Elementary school, for many students, is their first experience in a structured learning environment. For the school librarian at this level, much effort is put into the Shared Foundation of Inquire as the beginning blocks of learning. Inquire promotes curiosity, helping students ask questions and become problem solvers. Elementary aged students are introduced to materials and resources available for personal interest and for research. With the youngest students (K-2 nd grade), Mrs. Laura Smith, the School Librarian at Alston-Bailey Elementary School, intentionally incorporates the activation of prior knowledge into her lessons, allowing students to feel connected to and generate additional opportunities for learning. Older students continue their path of inquiry through lessons on Discus and the school digital catalog. Providing lessons that allow students to be curious promotes inquiry and critical thinking. Makerspaces are another tool that promotes inquiry. At Alston-Bailey ...
The AASL domain Collaborate focuses on working with others toward a common goal. Collaboration occurs with teachers and between students within the library setting. Ms. Causey, the School Librarian at Alston Middle School, shares that collaboration with teachers used to be more prevalent but within the past couple of years, there have been many staffing changes that impact collaboration. This year, Alston Middle School has 25 new staff with 8 as international teachers. Due to this amount of change, she has noticed a decline in collaboration. Though there are many possible reasons for this decline, there is a concern that “adding” collaboration to the teachers’ plates will further overwhelm already overwhelmed teachers. I believe we should acknowledge our teachers’ concerns but we also should not allow those concerns to limit our services. Working in partnership with teachers should not create more work but instead, can help lessen the teachers’ load. My conversation with Ms. Caus...