The Capturing Connected Learning in Libraries team just published a new guidebook on evaluating connected learning in libraries.
Helping Youth to Safely Explore Nature
Nature Backpack ideas:
https://henricolibrary.org/backpacks
Outdoor Adventure Backpacks available at the Goffstown NH Library:
You may wish to partner up and hold a program like the Conway Public Library:
Reimagining Youth Librarianship
Since June I have been participating in the COVID-19 Reimagining Youth Librarianship project. Now is not only an opportunity but the absolute necessary time to rethink how we meet the needs of and remain significant within our communities.
Here is an article about the project from facilitators Linda Braun and Mega Subramaniam: https://www.slj.com/?detailStory=covid-19-is-an-opportunity-to-rethink-youth-librarianship-reimagining-libraries
From the work of the group over the last few months has come the following: https://www.slj.com/?detailStory=wake-up-libraries-curbside-pickup-is-not-the-answer-reimagining-public-libraries-youth-services
Are we asking ourselves who in the community does our current decisions serve and how do we know what we are thinking is actually true? 9/3/20 article from the Reimagining Libraries group: The Right and Wrong Way to Make Decisions in a Crisis.
The Harwood Institute agrees–we NEED to step forward, have these conversations, build a shared responsibility within our communities, and help build sustainable change.
Rethinking Our Role to Better Serve the Community During and Beyond Times of Crisis by Beth Yoke, Chief Strategy Officer, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County
Virtual Programming Best Practices Using Zoom
Look to Libraries in Time of Crisis
Raising Children who Thrive
Enhancing and Practicing Executive Function Skills with Children from Infancy to Adolescence by the Center on the Developing Child Harvard University.
Resilience from Sesame Street
Health Literacy & COVID19
The pandemic has revealed some weaknesses in our Nation’s health care and proven without a doubt that the more unhealthy you are, the more at risk you are.
Even though our doors may remain closed to patrons, we can continue to promote health literacy in our communities. The National Library of Medicine offers excellent trainings and resources for free. https://nnlm.gov/
In addition to offering resources on your website and via other online methods, and hosting health talks or webinars via zoom with local professionals, what can you do to reach over the digital divide? Remaining cognizant of non-English speaking patrons, here are a few ideas:
- List reputable resources on bookmarks https://nnlm.gov/mar/guides/consumer-health/materials
- Offer flyers outside at curb pickup
- Promote physical activity within your community and state https://letsmovelibraries.org/
- These are tough times emotionally for us ALL– promote social emotional learning for your staff and provide your community with resources . See Richard Moniz’s annotated Mindful Resource List:
Remember–FACTS not fear will stop COVID 19
If you are interested in participating in a group that works through the Palouse Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction course available online for free together. https://palousemindfulness.com/ Sign up HERE
Homeschooler Ready
You may find yesterdays blog from Abby the Librarian relevant as school’s struggle with plans for the new school year rapidly approaching. More and more parents are opting to homeschool and/or continue with remote learning. What a wonderful time for the public library to offer resources and support to school systems, homeschool organizations and families if you do not already have a strong partnership.
Abby the Librarian: http://www.abbythelibrarian.com/2020/07/recent-books-on-homeschooling-update.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+abbythelibrarian%2FjEsv+%28Abby+the+Librarian%29NH DOE & Home
Helping Homeschoolers at the Library webinar August 2020 with Homeschooling Consultant Barbara Hettle. Thank you to Amy Olson, Youth Services Consultant, Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives.
Passcode: 1!#g^P2%
Note: For NH specific resources see Education: https://www.education.nh.gov/pathways-education/home-education
The Lane Memorial Library and the North Hampton Public Library had a panel of homeschool parents and the NHHC’s Portsmouth rep. to share their experiences with homeschooling. The session included a Q&A from the audience and directed questions from the host libraries. Here’s the link: https://youtu.be/N5xHSx5_hm0
Storytime Manual now available from Saroj Ghoting
Such exciting news from Saroj Ghoting:
Hi One and all, Please excuse cross postings–
I am happy to share with you a Storytime Manual developed for East Albemarle (NC) Regional Library System, through funding of an IMLS grant. You are welcome to use it under the Creative Commons License #4A. http://www.earlylit.net/s/EARLSStorytimeManual.pdf
I am grateful to Laura Salmons, the Assistant Director of EARLS, the project contact and facilitator, as well as to Jonathan Wark, EARLS Director. The children’s specialists at branches of the EARLS libraries were instrumental in offering direction as well as content. You will see that, while some of the information is generally applicable, there are also notations for local resources and perspectives.
I am grateful to CiKeithia Pugh, Early Learning Program Manager, Seattle (WA) Public Library and to Jessica Bratt, Youth Services Manager, Grand Rapids (MI) Public Library for their resources and input regarding issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion.
This Manual is meant to be used as part of a “kit” that includes some print and online resources:
Books:
1.Storytimes for Everyone! Developing Young Children’s Language and Literacy by Saroj Ghoting and Pamela Martin-Diaz. ALA. 2013
2.STEP into Storytime: Using StoryTime Effective Practice to Strengthen the Development of Newborns to Five-Year-Olds by Saroj Ghoting and Kathy Klatt. ALA, 2014.
3.Supercharged Storytimes: An Early Literacy Planning and Assessment Guide by Kathleen Campana, J. Elizabeth Mills, and Saroj Ghoting. ALA. 2016
4.Baby Rhyming Time by Linda Ernst. Neal-Schuman, 2008.
5.Mother Goose on the Loose Updated by Betsy Diamant-Cohen. ALA. 2019.
Websites:
1. WebJunction Supercharged Storytimes Self-Paced course https://learn.webjunction.org/course/view.php?id=394
2. New York Public Library Raising the Bar Training https://nypl.teachable.com/courses
And of course Jbrary is noted numerous times for great demonstrations and thoughtful advice. Thank you Lindsay Krabbenhoft and Dana Horrocks!
This Manual is a culmination not only of my own experiences being a front-line storytime provider, but also of the wonderful ideas and perspectives I have learned from my colleagues and participants in my in-person and online trainings over the years.
I hope that you will find some valuable information and a structure to help all who wish to do storytimes.
Saroj
Saroj Ghoting
88 South Turnpike Road
Newfoundland, PA 18445
570-676-8613 landline
540-250-7413 cell
NH Joins 8 other states in the Bay Area Discovery Museums Yr 2 IMLS Reimagining School Readiness Project
In year 1 Arizona, Kentucky and Wisconsin joined the pilot state of California in the Institute of Library and Museum Services funded project “Reimagining School Readiness” created by the Bay Area Discovery Museum. Year 2, the project will continue with trainings of librarians in 9 more states, including New Hampshire.
Trainers Deborah Dutcher and Bobbi Slossar will train with the Bay Area Discovery Museum in January 2021. A cohort of youth librarians in New Hampshire will be formed to be trained shortly after.
For more on the project and the Reimagining School Readiness toolkit visit HERE