Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Help share the tradition: Awaken young minds with 'A Book on Every Bed'

 Awaken young minds with "A Book on Every Bed." This article, by Amy,  from the Washington Post really resonated with me. I just had to try to spread the great idea as requested. I hope you will also share  the concept and spread the tradition with others.

 Amy was concerned that according to literacy organizations, less than half of young children in this country are read to regularly and a high percentage of American families have no children's books in the home." This is not a problem confined to America. It  is a global problem. Amy used her column to make a plea to her readers asking them to celebrate by giving a book to a child, through a homegrown campaign called "A Book on Every Bed, " explaining the process:
"Take a book. Wrap it. Place it on a child's bed so it's the first thing she sees on Christmas morning (or whatever holiday you celebrate)." 
So simple. So inexpensive. So valuable. So effective.
(It is not about buying books as you can hand down a pre-loved book)

"A Book on Every Bed" is an appeal to spread the love of reading from parents to children. We also want to encourage families to share books by reading aloud.

Mr. McCullough, historian and two-time Pulitzer Prize-winner e-mailed Amy: "I think my love of books began on Christmas mornings long ago and the love has never gone stale."
Start a tradition: My hope is that other families will enjoy a tradition that revolves around reading together. I further hope that librarians, teachers, bookstore owners and literacy advocates spread this idea as far and wide as it will go, making it possible for any family that wants a child to receive a book to get one."

 We all know that literacy starts early and needs to be nurtured with regular reading.
We all understand that kids who grow up surrounded by books and stories have a great start  in life. Let's help some kids who otherwise may not get this chance. Have you any suggestions to help achieve this goal?


We also need to keep in mind the conflict that is present in society. The post
'Books for Christmas? What the heck is that?' Child's reaction to present becomes internet hit. demonstrates the focus that Christmas is often perceived to be about toys and games. Here was a child who 'To him books are the fun time we spend reading every night before he goes to bed.'
In the article the father stressed that his boy loved reading and books, but was 'overwhelmed' after opening too many gifts.
 This scholastic e-card shows clearly the joy of having a book for a present. We need to promote this message to our families and students.

 We need to ensure that books are wanted and acceptable as gifts at special times such as birthdays and Christmas. Next year at Sandy Beach Public School Library I am starting up the (donate a book to the library)-Birthday Book Plan. Parents are invited to send in a book that their child would love to read so we can process it ready for the child's birthday. The processing includes placing a donation plate in the book thus recognising the donor for their contribution. 

The student who donated the book is then the first to borrow and read the book which, once returned, becomes available for the rest of the students to borrow. In the interest of equity I also like the idea of gaining some sponsorship from local community businesses to help those families where parents may not be in a position to donate.

The Global Literacy Campaign currently running also illustrates the interest and need there is to ensure our kids are reading every day:
You can view this as a slideshow.

Please join in and invite other teachers, friends and family to take the pledge to encourage a child in your life to read every day @ Read Every Day
Together we can help improve the future for many a girl and boy!

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Art Attack offers great activities to enthuse your library visitors.

Art AttackImage via WikipediaI would like to try this activity in the library next year. Kids might like to create a cling on bookmark early in the year so they remember to care for their books or maybe create one for their Mum for Mother's Day or Dad for Father's Day.


There are some great art/craft activities at Art Attack.




I might also try the bookworm bookmark or the bookworm bookends.
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School Libraries need your support NOW!!

"Action Needed for TL Inquiry to be reopened.

Amanda Rishworth, in her capacity of the new Chair of Standing
Committee on Education and Employment has advised that, “Unfortunately
the inquiry into School Libraries and Teacher Librarians conducted by
the education and Training committee lapsed as a result of the
prorogation of the 42nd Parliament.

The Education and Employment committee of the 43rd Parliament requires
a referral from the Minister
of the terms of reference for it to
inquire and report on this matter.

