met all the needs I was looking for in a RSS Reader namely creating my own personalized feed. It is easy to navigate, free and had an easy to install app on my phone.
5 Blogs to Follow
The Adventures of Library Girl
I have followed Jennifer LaGarde for about a year, I found her while working on another school project. She has excellent varied content, from her profession development, articles and ideas. LaGarde has a passion for books and the library, she shares her heart and wins in the library. Her graphics and relatability drew me to explore her blog further.
Free Technology for Teachers written by Richard Byrne
www.freetech4teachers.com
Richard Byrne has superior content with many different areas to explore. He teaches about technology but also shares how to incorporate technology in the classroom. He has tabs for iPad Apps for School, Practical Ed Tech, Google Tutorials, Creating Blogs and Websites, Video Creation among a myriad of information. Byrne also blogs regularly on technology and educational topics. I chose to follow him for the depth of material included on his site. I want to incorporate more technology in the library classes and connect my staff with ways to include technology in their teaching. I will highlight this site during professional development and in Smores I share with my campus next school year.
The Daring Librarian
www.thedaringlibrarian.com
Gwyneth Jones has amazing articles with rich depth from her experience as a librarian and presenter. She uses pictures and graphics along with her articles explaining and sharing practical knowledge to librarians. Jones is interesting and has the reader wanting to learn more from her thoughts and ideas. One blog that was of particular interest to me was: How to be a Teacher Librarian Rockstar, she writes that she tries to work hard, be reliable, be reflective and be positive. These principles are core beliefs of mine in librarianship. It is up to the librarian to bridge the gap with staff and students working hard and using positivity to influence others.
AASL Blog (American Association of School Librarians)
www.knowledgequest.aasl.org
AASL Blog has a wealth of scholarly articles/blogs written from a professional perspective. The American Association of School Librarians advocates for school libraries and through their articles challenges librarians to be future ready and forward thinking. The AASL provides good research to share with administrators and inspires librarians to be advocates of their library. The blog's articles are diverse in content equipping librarians with knowledge. I chose the AASL Blog because of the variety of information provided by this blog. The articles are concise and further my understanding of librarianship.
Step into 2nd Grade
www.stepinto2ndgrade.com
Amy Lemons has an essential blog to follow, her projects are remarkable. Step into 2nd Grade, is not grade specific, any educator could glean from the amazing content Lemons provides on her blog. She has blog posts, curriculum connections, freebies and materials to shop. The look of the blog is relevant and eye catching. The big question when looking at her blog is, "When does she have time to create and blog?". The blog is rich in content but easily to navigate and will spark creativity in those that follow her. I have following Amy Lemons since I was in the classroom and I have found many of her ideas ignite a new perspective and imaginativeness. The graphics and her materials are kid friendly and beautiful. I would recommend this site to any elementary educator and those wanting to seeing excellence in creativity.
LaGarde, J. (2018, April 04). How to be a Teacher Librarian Rock Star. Retrieved June 2, 2018, from https://www.thedaringlibrarian.com/2018/01/how-to-be-teacher-librarian-rock-star.html
Free Technology for Teachers written by Richard Byrne
www.freetech4teachers.com
Richard Byrne has superior content with many different areas to explore. He teaches about technology but also shares how to incorporate technology in the classroom. He has tabs for iPad Apps for School, Practical Ed Tech, Google Tutorials, Creating Blogs and Websites, Video Creation among a myriad of information. Byrne also blogs regularly on technology and educational topics. I chose to follow him for the depth of material included on his site. I want to incorporate more technology in the library classes and connect my staff with ways to include technology in their teaching. I will highlight this site during professional development and in Smores I share with my campus next school year.
The Daring Librarian
www.thedaringlibrarian.com
Gwyneth Jones has amazing articles with rich depth from her experience as a librarian and presenter. She uses pictures and graphics along with her articles explaining and sharing practical knowledge to librarians. Jones is interesting and has the reader wanting to learn more from her thoughts and ideas. One blog that was of particular interest to me was: How to be a Teacher Librarian Rockstar, she writes that she tries to work hard, be reliable, be reflective and be positive. These principles are core beliefs of mine in librarianship. It is up to the librarian to bridge the gap with staff and students working hard and using positivity to influence others.
