Day 4

Yesterday, I spent the whole day in the high school, bouncing back and forth between freshman English classes and the library media center. When I was with the classes I focused on showing them two different resources for getting information on their cultures research paper. I started my lesson by just asking the question, "What does culture mean, and what words come to mind when you think of culture?" Next, I went over a couple key items from their research paper handout and explained to them where I will be helping them today. I then went on to show them how to use Alexandria's Researcher to find materials in the media center. Once I found some decent items, I went on to explain the Dewey numbering system with the 900s meaning Geography and History, and then the 940s, 950s, and so on each being a different continent, followed by then next digit representing a country or group of countries. I then showed students the culture gram binders that they could use for class, followed by a short two minute video introducing the CultureGram website. Next I passed out the handout I created about how to get to and use the CultureGram website and demonstrated how to use the website with the class. I also brought to the room all the hardware and software needed for the lesson and set it up and took it down. I brought an LCD projector, a laptop, a power strip, extension cord, and all the connecting cords needed between them. The students were very attentive during the class and asked some good questions. Today they are in the computer lab working with the CultureGrams themselves. I'm going to check in on them when I can to see how everything is going.

In between my lessons I worked in the library checking out laptops to students and helping them troubleshoot their technology problems. I also helped students find materials they needed, checked in and out books, and re-shelved books. I also supervised students that were sent to the library from their classes to find various bits of information along with the student aides who were present. I also pulled some of the books that the students from the freshman English classes will be using for the culture research assignment. We have a large collection of books on countries and cultures set aside for easy access for the students. Today was a good taste of a variety of library media specialist responsibities.

On a totally different note. I was offered and accepted a job in Spring Green, Wisconsin for the Library Media Specialist position as River Valley Middle School. I am very much looking forward to starting that position come the end of August.

high school hours today: 7.5
total high school hours: 19.5
total middle school hours: 17
total secondary hours: 36.5