Genrification of Fiction
The fiction section of the Learning Commons has been genrefied to make finding books easier for students. The student love the genrification of the Learning Commons. They can find the books they are looking for in a quick way and be exposed to books they might not have seen with simply using the catalog.
One of our goals to complete is to group picture books in our "Everybody" section in browsing boxes. We currently have two browsing boxes, with plans of ordering another this school year. We have placed popular requests together in the browsing boxes. Students almost always start at the browsing boxes when they are just looking for a book to catch their attention. Students know where to find books easily and this allows them to get the books they want to read.
One of our goals to complete is to group picture books in our "Everybody" section in browsing boxes. We currently have two browsing boxes, with plans of ordering another this school year. We have placed popular requests together in the browsing boxes. Students almost always start at the browsing boxes when they are just looking for a book to catch their attention. Students know where to find books easily and this allows them to get the books they want to read.
Technology
In addition to Cobb Digital Library, we provide other digital resources for our students and staff. We have a large population of Spanish speaking students as well as a DLI (Dual Language Immersion) program, so we have increased our Spanish resources with PebbleGo Spanish. We have laptops and iPads for students to use for lessons and research. There are black and white and color printers available for students use. We have a broadcast room that can be used by students for AV projects including green screen and movie making.
Whole Number Dewey
A recent decision was made to move to whole number Dewey in the non fiction section. The biggest reason is to make it easier and more inviting for students to use this section. Students struggle with finding the right Dewey Decimal area when looking for books. As we make this move, we are looking at the Non Fiction section with a critical eye. Books that are in bad shape, have non current information or are just too old are being removed. By using clear shelf signs and a whole number system, we are able to see where we need more and where we are in good shape. Our principal has agreed to use some of her funds to beef up the sections we feel are too weak. The impact is our students are not only more able to locate books they want and need, but they have better quality books on the shleves from which to choose. (Also, a huge plus to me, as we are reprinting spine labels we are covering up the color dots that have been used to label the books with reading levels.)
Book Clubs
Lunch Bunch Book Clubs are a favorite of students in the Learning Commons. There are usually 3 or 4 groups meeting each week. Students get together during their lunch and discuss books that they have chosen to all read. We have sweet treats and talk about our favorite parts of the chapters we read, or parts that made us feel sad, mad, happy etc. The objective is to show kids that there is value in reading for fun and talking about what we read, rather than just reading assignments.
Maker Space Resources
The Maker Space has continued to be a growing part of the Learning Commons. Some of the items that are most popular include:
- 3-D printers
- 3-D Pens
- Coding mice
- Beebots
- Osmo
- Lego wall
- Building materials
- Cricut
- Markers, glue, glitter, pipe cleaners, and a ton of other items for creating
- Pearler Beads
- PlusPlus blocks
- Clay and PlayDoh
Everything Else....
We are the Go-To place for a multitude of things for everyone in the building:
- Laminating
- Hot glue guns
- Book binding
- Everything and anything technology
- Extra computer power cords for emergencies
- Sewing up holes in students' stuffies (whatever it takes to help someone get through the day)
- Cricut support
- Coffeepot and microwave
- Chocolate