Flaming text

Image by FlamingText.com

Helping our kids become better readers

Our Prime Minister has a special blog running:

Image via Wikiped

Helping our kids become great readers -
open from 12pm 2 February---> 5pm 12 February 2010

Guest Blogger: Morris Gleitzman
Morris raises his concern about  the pressures being placed on Teacher Librarians.
"As an author, I'd like to raise a particular aspect of this important goal that urgently needs a champion.
There are precious creatures among us who are facing extinction, or at least amputation. They're called school librarians.
I visit a lot of schools, and for years now I've been bumping into weary over-worked individuals who introduce themselves as 'point six of a librarian' or 'half a librarian' or, in particularly tragic cases, 'point two of a librarian'.
This isn't the result of over-zealous self-assessment, nor am I having conversations with disembodied heads on library trolleys. It's the result of a system that burdens school librarians with teaching duties. That asks them to wear two hats at once to the detriment of both roles. A system that doesn't believe school libraries are important enough to have full-time librarians.
I think this is tragic and silly. I hope you agree, Kevin, because it would be wonderful if you could do something about it. "................ ...................................


 Register and have your say.

Internet Safety Day

Constable Zak talks about some important rules and advice on how to be safe when using the Internet.

Use Web2.0 tools at every stage of the Information Skills.

Keep play in your libraries and in your schools-POWERFUL

Stuart Brown on the power of play. Some persuasive material here on the benefits of different kinds of play - body play, object play, social play, spectator or ritual play, imaginative play (including solo and shared narratives). I love the concept of a ’state of play’ as in some sense a separate domain in which to explore the possible. I was also struck by his argument that a story is “the fundamental unit of intelligibility.” As with so many TED talks, a very rich set of ideas presented clearly and concisely. from Ed Webb

Wizard of Apps

Check out this SlideShare Presentation:

Wizard of Apps

View more presentations from joycevalenza.

Fiction with a twist is a book rap starting in Week 5.

I'm sharing a message from Lizzie Chase of the School Libraries and Information Literacy Unit:

Fiction with a twist is a book rap starting in Week 5. Aimed at enthusiastic readers/writers in Stages 3 and 4, it provides fiction extracts for students. It boosts inferential reading and the writing of short descriptive paragraphs.

Student writing samples
See student writing to the blog already at http://rapblog8.edublogs.org - it is inspiring!

Teaching resources + unit of work
The resources for the rap are NOW available at http://www.schools.nsw.edu.au/raps/twist/teachingideas.htm
Nowadays, students can blog in directly without needing to register with edublogs!

Optional training - everyone welcome
If you would like training in use of the rap resources [this is NOT mandatory of course] - there is a workshop at Bonnyrigg HS on Thursday February 11th, the same one is repeated at Ryde State Office on February 15th. You can be trained, even if you do not plan to do the rap. These resources are very extensive and explicit...
 
 Register

Cheers

Lizzie Chase

School Libraries and Information Literacy Unit

Take care of your library books.

Google logos can be easily explained

 Barbara Braxton posted this information today and I felt it was worth sharing:

For those of you wondering about the significance of today's Google logo, 

as I was, it is in honour of Norman Rockwell's birthday.  

Rockwell "was a 20th-century American painter and illustrator. His works 

enjoy a broad popular appeal in the United States, where Rockwell is most

famous for the cover illustrations of everyday life scenarios he created for 

The Saturday Evening Post magazine over more than four decades."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norman_Rockwell

Since the controversy over the Google logo for Australia Day 

I have discovered that if you click on the logo 

it takes you to an explanation of its background.

Secrets of Eromanga by Sheryl Gwyther is now available.

Sheryl Gwyther
Australian writer of children's books

Read Sheryl Gwyther's blog

TEACHERS' NOTES :  Secrets of Eromanga Teachers’ Notes
written by Anna Dalziel, Lothian/Hachette Books 

Secrets of Eromanga reviewed by Claire Saxby
  Reviewed by:  Education Dept – Western Australia

Secrets of Eromanga reviews

Australia Series Professional Learning

Bright ideas 

Image via Wikipedia

The Bright Ideas blog  by the School Library Association of Victoria 

introduces  Australia Series professional learning.