Draw upon the wording of our letter at The Hub or write your own.
Submit via the online contact form at
<http://www.aph.gov.au/house/members/memfeedback.asp?id=HV4>

Act Now.

Georgia Phillips
co-founder
The Hub: Campaign for Quality School Libraries in Australia
http://hubinfo.wordpress.com/"

Please write to Peter Garrett now.
The Hub (School Libraries Advocacy Group) outlines a draft letter that you may wish to model your letter on.

Saturday, November 6, 2010

How to improve your web literacy and search like a Pro!

Enjoy this presentation given November 2010 in New Jersey by Barbara De Santis from Sayreville Public School. It challenges you to "get REAL!!"I "get real" now!! It is a very simple but effective strategy to use.  NJEA Search like a pro!

Thursday, October 28, 2010

RIF Study: Access to Books Vital to Children's Success

According to RIF's summary report, access to print materials:
  • Improves children's reading performance.
  • Are instrumental in helping children learn the basics of reading. .
  • Causes children to read more and for longer lengths of time.
  • Produces improved attitudes toward reading and learning among children.
 Through book distribution programs, libraries, and classrooms, we can assure children's success by increasing access to books.
 Kids who read, succeed!

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Help for your parents-MySchoolLibrary


Make sure your parents ( and your staff) visit this fabulous new website: MySchoolLibrary

It includes sections on Literacy,  Information Literacy and ICT.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Libraries keep on keeping on....

Jeff Stahler



Some things in life are FREE- your library card!!!!

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Augmented Reality-Sailing the Snail....


Augmented reality (AR) is changing the way we view the world -- or at least the way its users see the world. See How Augmented reality works 
Augmented reality, which is partly real and partly computer enhanced, intensifies what we see, hear, feel and smell. For further information you can watch  Augmented Reality - Explained by Common Craft  You can also download their fact sheet to further support your learning.
I was amazed when I viewed this TED Sixth Sense Technology some time ago...


To enjoy viewing videos on augmented realities go to EchucaELearning for plenty of enlightenment!!
To introduce your students to AR you could try:
ZooBurst is a digital storytelling tool that is designed to let anyone easily create their own customized 3D pop-up books. Using ZooBurst, storytellers of any age can create their own rich worlds in which their stories can come to life.

Sailing the Snail is a short demonstration by Graeme Base of the Augmented Reality from his new book 'The Legend of the Golden Snail'.

Enjoy the book trailer for The Legend of the Golden Snail. The Golden Snail has been banished to the ends of the earth and Wilbur sets out on a mission to free it. Along the way he makes friends who save him from rough seas and mazes of madness, returning him safely home.
It is now available from Puffin Australia where it is book of the week this week!

From Brisbane Convention Centre to you....

If you missed SLAQ-IASL Conference 2010
held at Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
Brisbane, Qld, Australia you can still access many of the sessions:


Tuesday 28 September 2010
‘In schools that face the future: libraries matter’

by Dr. Michael Hough AM (Professorial Fellow, University of Wollongong, Australia)

Friday, October 1, 2010

Meet the Library Gadget 3000!!

See what it can do for you!!
Like it? Create your own at GoAnimate.com. It's free and fun!

Google becomes even faster...Google Instant

 Meet the new way to search. Google Instant shows results as you type.

Google Instant has two new enhancements: new keyboard navigation features and the availability of Google Instant across more search features, like News, Video and Books. New keyboard navigation features allow you to fly through and choose your Instant search results using just your keyboard, with no need for a mouse or touchpad. And check out how Google Instant works on many of the search features listed on the left hand navigation of the search results page.

and for a very quick demonstration: Google Instant with Bob Dylan

Friday, September 24, 2010

Lyn Hay presents the keynote at Sydney CEO TL conference September 2010

What does your school library offer?
What do you want your school library to offer?
What do you want your school library to look like?
 Lyn promotes TLs building a vision based on research and best practice.
Lyn introduces the iCentre concept.
Are you ready?
Is your school library reading for this next change?