AASL Blog (American Association of School Librarians)
www.knowledgequest.aasl.org
AASL Blog has a wealth of scholarly articles/blogs written from a professional perspective. The American Association of School Librarians advocates for school libraries and through their articles challenges librarians to be future ready and forward thinking. The AASL provides good research to share with administrators and inspires librarians to be advocates of their library. The blog's articles are diverse in content equipping librarians with knowledge. I chose the AASL Blog because of the variety of information provided by this blog. The articles are concise and further my understanding of librarianship.
Step into 2nd Grade
www.stepinto2ndgrade.com
Amy Lemons has an essential blog to follow, her projects are remarkable. Step into 2nd Grade, is not grade specific, any educator could glean from the amazing content Lemons provides on her blog. She has blog posts, curriculum connections, freebies and materials to shop. The look of the blog is relevant and eye catching. The big question when looking at her blog is, "When does she have time to create and blog?". The blog is rich in content but easily to navigate and will spark creativity in those that follow her. I have following Amy Lemons since I was in the classroom and I have found many of her ideas ignite a new perspective and imaginativeness. The graphics and her materials are kid friendly and beautiful. I would recommend this site to any elementary educator and those wanting to seeing excellence in creativity.
My Tumblr link:
Tumblr URL: librarygirlfe.tumblr.com
Sources:
Cassidy, V. (2017, July 27). The 12 Best RSS Reader Apps to Follow Your Favorite Blogs, Sites, and Feeds. Retrieved June 2, 2018, from https://zapier.com/blog/best-rss-feed-reader-apps/
LaGarde, J. (2018, April 04). How to be a Teacher Librarian Rock Star. Retrieved June 2, 2018, from https://www.thedaringlibrarian.com/2018/01/how-to-be-teacher-librarian-rock-star.html
Wednesday, July 26, 2017
Blast From The Past
How do these books stand the test of time? Authors from the past who are still relevant. How do these books continue to address contemporary issues? Is there any content that might be outdated? If so, what?
Almond, D. (2008). The
Savage. Cambridge, Massachusetts:
Candlewick Press.
Blue Baker has lost his dad and is being bullied by
Hopper. Due to his dad’s death, bullying
and concern for Blue he is sent to a counselor.
She encourages him to write or draw.
Blue starts to write but he does not share his story and drawings which
are in graphic novel style are intermittent with the story of his life. The Savage is a wild boy that lives in the
wilderness, through the Savage, Blue is able to articulate his pain and what he
would really like to do to Hopper. When it comes to the climax of his story
where the Savage will kill Hopper, Blue realizes he can’t bring himself to kill
Hopper even when he could. Hopper knows
somehow that the Savage and Blue are
connected which causes him to leave Blue alone. The line of fantasy and true
life are blurred but through the process Blue comes to term with the pain
within him.
The Savage is
beautifully written and shares the heart of a broken boy and family struggling
with loss. Almond’s use of intertwining
the story of Blue and the Savage together is compelling and painfully identifiable to those who have gone through loss. He shows the beauty of
writing as a way to channel feelings and hurt.
We all have a bit of Savage in us that wants to act out to those that
have mistreated us. This book stands the
test in time, it is as relevant today as when it was written. Blue’s conflicted emotions points to the issues of loss, pain and bullying
are addressed in this book. Almond created a book unlike a traditional
children’s book that is darker but speaks to our feelings and hurt as we
experience Blue’s emotion.
Peck, R. (1976). Are
you in the house alone? New York: The Viking Press.
