The #TXLchat provides a forum for Texas librarians (but not limited to Texas librarians) to create collaborative connections, share educational resources, and foster life-long learning.
Hey y'all!!! My name is Priscilla Delgado and I'm a former school librarian/doctoral student in San Marcos. So excited for the first chat of the school year! #txlchat
A1: I try to be a welcoming space from day one. Playing fun music, standing outside the library, in the hallways between classes, and visible to students old and new. #txlchat
A1 Start with creating a safe and inviting environment, building relationships, and starting with high engagement right out of the gate. #txlchat Relationships lead to relevance
A1 Engagement comes with authentic learning. Really, truly giving Ss the experience of inquiry shows them their interests & prior knowledge matters. Helps to build that all-important relationship! #txlchat#futurereadylibs
Librarians, educators and admin need to begin to turn the corner and take traditional teaching off the table and allow students to explore and own the learning through facilitation #txlchat
A1 #txlchat Students have to see what it means to be future ready and know that it is something they are achieving. I asked my students today what they learned, what problems they solved and what they created this summer to let them know what I want them to be.
Librarians, educators and admin need to begin to turn the corner and take traditional teaching off the table and allow students to explore and own the learning through facilitation #txlchat
Librarians, educators and admin need to begin to turn the corner and take traditional teaching off the table and allow students to explore and own the learning through facilitation #txlchat
My name is Amy Milstead - I am a four year old librarian and I just opened a brand new middle school in Mesquite ISD named Lanny Frasier Middle School! I’m also a former Gullett student!!! #TXLChat
A1: to engage kids, you have to meet them where they are! In the library, that means making even non-readers feel comfortable in what seems to be a space for high academic kids. #txlchat
A1 finding answers is what we are about! If you know everything that we are sharing and exploring then you’ve learned nothing and that simply will not do! #TXLChat
A1 Creating a space & place for your community beyond the books. Build relationships. Start conversations. Be interested. Be connected to your students wants & needs as readers and beyond. Be a listener. #txlchat
Yes! to supporting empowered students in empowered learning in ways that impact classroom teachers' teaching - not just when Ss are learning in the library. #txlchat@yabooksandmore
A2 Perhaps "losing control" of the lesson? When Ss are given that voice & choice, you may have some unintended outcomes. Sometimes it involves learning what you set out to teach & sometimes it doesn't. #txlchat
A2 Convincing learners that change is ok. When you move people's cheese, they often don't how to react. Many shut down or revert to old ways. Our transition to standards based grading has been tough because our learners have been grade oriented rather than results. #TxLChat
A2: we had a pitfall today during a #collaborative lesson when technology wasn't working. We had to go to PlanB, still worked but was not as exciting! #txlchat
A2) pitfalls- sometimes I feel like I’m always trying to “top that” when I do something engaging. It worked, now I’ve used it, now what do I do next?!? #txlchat
@Sharongullet yes! Too many times, we take teaching so SERIOUSLY and forget there is a full day of serious for students. Engagement is a different approach and can be refreshing for both teacher and student. #txlchat
A2 The “can’t” “won’t” “I’m too cool for this” thoughts that get in the way of learning. It’s why I greet them at the door with “Good morning, 4th grade geniuses!” There’s nothing you can’t figure out if you know that I know how brilliant you are! #TXLChat
A1: Authenticity! Real positivity and heartfelt listening. We are in the unique position to engage all learners- students, teachers, admins and parents. Starts with authentic relationships! #txlchat
A2 Time is so short. It helps to have a team of people to create experiences. @JenGilbert42@mrskbholder@KendraWaddell@Curtsinger20 Kids, teachers, heck, people can be turned off by smallest hiccups. We want to be there for everyone. #txlchat
A2 #txlchat I don't know about problems and pitfalls, but sometimes trying new things is a bit messy and loud. Bucking the "quiet" library stereotype is a minor issue.
#txlchat A2: Things don't go as planned, and when they don't, we must use this to inform our instruction- while the lesson is occurring! Reflection is essential.