Australian-friendly times and offer topics that are relevant to 

Australian teachers.

This professional learning resource is highly recommended and is

freely available to all Australian educators. 

Twitter hashtag:  #australiaseries 

Image via CrunchBase

 

Quicklink to this group:  http://www.theaustraliaseries.com 

My School Website

My School Website went live today. 28/01/10

For an overview of what My School Website is and what My School Website shows

Sing along to the song_ At Your Library with Bill Harley

At Your Library Song-Full version

Grammy-winning singer and storyteller Bill Harley composed a song especially for the Kids! @ your library® Campaign. Sing along in your community!

The following permissions language must be used whenever you use the Campaign song:
At Your Library by Bill Harley © 2005 Round River Records, used with permission www.billharley.com

Top Ten Ways to Use Bill Harley’s
“At Your Library” Song
in Your Library and Community

"@ your library®" lyrics (PDF)

"@ your library®" sheet music  (PDF)

Different versions are available @

 

 

ALSC gratefully acknowledges HarperCollins Publishers
for underwriting Bill Harley's participation in the Kids! Campaign.

Back to Kids!  @ your library® Campaign Main Page

Visit Bill Harley's Web Page

Visit HarperCollins Publishers Web site

Although American, this message would be a good one to use on your blog just before the holidays.

Help kids search more effectively online.

January 23, 2010

Boolean Searching for Kids grades 5+

Australia Post Australian Legends Award

This year the Australia Post Australian Legends Award recognises six significant living novelists, each of whom has made an outstanding contribution to the social and cultural life of this country. 

The Australia Post Australian Legends Award is presented each year as part of Australia Day celebrations to honour individuals who have made a lifetime contribution to the development of our national identity and character.

The Recipients

Australia Post salutes Peter Carey, Bryce Courtenay, Thomas Keneally, David Malouf, Colleen McCullough and Tim Winton. Together they have earned critical acclaim and literary prizes, loyal readerships and immense sales.

Bryce Courtney                                                             David Malouf

Image via Wikipedia

Tim Winton said he was pleased that Australian writers were selected to be this year's Australian Legends."It's great to think that Australians would honour writers in the same way that it has honoured sports stars".

American Teacher Librarians to be known as "school librarians"

AASL has redefined the term that describes the certified person who runs a school library (or library media center  as a “school librarian”. This new decision  made by the American Association of School Librarians means the term  "Library Media Specialist' is no more.

Here is the motion put to the AASL from the AASL Official blog .
Whereas, the overarching strategic goal of the American Association of School Librarians is to achieve universal recognition of school librarians as indispensable educational leaders; and
Whereas, the AASL Affiliate Assembly requested that the AASL Board of Directors choose a title for its professionals that is clear to other educators, administrators, and the public; and
Whereas, a recent AASL survey indicated confusion, misperceptions, and inconsistencies about various job titles in our profession; and
Whereas, AASL needed to agree on a common nomenclature for all publications and advocacy efforts; and
Whereas, the AASL’s leadership reviewed the data, identified the advantages and disadvantages of the various titles, and held a focused and extensive discussion.
Therefore be it resolved, AASL officially adopts “school librarian” as the title which reflects the roles of the 21st century school library professional as leader, instructional partner, information specialist, teacher, and program administrator; be it further resolved that AASL will advance and promote the title “school librarian” to ensure universal recognition of school librarians as indispensible educational leaders.
The following guiding principles govern these actions: Open dialog concerning knowledge of our stakeholders’ needs, wants, and preferences; the current realities and evolving dynamics of our environment; the capacity and strategic position of our organization; and the ethical implications relevant to this decision.

ASLA received a disappointing response from Julia

“A strong library program that is adequately staffed, resourced and funded can lead to higher student achievement regardless of the socioeconomic or educational levels of the adults in the community” (Lonsdale, ACER, 2003).

"How is it that the Federal government can commit billions of dollars to the building of new primary school libraries across all states, yet seems unconcerned who (if anyone) will be managing those brand new libraries – let alone if anyone is also qualified to teach within them?"  The Hub

Request for a national school library review was made by Australian School Library Association.