Are you in the house
alone? written in 1976 tells of a
story of a girl being stalked in high school. Gail, the main character is in
love with a boy and best friends with Alison. Gail’s town has many types of
classes within their community; Alison’s boyfriend is within the most exclusive
of groups and very wealthy. Even after repeated notes, anonymous calls to harm
her, Gail decides not to tell anyone. Alison sees the notes but tells her to forget
it. Gail is attacked and her perpetrator is very familiar and rich. This book
explores the aftermath of rape and how society treats the rapist that is
privileged.
This book stands the test of time in that it reflects
certain parts of society and the relationship between the classes. Several news stories of rich young men
committing crimes against women and being disregarded as serious criminals come
to mind while reading this book. It
shows Alison’s dilemma of being questioned about the rape and forced silence
among the police as well as peers and
family even after tremendous evidence. The
police trying to shift the blame to the victim and her boyfriend and protect the
guilty. I would hope that is not as prevalent today with the medical field
and police more aware and sensitive to victims of rape. Reflecting on small town politics and have
and have nots, I am afraid this dynamic happens more than we realize. Statistics on college campuses reflect the
outrageous numbers of rape and a culture of cover up.
Across The Pond
Is there anything that sticks out in these that Americans would have trouble with? Any terminology or slang that would trip up an American reader?
Townsend, S. (2004). Adrian
Mole and the weapons of mass destruction. New York: Soho Press, Inc.
Adrian Mole is a 34 year old, who has a son in the military
another in Africa and is drowning in debt.
It is set in 2002 to 2004. This
book is the sixth in a series about Adrian Mole throughout his life. Adrian is
hopeless in life in general and is drawn to an awkward woman, Marigold who has
a weird unconventional family.
The more he tries to end the relationship, the more they become
involved. He still keeps in touch with
his old high school friends and what is happening in their lives. He is still in love with
Pandora, a beautiful high-ranking government official. His friend Nigel is his faithful friend and experiencing
blindness. His friends and outlandish
parents warn him about Marigold and he promises he will break up with her for
good. Her half-sister, Daisy is alluring and Adrian enamored with her but still
attached to Marigold. His son and his
friend are shipped out to the front and face danger every day. This book
continues the saga of Adrian Mole with humor and shaking of one’s head as Adrian continually gives into his reckless
desires and his inability to take control of his life.
Zusak, M. (2002). I am
the messenger. New York: Macmillan
Publishers.
Ed Kennedy is nineteen year old cab driver that lives his life without much meaning in this new adult book. His friends consist of two guys who are constantly arguing and Audrey a girl he adores but will settle as a friend, they play cards most every night. This is the life of Ed, boring and humdrum until he almost by accident foils a bank robber. He is then thrust into helping people through messages that come on a playing cards in his mailbox. Clues left without much explanation compelling him to action. At first, he decides to ignore them but as he looks up the addresses on the cards realizes only he can help these people. Some of the cases that he has been chosen to be the messanger are putting Ed's life in danger but he must act to serve others. Some addresses, the messanger connects with people through more mundane ways but each time making someone's life better. Eventually he even is a messanger to his best friends, the messages become full circle and are somehow connected with the bank robbery at the beginning. Ed is a fun character and his friends are completely believable as they struggle through life.
This book is delightful and a little wicked, it is a laugh out loud book that speaks to the heart as well. The reader will identify with the stupidity and searching of this time period in most lives. The in between phase of life after high school and early 20s. As he becomes the messanger to all different kinds of people, Ed changes and grows into someone deeper and more thoughtful. It is changing Ed for the better. Zusak wrote several other books including The Book Thief. His writing style is fun and enjoyable like going on a ride with an old friend. I believe this book is very translatable to Americans and reads like a movie, the slang is minimal and easily understandable. I recommend the audio book of I am the Messanger, Marc Aden Gray's easy manner and delivery is highly entertaining.
