#TLchat Archive
#TLChat TL Chat will take place the 1st Monday of each month at 8 pm ET (unless there is a holiday or natural disaster). #TLChat LIVE! Twitter chat session will follow a Q1/A1 format. Leading questions will be asked using Q1, Q2, etc. Please provide input/answers/links/etc to each question using the corresponding A1, A2, etc. so that the conversation can be followed easier.
Monday May 9, 2016
Welcome to LIVE! 2015-16! Pls introduce yourself, where u r from & what grades u teach.
Our topic tonight is Finishing the Year Strong!
Brenda Fry, teacher librarian for K-6 in suburban PA school district with urban problems
Hi there! JoyAnn from Indianapolis area. Grades 5-8.
I'm Richard Snyder, TL from Kirkland Washington
follows the Q1/A1 Format to make following the convo easier.
Hi ! Stony here from Arkansas! I'm a TL at Lakeside High in Hot Springs! Glad to see you !
Andy, TL, Athens GA, Prek-5
Hey ! Glad you're here! & too!
I'm Sherry Gick, TL in Rossville, Indiana
Heather from Texas, grades 6-8. Hi, y'all!
Hi all! So happy to make it this evening.
Hey ! Welcome! glad to see you here as well!
Delighted to join in w/ next hour. I'm Jane Lofton, HS librarian from California. Any friends here tonight?
April Wathen, TL in Southern Maryland, K-5, Title I school
Karyn from Katy, Tx elementary librarian (until next year!)
oh so sad, Nikki! Beautiful face
A1, It is a challenge to keep the students on track. Testing is going on for PARCC, my EoY exam, the BOGO Book Fair, etc.
A1 1-to-1 program closure (checking in, organizing, etc.)
is inventory required in your district?
this will be our first year for that...I'm already stressed!
A1: Teachers who r "done teaching" & just "dump" kids in library w/"nothing" to do. Am I the only 1?
4th year - getting better at it. Parent volunteers make it all possible.
A1. Time! 4 days testing this week, 3 days iPad return next week. Limited time for actual teaching.
A1: Realizing the projects that I never accomplished and trying to figure out how to make them happen.
A1: student behavior. very disinterested. homeroom teachers no caring
put them on next year's list! :)
Yep... I've been thinking about changing my inventory calendar
We do inventory as we can around running the library. Not the best but better than closing
A1: Getting back all the stuff we checked out while still engaging Ss and Ts with new ideas! https://t.co/Ul0PCtETGA
A1: Unfortunately, my unwanted "textbooks" return duty starts to take over everything near end of school
A1 yes to those "year end" projects that I kept meaning to do. this month
For sure! I can't accomplish them all.
A1. Juggling a full load of classes (fixed schedule), inventory, summer programming, ordering...
Destiny makes it easy to inventory anytime. Love that. No need to close or worry. 1 section at a time.
A1 Getting reports finished.
A1 - Learning how to close a library for the first time & collecting all the things (books, iPads, etc). https://t.co/ipmALj6XSV
RT Destiny makes it easy to inventory anytime. Love that. No need to close or worry.
Off topic, but can I order new spine labels from Destiny. Some of ours are unreadable!
agreed. This is my struggle!
Juggling is definitely what it feels like! More so during this last of the year
A1: Trying to get everything on my to do list done! I feel like I'm on a merry-go-round that won't stop. https://t.co/mFfDOZeUox
I think you can just print them from Destiny. Anyone?
We work on inventory throughout year with volunteers. Mostly to check in books that are out
I tried, but somehow I don't have the right labels.
A1 - Finishing all of the projects that I've started with the kids.
that's what we do as well.
A1: one end of year challenge is collecting all the MC materials.
Always wonderful to add another great librarian to the community! Welcome, Sarah! https://t.co/A7YjUllRnC
pls welcome to world of librarians on Twitter!
The force is strong in this one!
I'm getting lots of attention from teachers now 4 &
Yes, it's hard to let go of all the things I didn't get done !
I noticed that at the end of the year, Ts realize a library is in the building ;-)
A1: TX has testing this week, then book fair, book swap, and Ts trying to fit in one last research project. https://t.co/cV5y7A6B2a
Yes - just looked; it's under "Library Reports."
Yes, I know where you mean. I think it is b/c I can't get them to print properly.
I understand trying to finishing up these projects when I only see them every other week. Only 4 more weeks left.
A1: Had some trouble facing a big roadblock to a major project and lacking the energy to move forward.