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Do you know any self-published authors of children's fantasy and sci-fi books?

Dianne Imison (TL) has asked for this info to be shared...
 
Do you know any self-published authors of children's fantasy and sci-fi books? You may be one yourself! It can be very difficult for self-published authors to find publicity as they don't have a big publishing firm behind them.

There is a graphics team which is preparing a website to bridge the gap between author, book and public, and is being touted as top-ranking in Google search engines. This team is also looking at the huge potential of the downlaodable book with the advent of the
iPad. Amazon sells more of these than physical books.

The new website is being launched in time for Christmas, and would certainly create world-wide interest in books presented there. Authors would still have the ability to sell their books elsewhere - the website would be another avenue for exposure of book and author to improve sales.


I myself have no interest, pecuniary or otherwise, in this venture. I am a friend of Roslyn Motter, self-published author of
The Doofuzz Dudes series, who mentioned this to me - she is already participating herself.

Those of you who are familiar with her books will recall the marvellous new covers of her first 7 books - these were created by the same graphic artists involved in this website. The first book in Roslyn's series, "The Doofuzz Dudes rescue Moondar",  was shortlisted in the KOALA and YABBA Awards in 2009.

The Doofuzz Dudes books are a "delightful children’s adventure book series" according to the Fremantle Herald.

The Doofuzz Dudes Rescue Moondar is a cute little story that has all the elements to entertain seven to ten year old kids. It's a nice mixture of reality (bullies and coughs and getting wet in the rain) with the kind of fantasy children will get lost in.  I noted something that will slip kids by, although it'll influence them: in this story, Toby always finds a way to use kindness to conquer enemies. This book is the start of a series. I can recommend it to every young reader.

Dr Bob Rich (Psychologist, conservationist and writer)


For more details please email Roslyn directly, and do feel free to pass this information to anyone you think would be interested.


Her email is:
rozlyn@iprimus.com.au




Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Join in the fun of the Kids! @ your library Campaign

Grammy-winning singer and storyteller Bill Harley composed a song especially for the Kids! @ your library® Campaign.
 Sing along in your community!
Here are links to several versions of the song, titled At Your Library," for you to download.
Lyrics and sheet music are also available!

Top Ten Ways to Use Bill Harley’s  “At Your Library” Song
in Your Library and Community
Check out some of the other promotional material- Bookmarks and poster



Have fun!
Enjoy this interpretation of Bill Harley's song with added visuals by a school librarian.

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Help people to help each other....School Libraries -Community and conversation

The Designed for Learning:School Libraries video on BlipTV,  aims to contribute to the design and development of visually stunning, fit-for-purpose libraries that support 21st century learning in extended school settings.
It shows the contribution an effective library can make to the educational, creative, emotional & reading development of children and young people, and the aspects of design that can enable this.
Chartered Institute of
Library and Information
Professionals
Funded by CILIP School Libraries Group 
 and MLA (Museums Libraries and Archives Council), the DVD features Stephen Heppell, Les Watson (Education Adviser), students, Head Teachers and senior managers from diverse schools and settings. 
Each has a different viewpoint, but all are convinced of the role of the library to support learning and argue convincingly for the library to have a fair share of the footprint.

"Book based libraries are still very important.... "


Thursday, September 9, 2010

Have you students just learning how to use the non-fiction area of the library?

They may find this site engaging and informative: DeweyDigger



Explore topics using the Dewey Decimal System


Dig deep for treasure.....