Ed Kennedy is nineteen year old cab driver that lives his life without much meaning in this new adult book. His friends consist of two guys who are constantly arguing and Audrey a girl he adores but will settle as a friend, they play cards most every night. This is the life of Ed, boring and humdrum until he almost by accident foils a bank robber. He is then thrust into helping people through messages that come on a playing cards in his mailbox. Clues left without much explanation compelling him to action. At first, he decides to ignore them but as he looks up the addresses on the cards realizes only he can help these people. Some of the cases that he has been chosen to be the messanger are putting Ed's life in danger but he must act to serve others. Some addresses, the messanger connects with people through more mundane ways but each time making someone's life better. Eventually he even is a messanger to his best friends, the messages become full circle and are somehow connected with the bank robbery at the beginning. Ed is a fun character and his friends are completely believable as they struggle through life.
This book is delightful and a little wicked, it is a laugh out loud book that speaks to the heart as well. The reader will identify with the stupidity and searching of this time period in most lives. The in between phase of life after high school and early 20s. As he becomes the messanger to all different kinds of people, Ed changes and grows into someone deeper and more thoughtful. It is changing Ed for the better. Zusak wrote several other books including The Book Thief. His writing style is fun and enjoyable like going on a ride with an old friend. I believe this book is very translatable to Americans and reads like a movie, the slang is minimal and easily understandable. I recommend the audio book of I am the Messanger, Marc Aden Gray's easy manner and delivery is highly entertaining.
Avi. (1991). Nothing
but the truth. New York: Orchard Books.
Nothing but the Truth
tells the story from many perspectives in a documentary novel. It follows the diary and conversations of
Phillip Malloy. Phillip is a smart but
lazy student who doesn’t like his English and home room teacher, Ms. Narwin.
Phillip is convinces his parents that Ms. Narwin is unreasonable. The books
also has letters and conversation from Ms. Narwin’s perspective as well as discussions between school officials and
various students. Phillip decides
he is going to get out of Ms. Narwin and starts to hum loudly to the national
anthem everyday. Ms. Narwin asks him to stop because of the memo for have
respectful silence during the time. The
Assistant Principal eventually suspends him for insubordination Phillip tells
his parents he just wanted to sing the National Anthem. Phillip has other reasons that he doesn’t
care for Ms. Narwin but doesn't explain what is truly going on as his parents say
whatever it is they are completely behind him. News of the suspension and why
it supposedly happens soon gets pick up by local and national media. Ms. Narwin is branded a bad teacher that
doesn’t stand up for American ideals.
Eventually, the school board pushes Ms. Narwin out and Phillip is
regarded as a hero. Avi creates an
interesting look at the state of how media, hearsay and a culture of speaking
before asking operate in America.
I am unsure on why it was overlooked, I think it is well
written and from an award winning author.
He wrote True Confessions of
Charlotte Doyle and both books
received a Newbery Honor Awards. Maybe
the format of the book was not appealing to readers. It does seem a little strange just glancing
at the first few pages of the book. I think that students don't like the injustice of what ends up happening seeing it more from the kid's perspective rather than the adult. Also, the title might have thrown readers off
figuring that it might be an essay about America. It is labeled a documentary novel, this might
have causes pause to those purchasing books –librarians and parents because it
might appear to be something students possible be uninterested in reading. The first few book covers might have also
been unappealing to readers, the most engaging book cover in my opinion is with
a file on the cover. This book cover came at a later date. Avi does a good job,
the book is an excellent reflection of American society and should be reviewed
and read in the classroom. Ms. Narwin’s perspective of wanting a student to achieve his highest potential
and frustration is reflective in many teachers' experience. Miscommunication between administration,
teachers and parents are very relevant as well.
The book is 25 years old but shows the state of the school system very
accurately even today.
Pierce, T. (1983). Alanna,
the first adventure. New York:
Atheneum Books.
