Making Magic in the Secondary School Library with Monthly Missions
Tired of seeing bored students during study hall? Looking for fresh ways to get them excited about visiting the library? In this post, I’ll share creative monthly challenges that I’ve used to transform my school library into a hub of activity and imagination. From turning a ghost into a famous book character in October to building epic summer reading stacks in June, these simple yet impactful ideas will inspire students to engage, create, and explore—all while keeping your library lively and fun. Curious? Dive in to discover how you can bring these exciting activities to your own library!
Flip, Flash, and Flourish: Flippity’s Formula for Fun-Filled Learning
Flippity has long been a favorite tool for educators looking to bring more interactivity and engagement into the classroom. With its latest updates, including multimedia flashcards, a vintage video game quiz, and a customizable board game creator, Flippity continues to offer flexible, fun ways to elevate learning. What makes Flippity truly stand out is its ease of use—no coding required. Teachers can simply copy and paste their content into pre-made Google Spreadsheet templates, allowing for quick and simple customization. From embedding YouTube videos and audio into flashcards to turning content into competitive quizzes, Flippity’s tools help chunk information into digestible,…
EDU AI Tool: NotebookLM
Looking for a smarter, more flexible way to learn or teach? Google’s NotebookLM, launched in 2023, is an AI tool that turns articles, videos, and PDFs into personalized, conversational podcasts! Imagine summarizing all your educational resources into a podcast you can listen to while commuting, exercising, or just relaxing. Whether you’re an educator creating dynamic lesson content or a student juggling assignments, NotebookLM makes multitasking a breeze. Simply upload your materials, select the ones you want to summarize, and with just a few clicks, you’ll have an engaging audio overview that feels like a real conversation. Perfect for auditory learners…
A Few of My Favorite Library Things!
After rewatching *The Sound of Music*, I was inspired to share some of my favorite library tools and items! As a school librarian, I'm always on the lookout for resources that make my job easier, engage students, and add a little fun to our daily routine. In this blog post, I’ll highlight some essentials that have become staples in my library setup. From innovative shelf labeling solutions to creative ways to display read-alikes, these items have transformed my space. I’ll also introduce some engaging activities, like using button makers and board games, that spark joy and excitement among students. Plus,…
AI Prompt Engineering Part 1: RECAP
Curious about how to get the most out of AI? It all starts with prompt engineering—the key to unlocking powerful, precise responses from chatbots. Whether you’re crafting lessons, answering complex questions, or just experimenting with AI, the prompts you use make all the difference. In my latest blog, I dive into a practical framework called RECAP that will take your AI interactions to the next level. From defining your role to tailoring results for specific audiences, this simple model can transform how you and your students work with AI. Ready to start refining your prompts and getting better results?
Creative Library Displays: Adding a Dynamic Twist
While scrolling through TikTok, I found a great video by @the.laser.libraria showcasing a fun Open House idea for libraries or classroom collections. Inspired by @thebookwrangler’s resources, I put my own spin on the concept, which I am excited to share with you! This display works for both nonfiction and fiction books, using dynamic shelving techniques to make collections engaging and easy to browse. The Canva template I created includes everything you need—signs, editable tags, and fun sneaker pages. I hope this inspires you to try new display ideas in your library and make your collection more inviting for readers!
Graphic Novels are Reading!!
Graphic novels and webcomics are reshaping how we experience stories. These visual narratives deliver quick, engaging content that resonates with readers of all ages. Once considered a niche, they now fill a crucial gap in literature, offering an accessible and dynamic way to enjoy storytelling in today’s fast-paced world.
Book Review: The Infused AI Classroom by Holly Clark
I connected with Holly Clark during an AI training session, and her book, Infused AI Classroom, truly stands out. Unlike many AI books that focus on tools and tricks, Holly emphasizes pedagogy and transformative teaching techniques. This approach equips both students and educators to harness AI's full potential. Discover why Holly's insights are a game-changer for education!
Schoolai.com – Sandbox Chatbots for Students
With so many AI tools available, deciding which ones are worth your time can be challenging. In New York, using any tool with students involves ensuring data protection, which limits many options. That’s why I'm excited about Schoolai.com—no student login required! This multifaceted platform harnesses AI within a safe, controlled environment. Teachers can create custom chatbots, known as Sidekicks, to enhance learning experiences without distractions. Schoolai.com offers a practical, secure way to integrate AI into education, making it a valuable asset for any educator. Ready to explore? Create your free teacher account today!
EduProtocol: Iron Chef
The Iron Chef EduProtocol is revolutionizing classroom dynamics, promoting collaboration, critical thinking, and dynamic presentations. Students work together, race against the clock, and distill their research into engaging, concise presentations. This fast-paced activity mimics the excitement of the "Iron Chef" TV show, turning learning into an exhilarating challenge. By transforming the presentation process, students avoid common pitfalls like overloading slides with text. Instead, they focus on highlighting key points and enhancing their speaking skills. Weekly practice with the Iron Chef EduProtocol builds confidence, teamwork, and presentation prowess, creating an energetic and engaging classroom environment where students thrive.