Angie, elementary media specialist from NC jumping in.
welcome! jump on in anytime! :)
A1. Focusing on the remainder of the year is hard when I'm anxious to start planning for the fall!
UGH! I have so many 3D Print requests that I will NEVER finish b4 the year ends!
A1: my biggest challenge this year is staying focused on my current school. I want to start packing up and moving on, and clean up!
21st century librarian problems. :)
3d printing is such a huge dilemma. Still haven't found a way to manage it.
that, and how do I finish a novel I started and won't have enough time to complete?!
A1. Problem w end of year is deciding what can't be completed in allotted time. Frustrating.
(Robbie from ATL dropping in)
Yes! totally! I have so many ideas!
How about field trips. Think you have 4 more times together and you only have 2
Hiya friends! jumping in for a bit between dinner & baths
Q2: Lists and more lists. To-do lists. Next year's lists.
Hi all, , high school TL in Omaha jumping in.
glad you're here! Splash away with us! Nice timing with Q2 & our titanic graphic :)
Q2 Get volunteers lined up, check notes from from the last time, and breathe!
yup. Trips, concerts, etc. some classes have 2x left others 4!
A2 Make a list and a schedule of all the things I have to do.
great ideas to keep year to year lists to refer to. My brain can only hold so much info!
A1 realizing didnt get to tackle all I'd wanted to
I admit it. I'm late to because I was watching Inside Out. That movie is totes-adorbs.
A2: Motivational quotes, focus on all the good things that happened this year, stay positive for Ss and Ts!
A2 I face and conquer just by jumping in. I NEED change and new challenges so I create that along the way - look, squirrel!
do you use a certain tool/app? or just lots of post-its?
A1: Lists! Lots of lists! List for book fair, list for book swap, list for summer reading, T checkout, etc. https://t.co/qnqD4K6Hyp
This is why you need me to teach you the awesome power of maybe over Cards Against Humanity at ISTE?
A2: working on my end of year video. It always makes me happy to see what we have done.
Understand that feeling completely. For me it is end of the year programs and testing.
A2: honestly? Just do the best I can and try to feel ok about letting some things go...
I greatly resemble this. :)
A2 Make next-year Goals Google Doc
A2: For my big project roadblock I met with my principal and went from "down & out" to "let's do this".
trying to convert me I see. I keep my lists in ;) But yes CAH for sure!
Tod Guilford k-5 librarian NH jumping in and out
A2: One thing at a time. One day at a time. Sometimes one class at a time.
great advice https://t.co/7yHaHcV22w
A2: honestly? Just do the best I can and try to feel ok about letting some things go...
A1: My month is filled with test administration. I hate every minute of it.
Love and live lists!! Breathe and plan a spa day with friends after school is out!
old school...post-it's!...and envelopes, and receipts...and napkins...
A2: Google Calendar is my life raft! I have to keep track of every little thing so I don't lose track. https://t.co/1uQj4TbOSj
A2: The end of the year is the SUPER CHARGED time 4 the library! Hold on & do ur best... & SMILE!
A2 - Make lists and try to focus on one thing at a time.
A2- Getting advice from other in district, to do lists, volunteers/aides, schedules, reports, announcements, & Destiny.
A2 Have students complete a survey to give me feedback on what they want to do more of and focus on that. . Helps Ss engagement
A2, Face the problem by smiling & inviting Ts & Ss to help if they're interested. Library is always coolest rm in bldg.
let's talk... & put those notes all in one place! Have you met keep? it is my SANITY!
ahh yes. nothing more satisfying than crossing a completed task off a list (I make daily paper ones too)
A2: I try 2 b as organized as I can for textbook return, take advantage of volunteer help & not let it stop other activities
A2: With a flexible schedule, I put things on the calendar that need to be done. Computer turn in, reports, etc.
Aw! That's a great idea! I have tons of photos! I could totally make an about my library year!
A2: I talk with every single student, call parents & email parents in hopes of collecting most items.
I so agree. It is a perfect time to try out new ideas for next year and give them something to look forward to.
I know...they don't forget that they designed something.
So great to have supportive admin!
A2: Like most of you have mentioned, making a list & checking it twice! (& then making more lists!)
yowza. that's a lotta stickies
A1/2: biggest challenge is behavior/disinterest! I'm co-teaching w/ art this week, gym next to spice things up for Ss & ME!!
but have you ever written something down AFTER you do it just for satisfaction of crossing it out?