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

MIRROR by Jeannie Baker

 Mirror is a wordless picture book. It depicts two families- one in Sydney and the other in Morocco. Jeannie Baker presents beautiful collaged illustrations again in this unusual book.
The new and very different book by Jeannie Baker really is quite unique as this
demonstration of how to read through it shows... 
Artists statement:
The idea for this work came from my delight in travelling in a country very different from my own. At the time in my own country there was much political poisoning of attitudes towards foreigners and foreignness. But travelling alone in remote Morocco, a woman stranger myself, I was met with much friendliness and generosity from strangers. The idea for the work was right there: that outward appearances may be very different but the inner person of a stranger may not be a stranger at all. We all live to be loved by family and friends and to be part of a larger family, a community. Inwardly we are so alike that it could be each other we see when we look in a mirror.


The settings I chose for the families in the story are the Valley of Roses in southern Morocco and my home in Sydney, Australia. The images started as drawings. Using these drawings as a guide, I then made collages. These were constructed layer by layer on a wooden baseboard using a combination of natural and artificial materials such as sand, earth, clay, paints, vegetation, paper, fabric, wool, tin and plastic. The natural materials were preserved and fresh colouring added.
 
There are a set of 6 posters from the book, with teaching ideas on the back, available for $10.00     ISBN 978-1-921482-20-5 . 
Copies of the kit are available from Books Illustrated : 
Tel. +61 3 95347751 
Fax +61 3 96960893
info@booksillustrated.com.au

 Teaching notes for Mirror are available from Walker Books.
The Mirror exhibition was recently launched by the NSW Governor Marie Bashir, and
has a long list of tour dates but will be on at Museum of Sydney until 10 October.
Thanks to Jenny Connolly for sharing this information.

Friday, August 27, 2010

Please do not let this become a reality...act now

Media Release
27 August 2010
The Hub: Campaign for Quality School Libraries in Australia/
Illawarra School Libraries Association

NSW government cuts teacher services to save money

In yet another attempt to bring its financial house in order, the NSW government has ordered a review of services, including those to schools and school libraries. The proposed restructuring to save on duplication will instead eliminate some vital services entirely.

In the past, NSW School Library Services had 10 education officers, 4 librarians and 8 support staff. Both Liberal and Labor governments terminated many such central support services, including regional consultancies. The School Libraries and Information Literacy Unit which remained has had a manager and review coordinator, journal editor, 3 librarians and 2 technicians. Its journal, SCAN, remains the only state teacher curriculum support journal. Its contribution to the national schools cataloguing database is the largest, along with Western Australia.

“In an attempt to save some 7% in costs, half of these positions will be lost,” says Georgia Phillips, co-founder of the Hub: Campaign for Quality School Libraries in Australia. “Not of ‘duplicate services,’ for there is no other body providing advisory services to schools concerning their libraries or reviewing teaching resources. No other body runs professional development targeting teacher librarians and school libraries. No other body advises the NSW DET on library and resource policy.”

“The recent DET exercise in envisioning the future of 21st C school libraries,” says Mrs. Phillips, “was a lengthy collegiate online forum led by overseas and Australian academics. It now seems a wasted effort, its recommendations ignored. Once again money comes before teaching and learning.”

Margaret Cooper, President of the Illawarra School Libraries Association says, “I have been a teacher librarian for 20 years and I am horrified to think that DET will be withdrawing specific support for school libraries under the proposed restructure.”

“Teacher librarians,” says Mrs. Cooper, “are unique members of school staffs. We are virtually on our own and without the support of the School Libraries team, teacher librarians will struggle to provide many learning opportunities.”

“The Unit provides website development support and promotes new digital learning tools to enable students to make sense of the vast amounts of information available on the internet. Having attended one of their courses this year, even my experienced eyes were opened and I have started using new digital tools that I had not had time to research on my own. Yet their training role has been eliminated.”

“Many teacher librarians,” says Mrs. Cooper, “have very limited administration time and without the training and support of the School Libraries Unit, teacher librarians will not be providing the services that 21st century schools need, which is, ironically the aim of the restructure. Why would anyone consider removing the very leadership that will ensure that teachers adopt and use the digital learning tools that our students deserve to encounter in our schools today?”

