School’s out—and time to enjoy some serious lounging. Summer is also a time to consider your Web presence. If your website could use an upgrade, consider these tools to give it a boost for back-to-school—and save you time this fall.
Books About Ocean Life and Undersea Exploration | Focus On
By on June 26, 2013 1 Comment
A survey of outstanding nonfiction titles about ocean life and food chains and the challenging science of marine exploration.
Vulcanizing Vocabulary: Librarians Lead Path to Achievement | On Common Core
By on June 25, 2013 1 Comment
The Common Core State Standards place strong emphasis on vocabulary, and librarians are in a prime position to actively support this shift. This month’s “On Common Core” column shares how, including selecting read-alouds with robust language, helping students find engaging (and challenging) nonfiction books that match their interests, carefully choosing titles for reading lists, and initiating independent reading incentives.
Meet the Makers: Can a DIY movement revolutionize how we learn?
By on June 19, 2013
Andrew Carle, a technology educator at Flint High School in Northern Virginia, scurries about the classroom, rearranging desks and chairs, strategically sprinkling around wires, batteries, transistors, and clocks—all the while a video camera whirs in the background. A few seconds later, 10 seventh graders saunter in and the room becomes a hive of activity. Students [...]
Flight for Freedom: True stories of courageous individuals who escaped from slavery | Nonfiction Booktalker
By on June 17, 2013 Leave a Comment
This year marks the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s signing of the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation—and these recently published books highlight the remarkable true stories of courageous Americans during this period of history.
Teacher Librarians Are Key to the Digital Shift | Pivot Points
By on June 13, 2013 Leave a Comment
With the demise of print textbooks and the rise of digital learning resources, the digital shift is certainly underway. There are many ways that teacher librarians can inform and assist school districts making the transition. They have the skills and knowledge necessary to help administrators create guidelines and systems that will guarantee a successful change.
A Classic Summer: Pair Audiobooks and Films to Spark Discussion and Writing | Listen In
By on June 13, 2013 Leave a Comment
These audiobook versions of time-honored classics shine a spotlight on language, lyrical expression, and character development. Try pairing them with their film adaptations for excellent compare and contrast opportunities.
Give Students a Break: Four Strategies to Combat Information Overload
By on June 12, 2013
When it comes to presenting resources to students and teachers, librarians have been as guilty as any regarding information overload. But in this digital age of abundance, our real value is being able to discern quality over quantity.
Choices, Choices… For the Tech-Minded, ISTE May Be More Useful Than ALA
By on June 10, 2013 Leave a Comment
This month, librarians are gearing up for the American Library Association annual conference in Chicago. But some question whether “annual” really serves their professional development needs. In a time of contracting budgets, layoffs, and demands for tech expertise in the library, is ALA still the must-attend event for all? Or is ISTE (the International Society for Technology in Education conference) in San Antonio a better choice?
Using Social Media to Engage Teens in the Library
By on June 10, 2013
Ideas about social media, teens, and the future of libraries were shared in a dynamic online exchange sponsored by the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) and Connected Learning.
Is This It for the Nook?: While its future is unclear, the Nook is an ideal ereader for schools
By on June 6, 2013
While the future of Barnes & Noble’s hardware division is still playing out, the Nook line of ereaders boasts a quality user experience and library-loan friendly features. Jeff Hastings provides a rundown of the Nook Simple Touch with Glowlight and the Nook HD tablet in his video review.
ALA, It’s Time to Step Up for School Libraries | Editorial
By on June 4, 2013 9 Comments
What if ALA leadership fought for school librarians like it fought for access to ebooks?
World Builder: Edwards Winner Tamora Pierce
By on June 3, 2013 3 Comments
The creator of elaborate, fiery fantasies with“kick-butt” female protagonists talks with SLJ about her award-winning work.
Book/Multimedia Review Stars List | June 2013
By on June 1, 2013 Leave a Comment
Novels by Holly Black, Cynthia Kadohata, Rita Williams-Garcia, and others.
Best of Apps & Enhanced Books | June 2013
By on June 1, 2013 Leave a Comment
From the “fierce and fascinating beauty of our natural world” to a huge, Alaska-size, floating garbage patch in the Pacific Ocean,” this month’s featured apps draw attention to both the wondrous and fragile state of our planet.
Multimedia Reviews | June 2013
By on June 1, 2013 Leave a Comment
Be sure to check out the nine starred DVD and audio reviews in SLJ’s June issue, and log into Book Verdict for 60 additional reviews.
Preschool to Grade 4 | June 2013
By on May 30, 2013 Leave a Comment
Stories about pirates, puffins, and a map-making piglet.
Grades 5 & Up | June 2013
By on May 30, 2013 Leave a Comment
Tales of platypus police officers; a talking therapy dog; and life along the Mississippi in 1811.
Reference Book Reviews | June 2013
By on May 30, 2013 Leave a Comment
Referencing American Presidents, immigration, and education.