Letter to the Rudd Government (24 November 2009) | Response from the Chief of Staff, Office of the Hon Julia Gillard MP (17 December 2009)

If you would like to do something to change this situation please go to Sign Our Petition

Twitter is a great tool to develop your Personal Learning Network. Have you tried twitter yet?

 When you begin twittering The Twitter Guide Book will prove a great support.



Twitter & Education - #140conf LA from RealPlayer SP on Vimeo.
Participants: Aparna Vashisht (@Parentella) - Founder, Parentella; Eric Sheninger (@NMHS_Principal) - New Milford High School, NJ; Shelly S Terrell (@ShellTerrell) - Educator and Blogger, Teacher ReBoot Camp; Steven W. Anderson (@web20classroom) - Educator and Blogger, Web 2.0 Connected Classroom; Tom Whitby (@tomwhitby) - Professor of English, Secondary English
from the 140 Character Conference - Los Angeles - October 28, 2009
**sponsored by RealPlayer SP http://real.com/realplayer**

Thanks to Beth Still for sharing the video.
For further information go to Why teachers use twitter. on Free Technology for Teachers

 If you are a NSWDET teacher, Stu Hasic has provided a pdf document to explain the steps to take when Adding Yourself to the NSWDET Twitter Directory.


If you decide to join the twitter ranks use :
#austl  to discover tweets relevant to Australian Teacher Librarians
#asla for Australian School Library Association related tweets
#nswdet for NSW Department of Education and Training related tweet
#dernsw for Digital Education Revolution related tweets

Warren Mac Cullough has created visual representation of these groups

 NSW DET teachers: Twitter HashTags to follow recommended by benpaddlejones

• 
  
  
  #DERNSW
  #EdChat
  #EdTech
  #Education
  #eLearning
  #Learning
  #NewEdBlogs
  #NSWDET
  #PLE
  #PLN
  #Teach
  #Teachers
  #CCP
  #NSWK-6
  What are HashTags
  
  

If you are not a NSWDET teacher you can access the document to follow the steps but change the details to match your area.

The evolution of the Book

This infographic, which was tweeted by @edunut, displays the evolution of the book from 3500 b.c. to 2008! For further detailed information provided on the infographic click here. 

Our first Wishwall

Sandy Beach Public School's first Wishwall is up and running.


Wishwall is a new way to communicate. It is an online Notice Board Maker.


View a demo wall @ Wallwisher demo

We would love you to post a comment on our wishwall!! 

New Smart Devices for Learning

Check out this SlideShare Presentation:

New Smart Devices for Learning

View more presentations from Steve Wheeler.

The Creation Of A Professional Learning Network.(PLN)

This is a great PD Video contributed by Ann Carnevale.

Future of the Library

Seth Godin in his blog post on the future of the library states that: "What we need to spend the money on are leaders, sherpas and teachers who will push everyone from kids to seniors to get very aggressive in finding and using information and in connecting with and leading others."

This sounds to me very much like the teach them "at the point of need" method. Success rates rise significantly when people have a need  and are ready to learn. In our schools Teacher Librarians often have the opportunity to fill this role for students and staff alike, but need to be given "time" to undertake this vital task.


What do you think?

?Future of books? Librarians have a role to play...

John Green wrote an article for School Library Journal 01/01/10:

The Future of Reading: Don't worry. It might be better than you think.

John writes: "I believe that school and children’s librarians will have a great deal of say in the shape of that change—more say, in fact, than anyone else: your choices will guide us as publishers stumble, as bookstores struggle, as the reading public becomes too bewildered to know what they want, and as authors—like always—do whatever you tell us to do."

Here he answers questions about that article.

http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250

http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250

FABULOUS COGs site in 2010!!

Read the message from Cath Keane (SCAN Editor)

Free posters, bookmarks and stickers for your library.

    Ford Street Publishing  

will send you free A3 posters, plus bookmarks and stickers.

Have a look at the book trailers on videos on  the NEW Ford St Publishing's channel  on YouTube.