Jane McKenzie, teacher librarian and assistant principal at the small country school of Quirindi, also expressed her concern. “The Department’s own submission to the federal Inquiry into School Libraries and Teacher Librarians now looks a sham. It affirmed the vital role of school libraries in learning and the need to ‘ensure equity and capacity for libraries as dynamic, high-tech 21C learning centres’ yet now it proposes to undermine these.”

“The unit gives statewide policy and procedural support to school leaders, holds purpose built workshops and generates teaching and learning support materials statewide for teachers,” says Jane.

And Jane asks, “Aren't all public schools, even remote ones, entitled to quality digital and book resources, advice and support on 21st century resource and information services, the best in terms of literature and non-fiction books (e-books and databases) that support authentic, enquiry based learning?”

“Is the name of the game” says Mrs. Phillips, “really about improving learning and literacy, quality teaching and school leadership, or is this only another cost cutting exercise?”

Contact
Georgia Phillips, The Hub 0419423570, 42942966
Margaret Cooper President ISLA, 4295 1334, 043-837-7391
Jane McKenzie, Quirindi PS (02)6746 5748, 0429074443
Georgia Phillips
co-founder
The Hub: Campaign for Quality School Libraries in Australia
http://hubinfo.wordpress.com/

Let your objections be known.

We need to email any concerns to:
1. Kim Proctor, Manager, Strategic Projects and works to the General Manager, Learning and Development within the Office of Schools. Learning and Development is the portfolio in which Curriculum K-12 Directorate sits. Kim.Proctor@det.nsw.edu.au by 5 pm Tuesday 31 August.

2. By Monday 30th: Director General Coutts-trotter director.general@det.nsw.edu.au and
Des Gorman, Acting Deputy Director-General des.gorman@det.nsw.edu.au

3. Politicians (By Mon 30th)
Senator John Kaye john.kaye@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Rob Oakeshott robert.oakeshott.mp@aph.gov.au
Tony Windsor Tony.Windsor.MP@aph.gov.au

Thursday, August 26, 2010

We need school libraries and well supported teacher librarians.


 School Library Advocacy Movie-TL Ning by Joyce Valenza

Find more videos like this on TLNing

There is a worrying draft of plans to dismantle School Libraries Information Literacies.
If this draft is accepted SLIL will no longer be supporting TLs-no more Colleen or Lizzie.
I am shocked and very disappointed about the loss of so many valuable services for teachers and teacher librarians.
Received this info the other day...
Des Gorman, Acting Deputy Director-General [des.gorman@det.nsw.edu.au], is looking for comments and responses about the proposed NSW CLIC structure, by Monday next week, ie 30th. In addition, please provide the NSW Teachers Federation with a copy of your detailed submission about the value of School Libraries statewide support, so they understand what will be lost and can argue for us. Send to mail@nswtf.org.au, Attention: David Ferguson.

Proposed: There will be a School Libraries and Info Services team
1. No more specific State wide school libraries support. No more manager's role to set a vision, and communicate with other educational leaders. No more specific website programming/teaching support for teacher librarians. No more specific teaching and learning workshops to support TLs into the 21st century with digital tools and collaboration with classroom teachers. Instead, there is a proposed, Senior Curriculum Support Officer, Information Literacy to be located elsewhere in a Cross Curricula team with no mention of teacher librarians. In the School Libraries and Info Services team, Scan will continue with no review coordinator. The SCIS cataloguing team which currently has 3 librarians will be cut to 2 which will have a massive impact on cataloguing of new records. This team is at the forefront of cataloguing in Australia, cataloguing ebooks, websites, database, books on a huge scale.
Please take the time to let your objections known.
WHO DO TO CONTACT

We need to email any concerns to
expand »1. Kim Procter, Manager, Strategic Projects and works to the General Manager, Learning and Development within the Office of Schools. Learning and Development is the portfolio in which Curriculum K-12 Directorate sits. Kim.Proctor@det.nsw.edu.au by 5 pm Tuesday 31 August.

