Money Matters Have you started thinking about your 2020-2021 budget yet? I’m guessing that 99% of school librarians ponder funding quite a bit in the summertime. Let’s face it, in our school libraries… money matters! Getting books and e-books into kids’ hands is not an inexpensive endeavor. Renewing subscriptions for online resources and setting up library centers creates a dent in even the most generous collection of funds. Fortunately, most of us manage a district budget, book fair proceeds, and an assortment of payments for lost or damaged books throughout the year. Sustaining our programs usually requires every bit of those funds. On top of that, most of us probably dream (and scheme) about acquiring more money to keep our programs growing! Without a doubt, keeping up with the money is an important part of a librarian's duties. In fact, one of the first things a new librarian needs to do is make friends with the school’s bookkeeper. Of course, at my school this fall, I’m the ... Keep Reading...
Librarians Foster Collaboration with Specialty Teachers
Fostering Collaboration with Your Specialty Team Did you know that it's becoming a fun trend for librarians to foster collaboration with specialty teachers? Wait a minute...I know what you're thinking! For those of us on a fixed library schedule, just the thought of trying to schedule in collaboration seems a bit daunting! When teachers finally have a moment to plan, our libraries are filled with students. Busy teacher moms and dads have errands and chauffeuring to do after school. There's no time to plan then. So, what's the answer? Teacher-librarians are encouraged to collaborate from our very first graduate classes. We know it’s important. It’s just difficult to make it happen. That’s why I'm passing along an idea that originated with a blog post from Laura Trapp, the Trapped Librarian. If everyone on your activity teacher team has the same planning period, I want to suggest that you try to work together and plan a “little” collaboration celebration – during testing week! Yes, ... Keep Reading...
Back to School Freebie
A Back to School Freebie for You! I can't believe that I've been back to school for nearly three weeks now! I've been cleaning, doing inventory, processing books, going to professional development, and so on. Our kids start on Tuesday, and I'm hustling to get everything just right! I bet you know exactly how I feel... and you deserve a treat! So... if you're one of my TpT followers (and you read my recent note) you know that I decided to offer a little back to school freebie today (8/11/2019) especially for my website visitors! Click the link below and enjoy some cute little Dewey neighborhood puzzles that are perfect for our youngest students. Using This Back to School Freebie in Your Library I use these puzzles with my K-1 students after reading the book Do You Know Dewey? by Brian Cleary. While I'm reading, we take a little walking tour around the library. The first time around, we count the Dewey categories by 100s, pointing to the signage. Then, we make a second pass, ... Keep Reading...
TpT for Schools
Want to Save Money on TpT Resources? Have you heard of TpT for Schools yet? Before I was a TpT author, I bought MANY TpT resources for my school library. (Actually, I STILL buy a lot of TpT resources for my library!) Today, I'm set on helping you and your librarian friends get the most for your money when buying TpT resources. You won't want to miss my tip about sharing your favorite resources by buying your friends a discounted license! It's easy! Also, I'll help you support your teachers by describing how the TpT for Schools program works. Thousands of schools worldwide are already registered members of this platform which, in a nutshell, guides administrators in setting up a school-based evaluation and purchase system. Once TpT for Schools is in place, educators have quicker access to the TpT resources they need -- without spending their own money! Doesn't THAT sound nice?! As I researched this topic, I kept wondering if this might be another way for librarians to help ... Keep Reading...
Why You Should Click TpT’s Green Follow Me Star
So, What’s Up with the Green Star? Have you noticed the tiny green “Follow Me” star on each TpT author's page? You may wonder, "What is that for and does it increase my TpT customer service in any way?" Well, yes! Big things often come in small packages, right? That tiny star is definitely worth a click! After following that star...great things will begin to happen! For instance, you'll start receiving TpT inbox messages from your favorite TpT authors -- but not more than once a month. (I know... "Hhmm" a few of you are thinking. "So?") Well, here's a thought. In a world filled with way too much junk in our inboxes -- junk that has very little relevance to our daily doings, TpT is offering an avenue of choice and access. When you choose to star-click and follow a favorite TpT author, you set off quite a chain of events. Letting the Stars Direct Your TpT Customer Service For instance, when the owner of your favorite store pops into your inbox one morning and leaves a little note, ... Keep Reading...
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