This question often comes up in librarian circles in the spring: there's money left in the budget, and suddenly, it's yours. You have a week to say how you'd like to spend it. What do you choose? Of course the answer depends on so many factors - what is the current age and condition of the library, who are the primary users, what programming is most common or has the greatest need, and so forth. But for new librarians in new circumstances, here is a place to start.
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For a long time, I've been 3D printer-adjacent; I've been fortunate to work alongside instructional technology and STEAM personnel on campuses, so I knew what 3D printers could do and encouraged students to use 3D printing as independent project formats, but I hadn't managed the machines or designs myself. I started at a new campus this year, and I knew I didn't want the brand new 3D printer to be sitting in a closet, so I went to some hands-on training, built a lesson, and jumped in with both feet. I hope this post can offer some tips and learning to others out there in similar situations! The Lesson
I worked with 15 different 8th grade ELA classes in the library - about half were advanced, and half were "on level." There were about 20 - 30 students per class, and I have nine tables with 4 chairs each in the teaching/presentation area of my library. I started with a read-aloud that was only loosely connected to monsters (I'll take any excuse to share a fun picture book): Alex Willan's Unicorns Are the Worst. The text talks about some characteristics of unicorns, as well as goblins and dragons, so we would be focusing on designing our own original monsters. I've done a lot of work with independent study projects, and this video is an attempt to share some manageable ideas about how to incorporate these as a regular, ongoing part of a regular classroom setting. This is a video of an hour-long professional development workshop with tons of ideas and resources - I hope you find it helpful! Apologies for the not super-cute graphics, but the content is a good starting place for all sorts of teachers - those who are trying to answer the I'm Through - What Do I Do question, those trying to support gifted learners through differentiated options, and teachers who want to support students in authentic inquiry - whether it is through Exhibition as part of IB-PYP, or an ongoing process of pursuing what genuinely interests students. As the former librarian at an elementary STEAM campus, I was always looking for useful read-aloud books to highlight books that illustrate creativity productivity. Whether it's the idea generation or research stage, building and refining prototypes, collaborating and exchanging feedback, or persisting in the face of struggles, there are a lot of skills involved with STEAM education and makerspaces. Here are a few titles that might be useful for classrooms, campuses, and families who want to explore maker concepts. Boxitects by Kim Smith Everyone who's ever known the joy of a group project can connect to this story, especially if you're a big ideas person who likes to be in charge. When you already have a vision about what something will look like, it can be hard to acknowledge other good ideas, much less incorporate them into your own work. This story respects and names this reality so that when team conflicts arise, participants can refer back to the story discussion for solutions and strategies. Pine and Boof Blast Off by Ross Burach A celebration of imagination and making that is sure to appeal to young students - and more than a few older ones, too. If you like Pine and Boof, there are more books in this series. And if you teach K-4 kids and haven't done any read-alouds by Ross Burach, run to your nearest library for guaranteed laughs. Be a Maker by Katey Howes The whole book is an invitation to engage in the creative process. It might be particularly helpful to read before brainstorming possible projects or building ideas. Made by Maxine by Ruth Spiro Maxine is shown trying invent something that will allow her pet goldfish to participate in the pet parade. Her persistence and clever re-purposing of recycled objects offer plenty of inspiration for additional projects. My Pencil and Me by Sara Varon This story walks through the writing and publishing process, with an adorable fourth-wall-breaking reveal at the end. Press Here by Herve Tullet Readers can press "buttons," tilt, and shake the book as the story progresses. I Am Bat by Morag Hood If you wouldn't let the Pigeon drive the bus, you'd be similarly protective of Bat's cherries, which mysteriously disappear during this story. |
Jamie Wright
I've had the privilege of working with hundreds of students and families in IA, CT, NC, MO, TX, and Canada. I love being a teacher-librarian! Categories
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