YES! This was my biggest obstacle when moving to a flexible schedule and collaborating. I heard that a lot "That's not how we did it last year". #txlchat
When engaging students, make sure the expectation for students are set. If working in groups, make sure they know their roles. Set time limits for activities, ALWAYS have students give feedback on their learning. #txlchat
A2-trying to do it all! It’s difficult to meet your own personal expectations because we truly want to do it all even though it’s just not realistic #txlchat
A2 being flexible!Willing to go down a new path that Ss are excited about. Adjusting to make all feel welcome and that they have value to contribute! That can be achieved by what @R10library stated: relationships! Know ur Ss strengths & interests. Ask them to contribute. #TXLChat
A2 Agreed @sharongullet TWWADI applies equally to #schoollibrarians and #Ts. When #futureready Ss and educators are on a shared learning journey pitfalls can become shared opportunities for discovery/learning/change. #txlchat
A3 It really does go back to relationships. Cracking jokes & making sure Ss knew the library wasn't ALWAYS a serious place. We did serious work, but it was fun. #txlchat
A2. Definitely lack of staffing. Today was a great example for me. Engagement of students occurs when the library staff can also fully engage with the class - outside interruptions and side tasks distract students too. #txlchat
I've used this during sessions at conferences and workshops so learners engage with each other instead of uncomfortable silence :) https://t.co/l3SgspR2h5#txlchat
A3 #txlchat Not a claim to fame, but inviting "experts" to join in seems to engage learners especially if they bring neat stuff with them...like snakes or puppies! 😀
A3 Classroom-library collaboration and coteaching as equal partners w/Ts. Coplan/coimplement/co-assess student outcomes/co-evaluate effectiveness of instruction and repeat… #txlchat#futurereadylibs
A3: my best strategy to engage learners is to really get to know the students and what they enjoy reading, Ss love to hear about what I'm reading and to hear suggestions from me. It gets them really excited about learning and reading. #txlchat
A3- story telling. Our Ss always want me to read to them so that’s my hook. Also personal stories. Showing vulnerability, sharing mistakes I’ve made, asking if they’ve been in a similar situation & how they’ve handled it. #WeAreHuman#TXLChat
A3 Our space helps so much. It makes it so easy to do crazy-different stuff every day, provide the experiences, resources https://t.co/lg2NdJR2oA#txlchat
A3: I love finding ways to incorporate technology, music, videos, with my lessons. I have added a different activity to my orientations each year. Kahoot, scavenger hunt, breakouts. Kids never know what to expect! #txlchat
A3: Personalize every interaction. Call a student by name, know what they are reading, and encourage them. Life is tough on kids now days. They need to know grown ups support them. #Txlchat
A2: In middle of a pitfall (lack of time, lack of support, extra work Lord) instead if focusing on pitfall I want to narrow in on a SOLUTION. It’s a struggle so I’m making it my goal this year! Turning it around!!#txlchat
A3 It really does go back to relationships. Cracking jokes & making sure Ss knew the library wasn't ALWAYS a serious place. We did serious work, but it was fun. #txlchat
A4: I support the success of engaged learners with each and every #collaboration that happens with Ts on my campus. I'm constantly in contact with them to be sure that what happens in the #library is relevant to S learning. #txlchat
A4: I think Makerspaces fit into supporting engaged learner's in new and interesting ways. I also hope to incorporate genius hour into my library this year too. #txlchat
A3: Dressing up for different lessons - costumes, hats, shoes that connected to our lessons. And music!! Dewey Decimal Rap, college fight songs, Tejano and oldies music. That always seemed to make students more focused and excited. :) #txlchat
A3) Not sure it's claim to fame, but talking to students, building relationships with them, keeping a vested interest in the new and cool things they like, and then trying to use those things to attract them to lessons!#txlchat
A4 Continuing the engagement is the hard part. Keeping the relationship with Ss after the project/lesson is over is so important. Being seen in other classes always helps. #txlchat
A4 #txlchat Following up with teachers and students after booktalks. Were they successful at finding a book , author, genre, they enjoyed? Help them continue that success
A4 extending beyond the library by collaborating with Ts, sharing what their Ss have been engaged with & asking Ts to allow time for them to continue exploring in class, finding resources & going to Ss to share with them beyond library time. Offering after school time. #Txlchat
A4) Right now I'm trying Design Challenges to keep them interested in using the library outside of learning. Makerspace is a great way to support learning in an engaging way. #txlchat
A4 Yes. A few successful collaborations here and there... Love how it brings students to us down the road. They know we are there to help and support their ideas. Tech. Making. Databases. All apply #txlchat
#txlchat A2 I think there are levels of engagement. What engages one student might disengage another. What does engagement look like? What about with or without technology? Do we all define engagement the same way? #txlchat
A5 Engagement looks different depending on needs of Ss & Ts. And, sometimes Ss (and Ts) just need a place to chill out. Sometimes you can be engaged in doing absolutely nothing (and that's ok!). #txlchat
A4: #TXLChat for me, I am vigilant about reminding our district librarians to be public about the curriculum standards they are covering. Put it on a sign and make it visible! Otherwise, it’s too easy to assume their lessons are fluff—kids are having too much fun.