Eduweb awards-Best Librarian Blog- Have your vote!!

Check out 2009 Nominated Librarian Blogs

1. A Fuse #8 Productions
2. Bloggit
3. Bright Ideas
4. Blue Skunk
5. Cathy Nelson’s Professional Thoughts
6. Hey Jude
7. LCS ES Media Blog
8. Librarian by Day Blog
9. Library Tech Musings
10. Lucacept
11. My Mind Gap
12. Never Ending Search
13. Not So Distant Future
14. The Unquiet Librarian
15. The Unquiet Library
16. The Waki Librarian
17. The Web Footed Book Lady
18. Wired Librarian
19. World’s Strongest Librarian

VOTE here

We need your help....please

 Please go to the link below and sign the petition:

Our children deserve no less than a qualified TL in every school library.

Change is coming but help is needed!!

 I have a message to share form a fellow TL who is very excited about the change being offered to her.

Please spare a minute to offer your 

much sought after advice.

I have just been given the chance to organise the library borrowing/usage as I want, with consultation of course. 

I will have no RFF and was  thinking of having set a borrowing time (1/2 hour) for K to 2 with  flexible timetabling for 3 to 6 and a drop in and borrow slot for 3 to 6. 

The executive have asked me to gather information from other TLs who are  using this formula or something similar.  

Does anyone use this in their  library?  Is it successful and were there problems implementing it  especially as the library has been used for at least 9 hours of RFF and  the rest of the school a 1/2 hour borrowing. 

I am excited about having  team teaching in the library.

 Regards Lorelle Byers

lbbyers@optusnet.com.au

A must read for all Aussie Teacher Librarians!!!

 If you have not yet had a chance to read this post by Maralyn Parker you really should.

"WE can only hope someone knows what to do with that “state of the art’’ library, courtesy of the Rudd Building the Education Revolution, coming to your primary school soon. And more importantly that they have the time to do it."  Maralyn Parker

 Writing on the wall for library revolution.

"The government is on the right track, I believe, in aiming for a

21st century library 

 in every Australian primary school. 

But the buildings, technology and furniture 

are only part of it." 

"...not one state or territory in Australia can promise their fabulous new primary school libraries will be run by people qualified to do the job."  

High school literacy game and science scams !!!

Smokescreen is a thirteen-part web-literacy game requiring players to uncover a mystery on a fictional social network site. As they unfold the plot they learn about the real dangers inadvertent but indiscrete information sharing can expose people to. 

For the Science of Scams Channel 4 Learning have recruited Derren Brown to host a new web show which seeks to expose some of the tricks used by so-called paranormal practitioners while his co-host Kat Akingbade explores the science at work behind such seeming mysteries as telekinesis, ghosts and psychic ability.

Check http://inspired.futurelab.org.uk/ - for other great resources.

Thanks to

Sue Spence

Curriculum Manager, Senior Secondary Reform

Curriculum Services

for this advice.

Literacy Resources-Winner Edublogger Competition 2009

Well worth checking out Literacy Resources, Devon Learning and Development Partnership.

Chifley Public School are seeking 0.6 TL for 2010

 I am sharing a message from Rachael Bryant, Teacher Librarian, Chifley Public School (with her permission).

Dear Colleagues,

I will be leaving my 0.6 Teacher Librarian position at the end of this year - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. I would love a trained TL to move into the role (as I understand, it will be casual/temporary and then be advertised for permanent). Chifley Public School (near Matraville in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney) is a gorgeous little school of about 220 students. The staff are fabulous and the community very supportive. There are very few behavioural issues and on the whole the students love the library.

The library is being refurbished at the end of this term, which means, although it may be a little messy to begin with, anyone moving into the position will have a chance to put their own stamp on the place from the beginning. I really am sad to be leaving.

If you are interested, or know anyone who may be, please email me off list or alternatively, call me or the Principal, Andrew Fielding, on ph. 02 9661 3014

Kind regards

Rachael Bryant

Looking for the best blogs? Try this latest list.

Karenne's EduBlogs Nominations for 2009

asked by Edublogs to submit nominations for the 2009, Edublogs Awards.