2. By Monday 30th: Director General Coutts-trotter director.general@det.nsw.edu.au and
Des Gorman, Acting Deputy Director-General des.gorman@det.nsw.edu.au

3. Politicians (By Mon 30th)

Senator John Kaye john.kaye@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Rob Oakeshott robert.oakeshott.mp@aph.gov.au
Tony Windsor Tony.Windsor.MP@aph.gov.au
Your own local member...

Building Bridges with your community during Bookweek!!

 Your Child’s School Library: 
What you should know  by Georgia Phillips, co-founder of The Hub:
Campaign for Quality School Libraries in Australia

A quality school library is kid friendly and student focused.

Does your child's school library measure up?
KEY RESEARCH FINDINGS  
Inquiry into School Libraries and Teacher Librarians in Australian Schools

 For further info on these questions go to Your Child's School Library:What you should know on my Parents-Partners in teaching and learning blog.

The school library is not just a storehouse run by a loans assistant, but a vital learning centre,
operating under the guidance of a dual-trained teacher-librarian*, in partnership with classroom
teachers. *A teacher-librarian holds a recognised teaching qualification AND qualifications in librarianship, with curriculum and pedagogy knowledge combined with library and information management knowledge.

Learning today means more than memorising facts. It means learning to learn for a lifetime. Savvy parents and educators know that the school library is key to teaching students not just to read but to practice the skills they need to seek, evaluate and use information throughout their lives. In fact, research shows those students from schools with professionally staffed, fully equipped libraries score higher on literacy and achievement tests.

  Research shows that children who are read to in the home do better in school.

Support legislators who support libraries and education. Let them know you think the two go together and should be a high priority.
Every Australian student deserves a quality school library with a qualified teacher librarian.
Help spread the word by signing the petition "A Qualified Teacher Librarian in Every School



Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Advocacy Statement for School Librarians

NEW! SIGMS has just released a new statement on 

 Special Interest Group Media Specialist (SIGMS) committee incudes: Joyce Valenza, Brenda Anderson - Professional Development Chair, Laurie Conzemius - Communications Chair, Shelee King George - Vice Chair, Lisa Perez - Chair,

SIGMS provides a support network to school library media specialists and others in leadership positions who are working to promote the use of instructional technologies to enhance student learning.

The school library media specialist assists in planning, implementing, and evaluating technology-infused instructional and media programs; maintains a balanced collection of resources in all formats to meet information and curricular needs of students and teachers; and provides physical and intellectual access to information in the school library media center, in the school, and beyond; implements programs to ensure information and technology literacy skills for all students.


Monday, August 2, 2010

Library 2.0-So many innovations.....so exciting......

 Are you ready? Are you there already?So much to see...So much to do...So much to learn...A word of advice for those just starting this journey...The focus must remain on the literacy...improving students' literacy skills!!! Start small...Chunk it out...Manageable bites... Library20
View more presentations from joycevalenza.


So many new ideas for book reviews these days!!

Below are a few of the exciting options being explored by Teacher Librarians for presenting book reports or reviews. 

We can use technology tools to promote the books our students enjoy and encourage others to try them.
I am planning to use these stimulating book review ideas to encourage the kids to use more persuasive language.

With NAPLAN testing the persuasive text in 2011 it is a great way to provide support to classroom learning in literacy.



View some at book reviews at Bookwink by grade level.

There is a wide range of reviews at this Classroombooktalk wiki to enjoy. 

Saturday, July 31, 2010

Simon Crean praises Cairns Teacher Librarian

 Congratulations Raymond Woodhouse!

Raymond Woodhouse was honoured with the naming of  Cairns West school's new BER library after him in recognition of his wonderful work over the past 22 years he has been there.

Read more at The Hub


Thursday, July 29, 2010

Doug Johnson says "Let kids use the Internet for non-school purposes"

 Pursuing personal interests and recreational pursuits (so long as not illegal), should actually be encouraged, especially in our school libraries. 
Why?