A3. Building relationships with students helps a lot. They will let us know what is cool and trending. Music, technology and using whats trending, like Bitmoji’s in presentations keeps their attention focused on the lesson. #txlchat
A5. #txlchat. I think engagement does happen every day in the library. It may not be flashy or tweeted to death, but the simple connection of one child with one book that enriches the child's life is engagement.
That is a piece that is missed when doing booktalks. Getting feedback is an excellent tool to edit future talks to their needs and levels of engagement. #txlchat
A4 reaching out to Ss families to share what their Ss are excited about and suggesting resources (websites, books, places to visit, community workshops) that will help their children grow in that area of interest. #Txlchat
A5 #txlchat I think our idea of engagement has varying degrees. It's doesn't have to be fireworks every time - but maybe just a quick check to see how the learner/educator is that day. That's a form of engagement & can work on building better relationships.
A5 Yes. Engagement is not always person to person. Having a welcoming space, having resources to meet the learner's needs/wants/passion - these are engaging. #TxLChat
A5 Engagement looks different depending on needs of Ss & Ts. And, sometimes Ss (and Ts) just need a place to chill out. Sometimes you can be engaged in doing absolutely nothing (and that's ok!). #txlchat
A4: Collaborating with teachers, district staff, and the community, and providing programs like clubs, Genius Hour and Makerspace areas to allow students opportunities for engagement and exploration. #txlchat
A5 Engagement looks different depending on needs of Ss & Ts. And, sometimes Ss (and Ts) just need a place to chill out. Sometimes you can be engaged in doing absolutely nothing (and that's ok!). #txlchat
#txlchat I'd like to say no. Not every child will be engaged every day. However, with only a few days in the library - roughy 30 / school year we must make the most of it.
A5) I think if you have a makerspace, books that entice students, technology that they're interested in, and a welcoming attitude you are offering an engaging learning environment every single day! #txlchat
A5: engagement happens every day, but it looks different everyday. This morning, classes were fully engaged using #Chromebooks and @PearDeck The afternoon was quieter, with small groups coming in for reading and book recommendations. Still engaged, just looked different #txlchat
A4 Here's to more collaboration! We #schoollibrarians improve own instructional practices in #collaboration w/Ts who are also committed to continuous learning to meet changing/unique needs of individual & groups of Ss. #txlchat#futurereadylibs
A5: I think engagement does happen every day in the library, but it may look different depending on who's in there and what's going on. There are lots of ways to be engaged! #txlchat
A2-trying to do it all! It’s difficult to meet your own personal expectations because we truly want to do it all even though it’s just not realistic #txlchat
A5 there always has to be some level of engagement, if not I’m the first one to say “I’m out!” Establishing a purpose, what the end game is, helps with this. Why are we spending time on this? How does it benefit me, the community? What’s to gain? #Txlchat
A5 YES! School learning community sees what's happening in the library every day. Engaged Ss and Ts = Library as Learning Zone that supports school mission and goals. #txlchat#futurereadylibs
A2-trying to do it all! It’s difficult to meet your own personal expectations because we truly want to do it all even though it’s just not realistic #txlchat
My goal is to try to have a positive relationship with all of my students (975 of them). I need safety, I need learning, but a positive library experience can be the foundation of a lifetime. #TXLchat
Ditto that! Great beginning thanks to your leadership @yabooksandmore@janhodgelibrary@sharongullet and everyone who participated tonight! Looking forward to reading everyone's tweets via the archive. #txlchat
A3 not really a claim to fame but today I used MentiMeter to have students tell me what they do to evaluate websites before we talked about CRAAP & search Apps/databases. There were some pretty good responses & no random comments. thoughtful answers to generate convo. #txlchat
Continued engagement occurs with special programming options. Collaborating with community members, authors, teachers and our local public library have provided a large selection of makerspace equipment, including consumables, as part of their outreach programming. #txlchat
A4. Continued engagement occurs with special programming options. Collaborating with community members, authors, teachers and our local public library have provided a large selection of makerspace equipment, including consumables, as part of their outreach programming. #txlchat
A4 I have been able to keep the library open for various study groups. I am there to provide 1:1 support/help with resources, etc. I am also building relationships with the students & they know it’s a safe place to find answers (even when they are not library related.) #txlchat
Love “even when it’s not library related.” We have to show students we care about them holistically not just the reader, maker, or techie side of them. It’s the only way to build genuine relationships. #txlchat
I have done an escape room! So fun! And one of my fabulous instructional coaches puts one together for our Rec Day every year! @jennylegler rocks the breakout biz! #txlchat
In reply to
@rivette3, @mrterborg, @breakoutEDU, @jennylegler
A5. No. “Every day is different [in the library]” is my mantra and I love every minute of it. Engagement in the library takes many forms and it is what it needs to be for any student at any given moment. 😍 #txlchat