The list provides a smorgasbord of  educational blogs 

across a wide range of categories.

 

reBlog from Audrey Nay: Coffs Harbour TL's Network and Beyond

Due to the abundance of information and "misinformation" there is a vital need for students to be guided by trained Teacher  Librarians to assist students to develop

essential "information literacy skills". Audrey Nay, Coffs Harbour TL's Network and Beyond, Oct 2009

The petition has been forwarded to Julia Gillard but your signature is still sought. The more signatures the stronger our message:

A Qualified Teacher Librarian in Every School

Game consoles in the library? in the classroom?

In his blog, EdTe.ch, Tom Barrett write about his experience of using game consoles in the classroom. It is one of my favourite things.

Have you read these yet? Advocacy is important for TL's.

ASLA have sent a
 Letter to Federal Minister for Education, 
Julia Gillard, calling for a

national review of school libraries

Do you know what recent measures have been undertaken 

by ASLA National?          If not, click here

Early bird notice! The 12th Annual Tooth Tally Project begins soon!

Cheryl Hill is looking for Australian schools 

that would like to join this 

INTERNATIONAL project.

The excitement of counting, graphing, reading and writing about losing teeth is beginning again next February. So get in early and get ready to join the fun!!

Our year 1 classes really enjoyed this

 TOOTH TALLY unit 
last year and I would like to do it again for year 1, 2010. 
I really recommend this project .

Check out Tooth Tally Project which includes great lesson plans.  
There are also downloadable resources including 

Australian NSW DET Teachers:The Tooth Tally Project Lesson Plan 

from: www.computerkids.com.au

OVERVIEW

The Tooth Tally Project integrates a common event 
in the life of a first year student –losing a tooth 
– with reading, maths, writing, HSIE and technology.

Using "lost tooth" data collected in the classroom               
year one students will practice counting skills and 
collecting data. 

 

They will learn to make and interpret graphs,
develop map skills, increase word processing ability,
use a scanner and communicate online using a wiki site.

   

It's a wonderful opportunity for children to realise that  

in spite of many differences 

                     children all around the world have many similarities, too.

Key ICT Subject Area

Computer Operations & Concepts: CO.1, CO.3, CO.4, CO.8

Word Processing: WP.1, WP.2, WP6

Graphics & DTP: GD.13, GD.14, GD.16

Internet: IN.4, IN.11, IN.15

Technical Objective To use a range of technology applications in research,

communication and publication of data collected from around

the world.

Related KLA Outcomes

English: TS1.1, TS1.2, WS1.12

Mathematics: NS1.1, WMS1.12, DS1.1, MS1.2,

Science & Technology: INVS1.7, ICS1.12, UTS2.9

PDHPE: GDS1.9,

HSIE: SSS2.7, ENS2.5

Software Internet Explorer, Word, Excel, Google Earth, scanning

Timeframe 8-10 x 45 min. lessons, spread across Terms 1 & 2   

---

Visit the Teachers page on the tooth tally website 

for lots of downloadable resources, including the tooth shape marker.

---

Registration is now open,
please register at the TOOTH TALLY website,

Cheryl Hill

Tooth Tally Project Coordinator

www.toothtally.com

In the 21st century, what does a school librarian do?

You know you're a 21st century librarian if . .



Manifesto for 21st Century School Librarians


By Joyce Kasman Valenza

Great Libraries of Learning:Is your library answering the needs of your students?

Great Libraries of Learning:Is your library answering the needs of your students?

Updated OASIS stocktake manual is here! 2009 version!!

School Libraries and Information Literacy

Updated stocktake manual is here! - The updated OASIS Stocktake Manual is available at the bottom of the FAQs - Stocktake page, under the question

How can I get assistance and advice on stocktake?

You will also find Stocktake hints by Sandra Jackson when you scroll down to this question .

Maralyn Parker, Daily Tele, supports our cause

In case you missed this article:

Maralyn Parker, Daily Tele, supports our cause

Well worth a few minutes reading time!!

Book Reviews which embeds technology nicely.

Hot Dog Book review on "It's not easy being a bunny."
Here is our latest Hot Dog book review from a third grader.
 Hot Dogs write a review, draw a self portrait, and then we animate the review with their voice.