 Read his post and then consider how your school learning community are considering this important issue.


Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Top 25 Websites for Teaching and Learning

American Association of School Librarians Choose
Top 25 Websites for Teaching and Learning


The "Top 25" Websites foster the qualities of innovation, creativity, active participation, and collaboration. They are free, Web-based sites that are user friendly and encourage a community of learners to explore and discover.

* Media Sharing
* Digital Storytelling
* Manage and Organize
* Social Networking and Communication
* Curriculum Sharing
* Content Resources: Lesson Plans and More
* Content Collaboration


Have you tried any of these tools?
What do you think of their selection?

Friday, July 2, 2010

Using Your School Library Website in Instruction

Have you been looking at building a school library website? This slideshare will help you consider all the important factors.

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Getting boys to read can be tricky.......This website has some great ideas.

Getting boys to read host a community based blog for
parents, librarians, and teachers. 
They provide information and support through articles, 
videos, interviews, and our forum.


Saturday, June 26, 2010

The Future of School Libraries Podcast on ABC

According to Wikipedia: "A podcast (or non-streamed webcast) is a series of digital media files (either audio or video) that are released episodically and often downloaded through web syndication. The word usurped webcast in common vernacular, due to rising popularity of the iPod and the innovation of web feeds."
The name is misleading and some even say incorrect, "as despite the etymology it has never been necessary to use an iPod, or, indeed, any other form of portable media player, to use podcasts; the content can be accessed using any computer that can play media files."


EdPod Schools and Education


EdPod presents a mix of education stories from early childhood to the end of secondary school. It's a jargon-free look at the experience of educators, researchers, parents and students. EdPod examines new education ideas, and asks whether things could or should be done differently. From the classroom to the staff room and on to the home, EdPod brings you the latest ideas about learning.


EdPod 2010-06-10
Thursday, 10 June 2010 12:00 AM 


The former if you look at the government's school building program: nearly half of all primary schools requested an upgrade or a rebuild of their library.

But many of these libraries won't have the proper people to run them.

That's what a Parliamentary Inquiry being held into school libraries and teacher librarians is being told.

The School Library Association has put in a major submission which joins over 389 other submissions.

Wizard of Apps from K-12 Online Conference

Enjoy this presentation- 
you will need to grab a drink and put your feet up 
as it has many sections and goes for 51 minutes.


Wizard of Apps (K12Online Conference) from Joyce Valenza on Vimeo.
From the K12 Online Conference http://k12onlineconference.org/?p=443
Presentation Title: The Wizard of Apps or Will they have an app for that? or What we are learning and loading along the road

Presentation Description: In this student-produced keynote, Joyce and the students of Springfield Township High School’s Theatre II class consider which apps are the most critical as they walk the road together.

Slides available: www.slideshare.net/joycevalenza/wizard-of-apps
Links: newtoolsworkshop.wikispaces.com

Song parodies inspired by:
Arlen, Harold, and E.Y. Harburg. The Wizard of Oz. Victor Fleming. MGM, 1939. Film.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

ROOM TO READ.

Presenting a message from Lizzie Chase:

Room to Read is an inspirational organisation working in developing countries. They are organising a  
Book Brunch at the State Library on June 23rd, 
from 10am-noon. 

It features a Students helping Students Initiative and they would love teachers, teacher librarians and students to learn about their work from writing ambassadors Tristan Bancks, Susanne Gervay and Melina Marchetta.


Room to Read
is celebrating its 10th anniversary!
 
Since 2000 they have grown rapidly and are now marking three major milestones: they have already built their 1000th school, they are opening their 10,000th library and by the end of 2010 they will have over 10,000 girls enrolled in their long-term scholarship program.


RSVP to Pam Cook [0432884885] or Colleen Zurowksi [0403943844] by June 16.