Alabama LM Update August 2025
First Fridays Are Back—Starting in September!
We know how busy August can be, so we’re giving everyone a little breathing room before kicking off our monthly First Fridays professional learning series. Sessions will resume on September 5, 2025, and we’re excited to spotlight the Alabama Virtual Library in many of this year’s presentations!
📚 AM Session (9:30–10:30): PebbleGo and the AVL (539710)
📖 PM Session (1:30–2:30): Tome Student Literacy Society (539713)
All registration details are available on the First Fridays website, and you’ll also find a graphic showing all of the First Fridays sessions. If the direct link doesn't work, you can search by the session number. Let’s keep growing together through collaboration and shared learning!
Important Reminders:
✅ Register in PSPL before attending to receive credit
✅ If joining with a group, enter your name in the chat
✅ If your display name differs from your PSPL registration, enter your name in the chat
✅ Otherwise, no need to enter your name to avoid duplicate entries
✅ Platform login information is available in the “Notes” section of PSPL when you register
Christina Thurman, EL Education Specialist for Region 8, is sharing some valuable support for supporting multilingual learners:
Start the school year off with a warm welcome! We’re excited to share a Library-Media Specialist Google Drive Folder of translated signs designed to help English learners feel more comfortable and supported in your space. The signs are clear, student-friendly, and available in several of the most commonly spoken languages in our schools.
These signs aren’t just helpful—they’re also fun! They can spark curiosity in all students who are interested in learning new languages and cultures. Additional folders will be added throughout the year, featuring resources tied to monthly celebrations and book suggestions on related topics.
Access the folder here: Translated Library Signs – Google Drive
Michelle Barnett, NBCT, Huntsville City Schools, shares her experience at Space Academy:
Ready to blast off for out of this world professional development experience? Space Academy for Educators is a STEM-based professional development program that is based on astronaut training experiences. This summer, I was fortunate to be selected for this amazing professional development experience. I participated in two simulated space missions, experienced “weightlessness” in a mock moon walk, rode a zipline as part of water survival training, and tumbled on three axes in a multi axis trainer. Space Academy for Educators also provided STEM-based lessons, as well hands-on learning experiences such as rocketry and origami that educators can bring back to their classrooms. Additionally, we met astronaut, Dr. Larry DeLucas, author, Homer Hickam, and numerous NASA employees. I am going back to school is some great ideas applicable to my elementary school library.
Enjoy this book review from Britney Fureigh, AMSTI 3-5 Science Specialist.
This Is a Book to Read with a Worm
Author: Jodi Wheeler-Toppen
Illustrator: Andy Robert Davies
Recommended for Ages 5 - 10
Right from the opening line - “Stop! To read this book, you are going to need a worm” the author sets a playful and inquisitive tone that invites children to engage by reading, observing, touching, and discovering.
This book is a charming, inventive picture book that turns science into play, curiosity into adventure, and a simple worm into a delightful co-reader.
At the heart of the story are two friends, a boy and a girl, who demonstrate the joy of shared discovery. Their gentle approach to interacting with a worm introduces young readers to the basic anatomy of a worm and teaches them how to respectfully observe nature. As the children observe the worm’s body, behavior, and motion, the author weaves in fun, easy-to-understand facts that keep young readers engaged.
Leah Hembree, NBCT, at East Lawrence High, hosted a vibrant summer book club that brought students together through reading, conversation, and community. From virtual discussions and mailed touchpoints to in-person meetups at local ice cream and coffee shops, the experience was both meaningful and fun!
Leah’s creative approach promoted reading, supported the Alabama Virtual Library, and spotlighted the Yellowhammer Book Award list. She’s already planning to do it again next summer!
👉 Click here to read Leah’s article, where she shares how she developed the concept, built engagement, created connections, and offers tips for replicating this successful model. Oh—and don’t miss the awesome photos!
