Library Website

Welcome to Hines Elementary Library! This library website showcases learning through traditional books, digital platforms, makerspaces and so much more. Our library provides students the opportunity to explore and learn about our world's rich history and diverse cultures by simply stepping into this magical place. Step in and start exploring by clicking on the banner!

Background Paper

Biggest Takeaways

This class was an incredible opportunity to learn about all the technological aspects of a school librarian and the library space. I had no idea that librarians are supposed to be technology specialists and leaders in schools. Not having a great model of librarian in my current school, I now understand how much my school is missing out on when it comes to technology and makerspace.


I am pleased that I had the opportunity to create my own website for my future library and feel confident that my patrons and their families will feel empowered with available resources at the click of a button. Creating blog posts each week helped me feel more connected with the technology that will help me communicate with school faculty and staff, students and their parents.


I thoroughly enjoyed the week with AI and augmented reality. It highlighted several resources I would like to share with others to get students excited about exploring the art and culture of countries around the world. Kids today are excited about learning with technology and the more I know about what is out there, the happier my students will be.


At the beginning of the semester, I expressed a hope to feel more confident integrating technology into student learning. Now, I can proudly say that this hope has transformed into a tangible skill.

Augmented and Virtual Reality

 

Augmented and Virtual Reality are incredible tools to use with kids in the classroom or library. Being able to explore the world around us without having to worry about permission slips and packing lunches is a game changer! The tool that I explored was a combination of both augmented and virtual realities. Play with Google Arts & Culture is Google’s gateway into exploring the world’s historic landmarks and famous works of art. A doodling program lets you get creative with simple lines and learn about different aspects of famous works of art. The most exciting part of the site for me was the Puzzle Party! I am an avid jigsaw puzzler and this site allows you to do puzzles of famous works of art by yourself or with a friend somewhere else!

This site would be ideal for older elementary, middle school, and most definitely high schoolers. The only reason I would not recommend this site for elementary students is because the artwork is not appropriate at times. I would love for this site to offer another version for younger kids that offers just as much opportunity for elementary kids to learn about art and culture. There is one section of the site that is called Geo Artwork. It will show a piece of art and the user has to guess where in the world it came from. Kids get the exposure to art and make guesses of what country it was created. Each time a guess is made, points are awarded if the guess is close to the correct answer. Each time the user plays, there is the opportunity to beat the previous score. A lesson or game in art and geography.


This would be great to use in World History, art units and free time that will allow students free reign over the site. This is an amazing site that allows students to explore the art of different cultures and learn about places around the world.

Google Arts & Culture. (n.d.). Play. Retrieved November 16, 2024, https://artsandculture.google.com/play

Makerspaces in the Library

Library spaces have evolved with time to include more than just books, magazines, and newspapers. Libraries now offer patrons the opportunities to explore and learn on computers as well as the chance to explore and tinker with hands-on experiments, kits, and craft supplies. The whole concept of makerspaces is completely new to me and something that makes me a little nervous because of my fear of messes. As a third grade teacher, I try to stay away from crafts and anything hands-on activities that may result in spills, little scraps of paper, or chaos. While activities that may result in these minor disasters are great for children to experience, I know that I must work to overcome this fear.

A Makerspace Blog

A blog called “Elementary Makerspace Resources” by Mrs. J in the Library provides a comprehensive collection of resources that elementary school librarians can use to create or improve makerspaces. The blog lays out guidelines and suggestions which helps librarians introduce new materials and expand makerspace activities in an already established program. The blog also shared information about how librarians can create activities for a fixed library schedule.

Why Makerspaces?

When children read, they become curious. This curiosity can be fed with activities in Makerspaces. According to Murphy (2023), “She sees her students exhibiting greater focus and fewer discipline problems, and ‘becoming better versions of themselves.’” She feels strongly that children should be able to have plenty of time to get in touch with their imagination and simply play. With all of the high expectations that are placed on children in the classroom, this break allows them to be creative and explore. Murphy also explains that the Makerspace comes with rules to help children be responsible with each other and the provided materials. In order to help combat some of the fears I mentioned above, rules will be essential to my sanity.


Why will I have Makerspaces?

Having first hand experience with seeing kids get excited about working with their hands, I am confident that makerspace activities will result in happier and more curious children. Throughout the school day, children are expected to sit still, listen and learn. Providing them with makerspace opportunities will break up the day and allow them to explore and even test out what they learn in the classroom. Makerspacers could include magnet sets and marbles to help reinforce science concepts learned in the classroom. Students could work tinker and explore solutions to everyday problems by simply playing with craft sticks and playdough.

Mrs. J. (n.d.). Elementary makerspace resources. Mrs. J in the Library. Retrieved [November 9, 2024], from https://mrsjinthelibrary.com/elementary-makerspace-resources/


Murphy, P. (2023, March 13). Making a difference with makerspaces. Publishers Weekly. Retrieved [November 8, 2023], from https://www.publishersweekly.com

1:1 Learning

 

The use of technology in education has evolved tremendously over the past few decades including the advancement of eLearning during the pandemic. The concept of 1:1 learning is a total game changer. As an elementary school teacher, the ability to have my students on computers not only provides students with the opportunity to engage in lessons on a level they are excited about, but it also gives teachers an advantage when observing students’ real-time learning and the added benefit of built-in grading. This shift from traditional learning environments gives students a digital device to learn and show growth which allows teachers to adjust their teaching to meet the needs of their students. This shift requires support from teachers and school librarians. Since school librarians are now considered part of the technology team, they play a unique role in this digital transition.

Leaders in Change

School librarians are in the perfect position to be change agents in this new setting of 1:1 learning. In addition to simply having students use their devices in their lessons during Related Arts classes, they can collaborate with classroom teachers to continue lessons covering essential standards. According to Moen (2022), “An overarching theme expressed by the administrators was that school librarians need to change agents, people who believed in the school initiatives and had the dispositions and skills to help make change happen.” Librarians must promote digital literacy and act as guides in integrating technology into learning.

Building Relationships

It is important for librarians to build relationships with students and teachers. Open communication between the librarian and the faculty and administration of a school lends itself to easier collaboration and advocating for transforming initiatives. Moen (2022) argues that “building relationships is one way to promote and create strong school library programs that can support district learning initiatives.” Partnerships with school librarians can go a step further by hosting community nights or events in partnership with public libraries to build relationships within the community and present new initiatives.

Rebranding Library Spaces

Librarians must modernize library spaces, both physical and virtual, to support the digital learning model. Instead of focusing on only the actual books in the library, librarians can use technology to expand the student learning. Broadening access to more information and activities online, students are not limited to the brick and mortar library, classroom, or school for that matter, but can experience the world at the click of a button. Libraries should be viewed as ever changing, student-centered environments that extend beyond the library walls.

Library Resources and Curriculum

Moving forward, classroom teachers should work closely with librarians to embed library resources like digital research materials into their curriculum. Classroom teachers are unaware of most of the resources librarians can share with students. In addition to providing these resources, librarians can also help students with digital citizenship and develop research skills that will benefit students for the rest of their educational career.

As stated previously, school librarians can have a tremendous impact on 1:1 learning environments and teachers must be encouraged to use their knowledge and expertise.


Moen, M. (2022). What’s working? A case study of an exemplary school library district program in a 1:1 device setting. School Libraries Worldwide, 27(1), 18-38. https://doi.org/10.29173/slw8315