I have so many plans 4 how I can make next year even better!
It's a long story on something I was ready to abandon, but I was reminded that I need to be open and honest sometimes.
of course! that's what list makers do!
Coming in late but Mollee dropping in from Outer Banks, NC; elementary librarian 🤓
It is a great way to survive - try new, fun stuff!
A2 Lists, Google keep, post it notes, and more lists
Mine are on my computer monitor. :)
I know what you mean. I can't wait to make our media program even better.
should give librarians free product! LOL! Esp. !
Not yet. I may have to look into it now
oh my word, I want to live & work in the ! My dream job! Welcome!
A2 my reward for finishing will be to put up next year's goals for my 4Cs- collection, circulation, curriculum & community
Y'all know I've begged them to sponsor me! ;)
I'm geeked that I'm working on a couple of PBLs for Ss to plan how to use redesigned library next yr
YUP! Grab their attention when you can!
Of course! I'd be lying if I said no!
That is on my list of things to add to my wish list for next year. This summer I'm looking for grants.
Moment of honesty...when my child's timer runs out on youtube kids, I have to abandon our chat
agreed! I'll start a petition💪
me too! That's big for me right now as I get ready to inventory and think about next year's goals
Coming in late- Bonnie from Newtown - teach Middle school
If they had any marked in their noggins they would make u an official spokesperson!
A2: I use Google Keep for all my lists. I color-code. It's a life-saver. .
magic online post-its that show up across devices & platforms. Love me some Keep!
keepin' it real - love it. Glad you are hear for any amount of time.
That would be a cool idea. If I wasn't trying to finish our skitbot animation I might try that.
ME TOO! I just discovered it this year & it makes me all swoon!
okay, you teach me Google Keep...
where is Google Keep? I don't see it in the apps
This year I already have my PDP goals for next year.
I must try this. Organize all the post its! https://t.co/PiSQNrhsw1
magic online post-its that show up across devices & platforms. Love me some Keep!
A3 Paper circuitry - we start tomorrow with writing poetry and then add LEDs etc. on Thursday https://t.co/c0nRIIjUtO
omg must look into this!!
Try using to raise funds! Gr8 ppl! Think Bake Sale 2.0!
I will be checking that out ASAP!
A3. End of Year Teacher Appreciation video (ran last week). Ss help, pics from yr, some T video, fun!
A3: Now that the Thank You Book is out, I'm loving that book as a way to close and think back on the year.
A3: I started today & I believe it may be the perfect way to end the yr w/ K-12 students & staff. Saying thanks is great
A3 Even though it's hard - roll-in of laptops lets me see every single kid. It's actually a fun day.
I want to do that, probably on the list for next year.
A3 This year it is finishing up our skitbot animation esp. with 5th grade so they can take it with them.
YES! Me too! it works for all ages!
A3: Each year, the AP Calc classes come in after AP tests & create fun instructional videos. I love working w/ them & their teacher
A3: Creating a wrap up video of the year for the kids. Tears means I succeeded.
As much as I LOVE talking with all of you, I'm off to read Ninja Timmy with my boys. Feel free to connect.:D https://t.co/O6jzVXxWbE
A3- first year in lib from classroom. Worried won't be time :( Testing, book fair, collecting, etc. would love ideas.
YES! Started month last wk & Ss have been so cute about it. even liked our tweets!
A3. Student discussion groups to guide and influence summer purchases. Love student voice in decisions.
A3: I love to invite our local public librarians to visit about summer programs! they came today! https://t.co/58WZOfDCG3
A3: playing genre bingo & promoting summer reading lists! Love sharing what's on my TBR list, hear what's on theirs
I made our display today & will be visiting elem classes for the next week. Can't wait!
Awesome idea. Carry that voice into summer.
yes summer book talk with is happening in 3 weeks. Love our smackdown of good books we do!
we are so inspired by your green screen creations -- hoping my students will do them too!
I love all of your stuff.
Hi all! Only a half hour late!
You must be OK w/never completing everything. Projects will always be "in progress"
This is such a great idea. I am hosting a parent reading event next week and the public librarians are coming.
A3: This is when I'd order pizza and contact teachers to send me seniors for exit interview/focus groups
I collect and organize photos from Day 1. That way at end of year, I have all pics needed to make a video to honour the kids.
A3: We've also introduced next year's state lists & have the books in for students to get started reading!
A3: The YHBA pizza party is my favorite end of year activity. It celebrates the hard work of the Ss.
