📚The Library Lowdown

Kelly Middle School's library has dramatically transformed over the last two years. Principal John Wayland and Assistant Principal Sarah Prater are committed to updating the library collection and the look and feel of the space. In the last few years, thousands of dollars have been dedicated to purchasing diverse, high-interest, engaging books. Historically, Kelly's library has been a popular place for students to hang out before school and during lunch, but not necessarily for the books. Now that the collection has been weeded and there are exciting and interesting new books, students are starting to check out books while they hang out in the library.

Libraries provide opportunities for students to gather to share learning, collaborate, and explore books. Having comfortable spaces for students to sit invites students to return. With the purchase of new furniture, Kelly students can hang out in various spaces in the library. Couches, chairs, cafe tables, and unique collaborative seating invite patrons to stay a while.

Future plans for the library include search stations for searching for books as well as maker space stations.

Howard Elementary teacher librarian, Debbie Pfeiffer, is teaching students to collaborate and problem solve with BreakoutEDU! BreakoutEDU provides engaging puzzles, both digitally and hands-on, that encourage students to work together to solve problems. Much like escape rooms, small groups work to solve puzzles while racing to beat the clock. The clues require that students use skills they've learned in library and in the classroom about library and book organization, teamwork, perseverance, and sequencing/coding. It's a huge hit with students and keeps them engaged while learning and working together!

Computer Science Education Week provides an opportunity to engage students in learning all about the workings of computers. As stated on the website:

"Computer Science Education Week is an annual call to action to inspire K-12 students to learn computer science, advocate for equity, and celebrate the contributions of students, teachers, and partners to the field.

The Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) will kick off CSEdWeek with 'Impacts of Computing,' in which a panel of 2023 CS Heroes will speak about computing’s positive and negative effects on various aspects of our lives including education, privacy, security, and accessibility. The event will be livestreamed on December 4, 7–8 pm EST (12–1 am UTC). Register here."

No worries if you don't have any experience teaching computer science. We've got you covered! The Hour of Code is an easy way to get students engaged with virtually no prep on your part. Students LOVE participating in an Hour of Code and it's easy to get started! You can sign up on their website here or skip the sign-up and just follow these steps to get up and running in no time.

Students love the Minecraft, Star Wars, Frozen, and Angry Birds puzzles, but just about any puzzle will have them hooked! The Grinch puzzle is always a hit this time of year too!

There are puzzles for all levels, K12, even non-readers! Once students get started, you can use it all year long, and students will love it! If you're on overload and need help, connect with your school librarian or Amy Page to get students up and running with coding.

Email Amy Page (page_a@4j.lane.edu) or schedule a class visit here.

Check out the choice board below with free Capstone Interactive ebooks and links to activities that engage students in all kinds of making.

December is a great time to hunker down with your favorite tea, a cozy blanket next to the fire (if you have one), and a good book! If you don't have shelves of books at home waiting to be read, Sora is full of awesome, diverse, engaging books for all reading interests! Not one to cozy up with a book, then try an audiobook while you're busy with your hobby, on the road, or tackling those monotonous tasks.

Looking for something to listen to while you're busy preparing for the holidays? Check out this collection of audiobooks for kids and this one for young adults.

Do you prefer fantasy or sci-fi? Or check the always-available collection of comics! There's something for everyone! Check out the full collection here. Log in to Sora with your 4J username and password. Watch this video to learn how to log in.

Watch this short video to learn how to download the app and listen and read on the go. 4J password required to login. Teachers, please ensure students have access to their 4J username and passwords.

Use your Eugene Public Library card to enjoy free ebooks, audiobooks, comics, movies, TV and music with Hoopla! Approximately a bazillion titles are available for all ages and interests. And every one of them is ready to borrow instantly: no holds and no waiting. Each cardholder can check out up to 8 titles per month, plus there are special Binge Passes that charge only 1 borrow for a week of unlimited use of a particular collection. Hoopla offers classic favorites as well as the latest bestsellers and award winners. Get ready to be amazed by all that awaits you -- for free! Try Hoopla now. (link is www.hoopladigital.com)

Check out this awesome resource for digital learning tools! As stated on their site:

"During this 4th annual fast-paced and fun event, twenty-five Future Ready Librarians shared twenty-five digital tools and how they use them with their students to create amazing experiences in face-to-face, virtual and blended learning."

Click the image below to view the slide deck and here is a link to the webinar.

Reese Witherspoon is not only an award-winning actress, but now she’s also a children’s author! She was featured in a Flip Author Event on November 30th that James Squires' 5th-grade class at Gilham participated in. Students had fun learning more about Witherspoon as an author and were amazed that her writing process is the same as theirs😉! Way to go, Mr. Squires!

If you missed the Event, no worries. Past Flip Events can be found on-demand here, and future Events can be found here. Here’s a direct Reese’s Flip Event from November 30th.

This month's Virtually Book'd Choice board features books for the winter holiday season! Find them all in Sora. Login with 4J username and password. Need a printout of passwords for your class? Reach out to Amy Page and she'll hook you up! If this is too overwhelming, invite Amy Page (page_a@4j.lane.edu) to your class to get your students connected so all students can enjoy these great books!

Email: page_a@4j.lane.edu
Website: https://www.4j.lane.edu/28902_2
Location: 200 North Monroe Street, Eugene, OR, USA
Phone: 541-790-7765
Facebook: facebook.com/4jlibrarymediaservices
X: @AmyPageTL