Have I read all the books in the library?

I wish!  There are so many wonderful books that I have yet to devour.  Isn't that a great problem!  The patrons of Lee's Summit School district are so bless to have libraries that are text rich. 

My job is split into 3 parts.  First and foremost, I'm a teacher.  I have the honor of teaching each child in my school.  I get to witness students grow as readers.  I was working with a fourth grader last week.  I was sharing with this young man that I remember when he was in kindergarten.  I've watched and helped him learn his letters, read words, put the words into sentences and connect the sentences into an amazing journey within the covers of a book.  Truly, I'm honored to witness and participate in each child's literacy journey.

Another part of my job is to be knowledgeable about current literacy trends.  With this knowledge, I work on collection development.  I read countless professional journals to make sure that the teachers have the resources they need to engage students in their learning.  Furthermore, I read thousands of book reviews to help me decide what books should be added to our library collection.  With each new book is a wish and a hope...will this be the book that will ignite the passion for reading  for that relucant reader or will it be the book that inspires the reader to write, research, and/or DREAM  big? 

Finally, the third piece of my job is administrative, 'running the library'.  I'm responsible for the layout of the library, making sure my clerks and I are meeting the needs of our children, staff and parents, and spending and allocating budget items properly. 

Each part of my job is as important as the other.  Of course I have my favorites parts and not so favorite.  What I love is to teach and interact with the children.  My least favorite is the administrative part.  I'm not a big fan of paper work.  All in all I love my job and the learning journey I partcipate in and witness.

So I haven't read all the books in the library...yet.  But I'm working on it one book at a time.

Celebrate 'Family Literacy Month' in November

Celebrate 'Family Literacy Month' in November

A family who reads together....DREAM together.

Let's Give Thanks Booklist | Books by Theme | Children's Books and Authors | Reading Rockets

Let's Give Thanks Booklist Books by Theme Children's Books and Authors Reading Rockets

I couldn't help but look at this resource and be Thankful! :)

Soldiers Surprising Their Loved Ones

On November 11 we will be honoring our veterans. During library we will be reading and discussing about ways to honor those who serve our country. Thank you to all the families who have shared their loved ones with America.

2010 Books as Gifts Buying Guide | Children's Books and Authors | Reading Rockets

2010 Books as Gifts Buying Guide Children's Books and Authors Reading Rockets

Holidays are just around the corner! Books are a wonderful gift. Check this wonderful list of books.
HO, HO, HO!

Video Interviews with Top Children's Authors and Illustrators | Reading Rockets

Video Interviews with Top Children's Authors and Illustrators Reading Rockets

Check out this site:

100s of authors and illustrators speak about their journey into books.

We Are Off and Running...or Should I Say Reading!

I can't believe it's second quarter already.   I have been concentrating so hard on building relationships with my students - I have neglected my BLOG.  I am still traveling between two schools this year.  However, one of my schools is new to me.  I'm the media specialist at both Meadow Lane Elementary and Pleasant Lea Elementary.  I love both of my schools so much.  Each building is filled with students and staff who are committed to achieve their goals of literacy.  I'm certainly surrounded by a community of readers in both schools.  I teach nearly 1200 students and support over 40 staff member in their curriculum goals.  It's exciting to see students come to the library and inquire more information about something they had just learned about or look for that book that will take them on endless adventures. 
Since students walked in our school doors, we have circulated about 11,000 books at each of my schools.  My clerks and I have pulled 1000s of books for our teachers to use in their classrooms.  Your children are truly surrounded by books and resources. 
One of my main focuses for my students is to help them see the connection between reading to writing.  It's vital the they see themselves as both readers and writers.  The more they read-the more opportunities they may see a style of writing that will inspire them.  One of my goals is to use more technology in my lessons so the kids will see what they can use to produce their final writing creations.
Second Quarter Here We Come!!!!!!