Creating a Community of Learners

“Classroom structures and processes need to tend to the emotional well-being of everyone rather than just on covering the day’s lesson plan.” Zaretta Hammond Establishing a classroom culture built on community is fundamental to developing the students’ social and emotional skills throughout the school year. In the quote above, educators are encouraged to create an … read more »

Back to School in Your Library!

It’s August, which means most school librarians are back to school or gearing up to be back to school! No one yet knows what this school year will bring. The past two years have looked very different from normal. Planning can re-energize you and your school library! Whether you use a checklist to stay on … read more »

Strategies for Facilitating Difficult Conversations in Any Classroom

“My father used to say, ‘Don’t raise your voice; improve your argument.’” Desmond Tutu Each August, the United Nations celebrates the accomplishments and potential of youth worldwide with International Youth Day. This day celebrates young people’s contributions to conflict prevention and transformation, as well as inclusion, social justice, and sustainable peace. International Youth Day’s goals … read more »

Tech Tool of the Month: Bookopolis – Part 2

In Part 1 of this blog, we introduced you to Bookopolis and discussed the application of both the SAMR Model and the Triple E Framework to help you integrate Bookopolis into your instruction. Today’s post offers detailed instructions for using this tool and shares classroom use ideas. Bookopolis:  As you arrive at the site, you … read more »

Tech Tool of the Month: Bookopolis – Part 1

Bookopolis is a social reading tool where students age 13 or younger can connect safely with other classmates about books. In this online community, students can create bookshelves to save their favorite books, rate and review books that they have read, and recommend books to friends or classmates. Each book includes reading levels (some include … read more »