I'm so happy to participate in . I never remember when it happens. Yay!
A3: This is when seniors would tour their college libraries online
Our timer has sounded friends....off to bed. I'll catch up on the chat later. Thanks to you all and happy end of the year!
We r all kinds of silly! The notes r more serious than our green screen!
yes! I had both of my luncheons last week when middle schoolers voted & HS students celebrated. Good stuff.
Nikki has motivated us to start pics too! Lakeside Rams!
A3 - Giving kids reading challenges for their summer reading.
A3 Talking with students and teachers about next year book purchases
A3: this year no book budget b/c the governor won't pass the budget in PA!
It is bedtime at my house. If my kiddos get to bed soon I will be back. I wish you all a great end of the year!!
A3: I talk up the summer reading program at . I'm filming local pub librarian giving her talk so all Ss can see it.
What is ThankoRama pics? sounds awesome.
Sound like your gov & our gov should get together & go bowling
very cool! We love our friends at Garland County Library!
OMG! will definitely do this with my guys. Little ones will love it.
A4 Bear Visits the Library was todays 2 help K transition 2 public lib checkout. we'll be closed this summer, so no summer checkouts
A3: I talk up the summer reading program at . I'm filming local pub librarian giving her talk so all Ss can see it.
Have you seen Thankorama video? I watched it with 1st grade today. Very funny. He also taught us how to draw Piggie.
A4: This year we are reading Library Lion! Ss love it every time the librarian says, "No running!" https://t.co/q6wQYL3SVY
A4 Summer Stinks by Marty Kelley- check out youtube punk rock version
A4: It's now The Thank You Book by I also love Oh the Places You'll Go. Yes with middle & hs students too!
YUP. even 5th grs crack up
A4: It's now The Thank You Book by I also love Oh the Places You'll Go. Yes with middle & hs students too!
OMG! Is this from When Harry Met Sally?!
didn't see this yet! I'll be watching that after this
Yup. Richard is KING of photoshop. ;)
A4 Lotta Ts borrow Last Day Blues or First Year Letters
I love Library Lion. I read it at beginning of year.
A4. The Owl & the Pussycat by Edward Lear. [MS Ss are shocked when I recite the whole thing w/o looking at book.]
A4. I love Last Day Blues!
Q4: oh yay! The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr Morris Lessmore! ❤️❤️❤️ the message that books are magic https://t.co/CENlGiow0C
I'm planning on gifting 's Are We There Yet to hs-grad nieces. Has a new Oh the Places Youll Go feel
2 more questions = 2 more pics!
A4: for the preschoolers, Off to Kindergarten and Kindergarten Rocks!
It's on my list to read this week to classes with The Thank You Book. I know it will be LOVED!
I don't think I can take it! My stomach hurts from laughing!
A4: Summer Reading is Killing Me and may do Going Places and prob Thank You book now!
A3 Meeting our rising 6th graders at Colt Camp & telling them about our lib. They are excited (and nervous) about middle school.
I was thinking of showing that to some Ss this week! Love that film.
just shared this w a ST- so cute!
A4: As a HS librarian the "read aloud" is something I miss SO much! Maybe I should just start reading aloud at random! LOL!
A4: Variation on Buzzfeed's 27 thgs 2 do b4 u graduate. Included things like move important projects from your Google drive.
yes! sometimes I just sit down w/ a group of HS & share a new picture book. throws them off but they love it!
I can totally see you doing videos of you reading for students to watch...
we discuss movie vs book, so interesting what Ss come up with!
HS kids love (and need) read-alouds!
A4: I think reading aloud randomly is a fantastic idea.
My kids LOVED this book! The app was the kicker!
My kids have come to expect the unusual from me! LOL! Keeping them on their toes!
A4: I so love read alouds but can't fit them in HS -: ( Wish I could. Ss would like them-they just THINK they're too old
Have to run-wish I could stay!! God luck w/the end of the year TL PLN!!
I am baaaaacck.:) What did I miss?
read something silly like "This Is Not My Hat" - my 5th graders get the dry humor way more than littles!!
Q5 What will you do to take care of yourself these last few weeks? Personally? Professionally? https://t.co/pvq57wsW2N
A3: BOOK FAIR! Ss, Ts, and Ps all love book fairs! ❤️📚
A5: Lots of Netflix binges to take my mind off school for a little while! Gotta make time for relaxation! https://t.co/i0byNHpiPg
Q5 What will you do to take care of yourself these last few weeks? Personally? Professionally? https://t.co/pvq57wsW2N
actually vice versa! Found that they make inferences better in the wordless movie first
A5: take time to run & go to Pilates! Sanity savers!