Alanna is a girl that is destined to become a lady in
waiting but she convinces her twin brother that the professions their father
has planned for them is wrong. Her
brother, Thom, does not want to be groomed to be a knight. Alanna cuts her hair and takes Thom’s place
in becoming a knight and Thom will study to be a magician. Both Alanna and Thom possess magical gifting
that Maude has shown them but Alanna is uneasy using them. Alanna is able to disguise herself and
quickly is accepted by those in the palace that will train her along with the
young prince. All accept her but one, a
mean bully, Ralon an older boy determine to make Alanna’s (Alan’s) life
miserable. Alanna works harder to
overcome the challenges and physical demands of becoming a squire. She makes a friend in town and eventually
introduces her palace friends to some of the locals. She is cared by many as they see her heart
and uniqueness. She is torn by presenting herself as a boy but is determined
to complete the training before she tells her secret. She is able to use her powers to help heal
the prince when he is dying. Alanna is
starting to embrace her powers and understanding but it still scares her. Alanna,
the First Adventure is an enjoyable journey with a likeable character.
Alanna, the First
Adventure is the first in a series of wonderful books that all can
enjoy. Alanna is feisty and determined
to make her own way. She is
unconvinental but willing and ready to learn from her masters and others. Alanna’s wit and charm are delightful to
follow as she creates her own adventure.
It is suprising that Alanna was not widely received and did not draw
attention like the work reflects. My
thoughts that it was not accepted was because of the setting, students might
have preferred to have a more modern setting for a book. Previously, I had read the Midwife’s
Apprentice and enjoyed it, I was more willing to give the book a chance even
though at first glance I wasn’t particularly interested. As readers are
introduced to new settings and great stories, it opens their reading
choices. My book was a little dated with the typeface
and layout, I am interested to know if the look was updated and the typeface
changed. The book cover has varied as I researched but I believe the first
edition’s book cover might have played into it not being widely accepted. The newest cover from Scholastic would be
attractive to most of my students. Also,
the fact that this was Tamora Pierce’s first book with an unfamiliar setting
and she hadn’t establish a fan base could have hurt the book.
Baskin, N.(2016). Nine,
ten: A September 11 story. New York: Atheneum Books.
Nine, Ten combines
the story of four kids’ perspective of the days before and on the September
11th attacks. The setting
opens at the O’Hara Airport in Chicago and the author introduces three of the
characters. Sergio is a boy that lives with his Grandma who is returning to
New York from a ceremony recognizing his Math accomplishment and skill. Naheed is an Muslim girl that wear traditional
headdress, she is waiting for her uncle and aunt to arrive. Aimee is about to
board a plane to Los Angeles with her dad while her mom is headed to New York
with her new job. The next chapter introduces
Will and his family who live in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, Will has lost his
Dad. The book follows the
ordinary lives of the 4 kids as they live out September 10th and 11th.,
the kids are only vaguely connected but the author show how those events affect
them personally. Sergio in New York who
is befriended by a fireman, Naheed in Chicago that is constantly questioned on
her dress and religion, Aimee in Los Angeles whose Mother has a meeting at the
Trade Center in New York, Sept. 11th morning, Will in Shanksville,
who is grieving his Dad while trying to help his Mom with his siblings. The normalness of everyday life along with the
inevitable attack leaves the reader wondering how it will affect the kids,
hoping they and their families will be okay.
Nora Baskin skillfully tells the stories of children each
touched in a different way by the September 11th attacks. She writes
with insight and softness, her characters completely believable to show the
typical life in America during those days.
As adults, we have our memories and stories of that morning, what
happened to us days prior and afterwards.
We remember the emotion of watching heartache around us and crying while
watching the aftermath. We recall the
pain of losing so many people, the firefighters and police and wondering how
the families are coping. Students
reading this book will not have experienced 9/11 personally, they view it as
history. All they have known is a post
9/11 world with suspicions being cast on certain groups because of belief and
dress. This book provides a window for
students to look through to view the world on a personal scale before and after
9/11, to see through eyes of children rather than news. It tells the story of life. The values and issues specifically covered in
this book seeing others through their eyes rather than our own, the struggle of
being viewed differently, the heroic actions of others, death, divorce and
grief are all subjects that this book covers. These all reflect as mirrors on our
contemporary society and give the reader an avenue in which to examine life
from other’s perspective.
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