The lectures by Jessica Gillis and Lisa Nowlain showed how a youth services librarian does not fit under one definition and may have very different roles depending on the position. While both obtained their degrees from San Jose State University, their vision and geographical preferences have led them in very different directions. Jessica Gillis is a school librarian for a Montessori school in Massachusetts. While her experiences as a teacher has helped her in this position, she has taken a position with a school with a different philosophy than that of a traditional public school. Gillis and is learning how to add the Montessori Method of education to her curriculum and the children’s library experience. Following the practices of the school she has designed large library space into smaller nooks. This is to change the behavior of the children from high energy to conduct that is calmer and more focused. Gillis has removed many of the long shelves of books in exchange for shorter smaller shelves with one particular subject on them. The placement of the shelves aid in the nook concept. The long shelves Gillis did leave, she weeded leaving space which makes the books on the shelf look more inviting. Another technique used by Gillis is to use a …show more content…
In order to do this Gillis offers school reading challenges throughout the year such as Read Around the World and Read Across Time where the students read and report on a book with that theme. She also orchestrates Author visits, special clubs for excelling readers, and a program call Mock Caldecott. While her budget is $4000 a year plus whatever income is generated from the book fair, the school is well funded and she has the required staff she needs and total discretion over how she spends the
Librarians are defined as “a person, typically with a degree in library science, who administers or assists in a library.” In truth, they are much more than that. In a recent interview with Traci Glass, the Teen Librarian at the Eugene Public library, we explored her personal story with becoming a librarian, including how it has benefitted and affected her life.
Natalie Angier, a well-known author of multiple books and journalist for The New York Times, began her post-secondary education at the University of Michigan and finished at Barnard College, graduating with a high honor. Later on in her life, she published a controversial article in The New York Times over evolutionary psychology. According to Angier, evolutionary psychology refers to “the fundamental modules of human nature, most notably the essential nature of man and of woman” (Angier 161). Within the article, Men, Women, Sex, and Darwin, Angier attempts to argue against theories of evolutionary psychology by diving into the differences between men and women through cardinal premises. Angier provides a strong argument against theories of
To begin with, Kozol interviews teachers and gathers important facts, in which the teachers states that nearly a third of all of the classes took place in portable classrooms, some in converted storage closets – “windowless and nasty,”
Lisa Hooker Campbell is an active volunteer in the Nashville area. She has served on numerous boards and chaired several of Nashville's most prominent philanthropic events.
Through American Literature many writers have given a voice to the once silent. Sandra Cisneros, a writer was one of those contributors. Very few writers of her time, explored and brought to light what she did. She started a movement in the United States and within her community to bring to light the issue that once were overlooked. The Stories, poems, novels and essays she wrote touch the lives of many people, of all walks of life. Cisneros did not have the best childhood but was able to overcome many obstacles through her life. Born in Chicago, Illinois into poverty to her first book The House on Mango street selling more than six million copies (Cisneros, 2017).
The ocean is mysterious to mankind. The unfathomable vastness of the ocean intrigues humanity into exploring it. In life, the immense possibilities that lie in the future compel us to reach for the stars. In the poem “The Story” by Karen Connelly, an individual willingly swims into deep waters even though they are fearful of what may exist in the waters. The swimmer later finds out that their fears were foolish, which illustrates the human tendency to venture into the unknown. The theme conveyed in this poem is that life is like a rough, uncertain, uncontrollable ocean that we must find get through with experience.
Education is a constantly changing industry that has adapted throughout history and continues to adapt. America’s current public education system, however, has stayed static and dissatisfactory despite many attempts to reform how children are taught. One of the most progressive attempts to reform education has been the Montessori Method. The Montessori Method is a type of schooling that encourages children to be eager to learn on their own through hands-on learning. There are specific materials and structures that the Montessori Method uses. This specific method is based on the observation of the development of children’s minds and environments that they learn and grow best in. Although it is more common for American children to go to public
Principals and teachers have reported that “Reading Partners” has helped increase students’ reading levels. During my time at the program, I accumulated twelve volunteer hours. When I found out that I had to do seven hours of volunteer work, I immediately knew that I wanted it to involve children. I attended the volunteer fair that was held earlier in the semester and signed up for programs such as Louie’s Kids and Wings for Kids. Unfortunately, I could not volunteer for either of these programs because they were not within walking distance of the college and I did not have transportation.
The classroom that I observed in was arranged in a simple way. In the dramatic play center there was a long coat rack and each hook was labeled with an image and name of the outfit. This was done so the children know where do place the clothing when they are done with it or cleaning up. Also in this center was a cash register, puppets, an oven, refrigerator, ironing board, sing, dishwasher, a table set and a comfy chair. Their block center was small, and sectioned off by a shelf and an arch way in the corner of the room. In this center there was also a table. I felt that they children would not have enough room to build although I did not measure the area. The art center had stamps, children’s art work, an easel, magazines and other essential art supplies. In the same area as the art center was the writing center. In this center was maps, chalk and chalk board, stencils, a ruler, notepads, loose paper and pencils.
Moreover, in elementary school, there was a program “Book It,” which was a reading program to encourage children to read more often. We received special buttons that...
Ms. McKeever utilizes classroom’s physical environment as a motivation for students to exercise and to explore literacy (L.Gambrell, L.Morrow, page 95). Ms. McKeever organized few book stations such as post office, dramatic area etc.(0:56 video), where children can find books with the certain theme. Also every station is equipped with clipboards, alphabet puzzles and other writing materials (1:09 video).
...two minutes. Several readers believe the Nook is replacing the tradition of reading through a paper book; however, electronic book readers aid in accommodating to a reader’s growing needs not only for pleasure but also for learning. As technological advances continue in society, Nooks and other electronic books become the book of the future, and they provide people with necessary items to make their reading lives in synch with today’s world.
The class I visited is comprised of 24 five and six year old children, a lead teacher and a ‘Para-Pro” who assists the teacher and provides support and guidance for the children. Within the classroom itself, there are 6 tables organized in the center of the room in a grid formation. Children have their own workspace at a shared table. Around the perimeter of the room are ‘centers’ where each day, the children work on tasks such as listening, story development, gross and fine motor skills, math, reading and other important skills that are needed to develop socially and academically. In several places on the walls, there are displays or ‘brag boards’ where children can post their work that they feel best represents their efforts. The walls are brightly decorated and are filled with pictures, letters, numbers and other basic elementary school information. It is energizing and interesting without being chaotic or overstimulating.
Each Montessori classroom is equipped to accommodate the multiple levels of all of its students. Lessons are presented individually, in small or large groups only introduced when a child demonstrates the interest or readiness, at which time a child will instinctively select or willingly choose their work. In this way, the Montessori child is set up for success invariably promoting positive self-esteem” (Montessori Theory). This is how her classrooms in her school is set up. The way Montessori created her classroom and had them setup is to allow children to express themselves and to explore what they are interested in. the children are allowed to explore and have their own interest in learning, the teacher doesn’t stand in the front of the classroom and teach, the teacher would just wonder and help the students learn and assist them as they need
Everyday I walk into my school library with the hope of influencing a student or a teacher to read a new book, use a new search strategy, or to collaborate on a unit of study. My goals for students range from getting to know them and their interests and then guiding the student to these new sources or literature. I look upon the library as a learning lab or, as some in my profession have dubbed it, the Learning Commons. Every morning I greet anywhere from 50 to 80 students who are waiting for the first bell of the day. These students are in the library because they have made a decision that this is their place; a hangout for those students who are drawn to a vibrant environment that is teeming with learning and discussion.