A5 Make lists, celebrate checking them, go for lots of walks, and have quiet evenings with my husband. :)
(husband is currently making jam - so the whole house smells like strawberries...)
A5: Get enough sleep, eat properly. Take time to listen to my students. I miss them during the summer.
A5: Read. Sleep. Relax and jump into making plans for next year.
Wasn't it so much fun?!!!!
A5: Professionally, know that it's never "all done" & it's ok to stop. It's always there the next day!
I think I might make one for our Talent Show!
I get jazzed trying new things so the Ss benefit from me taking care of myself. :) I am trying to balance life a little more though.
Aaand its bathtime. Thanks for a great chat. Until next time
A5- Personally finding new ideas for next year, getting ready for and preparing for kiddo's birthday.
good night! Thanks for joining us!
Yay! Mine will meet one more time to finalize our list!
A5: Also... Will stay in touch with Twitter and PLN! Keep aspiring for !
A5: read, crochet, write, binge watch Netflix and getting pedicures
A5: Get out in the sunshine, get to bed at a decent hour, read a great book. .
yes ! Must find a 5k soon!
A5. I get to read some of the graphic novels that stay checked out all the time.
A5- Spend time with my toddler, read a good book, indulge in extra caffeine haha
A5: also headed to for some book nourishment! Really excited for it!
Pop-up read aloud sessions! Let's make it a thing!
currently binging on - first time!
Physical comedy always makes me laugh!
I love that idea I should read aloud to my older kids more. Next year for sure.
truth! cheapest therapy ever!
That is one stereotype I am hoping to break moving from Elem to MS. Never too old for pic bks!
AAAAAAH! Welcome to the club! ;)
Thanks for a great chat. Gotta run. Have a great end of year everyone!
Final Question coming soon!
truth. & easy to find time for picture books! quick reads!
A4: I am probably going to pick a book fair book to read next. Sharing book trailers now!
Is it me or does blend in great with#livingrocks? Gotta love NCIS!
Night! Thanks for joining us!
There are so many great picture books that would spark so many good convos and thoughts.
Hi Richard. Was trying to join and then got a phone call of all things... Congrats on new job!
I need to revamp how our Book Club went this year. Maybe we could do a read aloud club...??
OMG Enjoy every second. I'm on my 4th time through all the series!
I'm doing an ignite speech at on the school library as your local tardis.
last week a first grader came in with a book she borrowed from public lib. and wanted to read to class. so cute!
FQ: What idea has resonated the most with you that you will now try before the school year ends? https://t.co/hEEI6KzXNy
I've sometimes thought a good book club idea is read a short story together, then discuss
get out. that's amazing! I'll BE THERE!
I talked to my head of school and he was all for it. We just got some money for Prof Dev.
FQ: definitely something with Thank-o-rama
Gr8 idea! The way we do clubs isn't very conducive to a "true club"... : /
FA: Google Keep...already downloaded...not to play!
A5: Husband & I are going on a trip 2 the beach my first weekend off! Then we have a road trip, my daughter's wedding, & trip to SF.
keep in the loop with good ideas. I think 5-6th graders would love it.
FA - I love the idea. May do it with my Kindergarteners.
FQ: Holy CRAP! Something NEW? Are you trying to kill me! LOL! How about I finish as much as possible b4 May 23rd?
pop up read alouds! that's your new thang!
FA: Don't stop sharing and learning! Finishing my digital blast series tomorrow with BFFs for Learning https://t.co/laRCp7Br5O
Oh yeah I'm going to look into Google Keep as well!
Yes! .... next year.....but of course...now that you have mentioned it... DANG IT!
FA- Want to plug & book talks. Maybe I can get Ts to let me visit their rooms to chat some up? Hope there is time...
Thank you for joining the convo tonight! Finish your year strong & keep sharing with . Good night friends!
B4 you all go! Thank u so much for all the ideas and support. I love that I can come here and feel so apart of TL world
FA I will look into it's not too late!
A5: also squeezing in a trip to the Reading Summit in San Antonio in July!
you could always do a GoogleHangout & get to many rooms at once! Like cloning yourself!
FA: Loved the ...I feel a bulletin board coming tomorrow!
Never too late to be thankful!
