International Dot Day : Get Inspired!

I signed our school up to participate in International Dot Day 2014!  Last years celebration was amazing. After reading Peter H. Reynolds story about a girl name Vashti who thinks she can't draw.  Her teacher inspires her to "Make a Mark and See Where it Takes You."  The book is all about creativity, inspiration, taking risks, believing in yourself and learning.  All the things we want our students to do! 

So far 4 other Elementaries in BISD have signed up to participate as well so the intradistrict collaboration can start! We will Make our Mark and See Where it Takes Us!

Tools to Connect, Collaborate, and Create PD

Many things have changed for me with the start of this school year.  As the Lead Media Specialist for my district I feel a great responsibility to my fellow Library Media Specialists to make our professional development meaningful, powerful and relevant. This week was the first of those days for the 2014-2015 school year; and this week has been amazing.  I had the privilege to host Shannon McClintock Miller in our District. We were fortunate to have 2 days with Shannon. They were jam packed with information, collaboration, and creation.
The first day our colleagues from Angleton, Columbia/Brazoria, Danbury and Sweeny joined us for Tools to Connect, Collaborate and Create.  The tools and the ideas flowed. One of my favorite tools that was shared was Padlet . I plan on using it at my elementary school by allowing the students to have a voice and share what's on their mind about all kinds of topics.  I believe that even the littlest learners in our schools have great things to say.  Padlet will help give them that opportunity!

Hello Again

I am blogging again.  I have been gone for 3 years...... I can't believe that, but I have. Alot has happened in the last 3 years. My oldest daughter has graduated from the University of Houston with a degree in Hotel Restaurant Management and is now working at Walt Disney World. My youngest daughter has graduated from high school and is now a Junior at Texas A&M University, so I am now an Emptynester! After much soul searching, reading, learning, and expanding what I want, I am ready to start again.

So much has changed in the library world and education.  Change is happening at lightning speed. Mobile technology is growing, adding new users, devices, and apps daily. This chart comes from The Flurry Blog

As you can see our students, parents, and faculty are connected all the time. They demand instant access and it is up to us to help them fulfill this need.  

We as Media Specialists must adapt and change to ensure that the we are relevant, necessary, and connected. We must give our patrons the tools and experiences that will make them productive members of this ever changing world. 

I have embraced Twitter - Michelle@BrannenLibrary and have connected with new and inspiring people who have made me question my own vision and goals for my friends at the Brannen Library. I am still learning and #hashtags confuse me. But I am not afraid to ask questions and learn by trial and error, so be patient and point out my mistakes!  I appreciate all your comments and suggestions.  

So I am back! Ready to learn and grow and change my perspective to ensure that the friends who rely on me have a guide who is willing to learn, adapt and change with them. 

Wish me luck!!!!