December’s Featured Learning Commons: Candace Aiani’s USIC at Taipei American...
Photo from TAS USIC website Knowledge Quest readers will recognize the librarian at the helm of this month’s featured learning commons, as her article on international schools and intellectual freedom...
View Article5 Makerspace Books You Need to Read
There’s so many amazing books coming out now related to starting a school makerspace, and many of them are fantastic. But for this post, I want to take a look back and focus on the five books that had...
View ArticleThe Day the Bench Broke
About three years ago, at eight months pregnant, I was sitting with my student book club at a table that looked a bit like this. I did not have cushions on my benches, but you get the idea. When...
View ArticleWhere is my Screwdriver?
I keep a running list of things I never thought I’d say as a Library Media Specialist: quit eating the grass in your pocket; why are you smelling the book; no you can’t read better hanging your head...
View ArticleHealth and Wellness Through the School Library
The lights are dimmed as meditative nature sounds and gentle music drift through the air. I instruct all students to stand at the front of their mats, exhale and fold forward, symbolically shaking all...
View ArticleJanuary’s Featured Learning Commons: Debbie Thompson at Dousman Elementary
To kick off the 2016 Learning Commons features, I am thrilled to introduce Debbie Thompson at Dousman Elementary in Wisconsin, who is graciously giving us a peek into her Library Media Center. In our...
View ArticleA New Year, A New Library
As 2016 dawns, I am experiencing a new library for my students. Yes, the books and technology are still the same, but the goals are different. This year, I will be tackling new library development...
View Article6 Active Learning Spaces Your Library Should Have
Active Learning Spaces In the book Get Active: Reimagining Learning Spaces for Student Success, the authors identify six types of active learning spaces that are essential for creating an engaging...
View ArticleMaker Stations in Early Childhood
When I listened to others talk about their makerspaces they were always so enthusiastic about what they were doing. All I kept thinking was where is the curriculum connection and how am I going to...
View ArticleThe Creation of a Successful, Inquiry-Rich Maker Culture
While makerspace leaders/librarians remain the most important aspect of fostering a successful, inquiry-rich maker culture, what role does the aesthetics play in the space? Construction and...
View ArticleHow to Start a Makerspace When You’re Broke
Everyone’s Favorite Excuse I’ve had the honor and privilege of sharing with hundreds of librarians and educators about our makerspace. Unfortunately, I see many educators hold back on starting a...
View ArticleMarch’s Featured Learning Commons: Shannon Robinson at The Morgan School
Imagine being hired for a new job in which you were tasked not only with transforming an old library space and collection but also with changing the whole school’s perception of the philosophy of how...
View ArticleHow We Define Makerspaces
On March 14, 2016, I moderated #TLchat along with Melissa Ray. Our topic focused on bringing makerspaces and creativity into the library. Check out the full transcript of the chat – there were some...
View ArticleIdeas for Using AASL Best Websites: DIY.Org
Today’s blog entry on using the AASL Best Websites in your schools and libraries focuses on DIY.Org (https://diy.org/). The Best Websites for Teaching and Learning Committee categorized this dynamic...
View ArticleGetting Real: Taking Time to Refresh and Refocus
Spring has sprung. We are already neck-deep in School Library Month. We are advocating, collaborating, transforming, and full-STEAM a-heading toward summer. We are burn, burn, burning like fabulous...
View ArticleHow to Identify and Reframe Design Problems in Your Library Space
Figuring out the Design Problems in Your Space Many of us are rethinking and redesigning our library spaces. We have visions of flexible, mobile furnishings on wheels, beautiful charging stations,...
View Article3 Ways a MakerFair Can Be An Awesome Advocacy Tool
3 Ways a MakerFair Can Be an Awesome Advocacy Tool We just recently held our 3rd Annual Stewart MakerFair. It’s become a favorite event of mine during the school year, and my students always look...
View ArticleHow to Deal When Things Go Wrong in Your Makerspace
If you solely went by my blog posts and Instagram feed, you might think that my makerspace is all rainbows and sunshine, that all of my students are 100% engaged all the time, always building insanely...
View ArticleHow to Create Makerspace Procedures That Work
When we set up our libraries and classrooms, we create procedures to help keep things running smoothly. In the same way, we need to create makerspace procedures that help our students understand how to...
View ArticleGlobal Cardboard Challenge
Got cardboard? Tape? Creative students? If so, you are ready to join makers from all over the world on October 1, 2016, as they design and build in the Global Cardboard Challenge. The challenge began...
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