Find more videos like this on TeacherLibrarianNetwork

Here is another 3rd and 4th grade book review.

The reviews are posted on Glogster for the school to use.

Glog Book Review "The Clouds Above."

Find more videos like this on TeacherLibrarianNetwork

Generating OASIS calendar 2010

Are you looking for the NSW DET Master dates to generate your new 2010 dates for the calendar?
Click here

Free- Open access Educational Journals

100 Excellent Open Access Journals for Educators

100 Excellent Open Access Journals for Educators
Just like physicians, the best educators stay informed with the latest developments in their field.
Luckily, it doesn’t take anything more than time to have access to quality journals for educators.

The following open access journals provide top-notch scholarly information available at no cost.

Most of these journals are published just once or a few times a year, so subscribe to several
so you can keep up-to-date on the latest research coming out of the field of education.





 

Image via Wikipedia

Of particular interest to Teacher Librarians:
School Library Media Research.
Learn about evaluating and implementing successful school library media programs with the articles here.

DIGITISATION of the SMH & ARGUS Newspapers

Message from: Sharon McGuinness

Teacher Librarian

Image via Wikipedia

 1. Sydney Morning Herald

The first digitised issues of the 

Sydney Morning Herald are now
available.  We have started from

the first issue 1831 and are 

making our way forwards to 1954.

The first 20 years (18,000 pages) are 

now available as follows:

Sydney Herald 1831-1842
Sydney Morning Herald 1842-1852

Issues from 1852 - 1954 will be 

made available each week from now on
through til early 2010. In early 2010 

The Sunday Herald 1949-1953 will
also become available.
  
We would like to acknowledge the financial contribution of the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation who have

given $1 million dollars towards the digitisation of this title.

2. The Argus (Melbourne)

The Argus  (and its previous title the Melbourne Argus) from 1846 - 1945 are now completed and available. 

The remaining 10 years (1945-1954) of the Argus will be made available in 2010 (mid to end of year).


Please circulate this message or its contents wherever appropriate.

Click to access the Australian Newspapers service:

Bring dogs into the library...help kids learn to read...

Therapy dogs in libraries 

can help kids 

become more comfortable with reading.

Children who are just learning to read often feel judged or intimidated by classmates and adults.

But reading to a dog isn't so scary.

It won't judge, it won't get impatient, it won't laugh or correct if the child makes a mistake.

In a nutshell, dogs are simply excellent listeners.

And for shy kids or slow readers, that can make all the difference.

In America there is a nationwide program called R.E.A.D. -- Reading Education Assistance Dogs. It has been noticed that there's another benefit of reading to the dogs that they didn't anticipate: confidence.

The volunteers see the kids light up and see how excited they are with their success. They see all these changes in the students that they just weren't able to make as beginning readers before.

Check out more on this program @Learning to Read? Try talking to a dog

Great timesaver... and great resources available.

A special message from :

Lizzie Chase

School Libraries and Information Literacy Unit

 

Find out when a new resource is added to 

School Libraries and Information Literacy Website 

and exactly where to find it.

 

To bring news of our website updates to you, the School Libraries and Information Literacy team have set up an RSS Feed  which you can click to subscribe to.

 

It will send a message straight into a folder called RSS at the side, within your DET Outlook email inbox. 

 

They will let you know when new DET workshops have been placed online for you to register OR direct you to hidden goodies on their website...

 

 

For example - the first RSS feed they have set up is at

http://www.curriculumsupport.education.nsw.gov.au/schoollibraries/rss/index.htm

and lets you know that there are some brand new teaching resources, if you SCROLL DOWN to the bottom of the nominated page!! 

 

Lizzie would certainly recommend the revamped Information Skills teaching ideas to any new teacher librarians...

 

New teaching resources for primary and secondary teacher librarians

Select the K-6 or 7-10 ISP Matrix, and scroll down to find the new Information skills teaching ideas, Information Skills Process posters, the Resource evaluation checklist, and the Cognitive organisers booklet.

Click here for an RSS Feed for this page