My Role as a Library Media Specialist
Today's Library Media Specialist (LMS) is very different from the traditional librarian of the past because students should be engaged in learning, reading, writing, researching, and technology while in the library. The LMS makes the library the hub of learning by fostering a common space for students to seek resources, be creative, collaborate and show excitement for learning.
As stated in A year in the life of a student-centered library, "There’s no 'typical' day for a library media specialist. In one school day, we can teach a class about fake news, help one student find the perfect resource for his research project, and guide another toward a 'just-right' book series that appeals to her personal interests. For 21st-century media specialists, the idea of the library as a quiet space is out and creating new opportunities for deeper learning with students is in."
After observing HMC in the beginning of the school year, I could see that students lacked "deeper learning". Students used the library primarily for book borrowing during scheduled times and to receive traditional library lessons. Students had no excitement to do any independent work. I knew there was more to libraries than just book borrowing and lessons.
I eventually decided to make changes in the library in order to do something to help our students. I began to wonder how I could make a difference. In order to implement change, I started to research other library programs, focusing on child-centered learning and WCHCBE. And that's how I started the Genius Bar!
As stated in A year in the life of a student-centered library, "There’s no 'typical' day for a library media specialist. In one school day, we can teach a class about fake news, help one student find the perfect resource for his research project, and guide another toward a 'just-right' book series that appeals to her personal interests. For 21st-century media specialists, the idea of the library as a quiet space is out and creating new opportunities for deeper learning with students is in."
After observing HMC in the beginning of the school year, I could see that students lacked "deeper learning". Students used the library primarily for book borrowing during scheduled times and to receive traditional library lessons. Students had no excitement to do any independent work. I knew there was more to libraries than just book borrowing and lessons.
I eventually decided to make changes in the library in order to do something to help our students. I began to wonder how I could make a difference. In order to implement change, I started to research other library programs, focusing on child-centered learning and WCHCBE. And that's how I started the Genius Bar!
Rethink Recess...have a Genius Bar!
Recess is all about playing outdoors, right? Not so fast! The library is a cool get-away from the scorching sun for students to engage in "play" on a different level. It's a quiet jungle-gym where students are encouraged to imagine and plan activities, work together, create new experiences, build things, perform things, and even dream to be a genius.
Although outdoor play has its benefits, not all students really want to be physical and play outside in the sun. Sometimes, students want to be in the library and "play" with books, technology and use their imagination! The library offers much needed play time in a constructive environment. Students enjoy the library when offered to explore its book shelves for resources and ideas during recess. And they keep coming! During recess, the library is flooded with students. They form groups or work individually. With some students visiting more frequently than others, I often joke about them having "Genius Fever". Students are now eager to work on their projects, inspiring their classmates to try something, too. The Genius Bar is definitely a hit! |
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What is a Genius Bar?
Here is my concept of a Genius Bar in a quick slideshow. I adopted the "Genius" concept from several sources. First, I heard it from A.J. Juiliani who adopted it from Google. He said that Google gives their employees 20% of work time to investigate and research things they were passionate about. I also heard Angela Maiers speak about bringing out the "Genius" or talents from students, and read her book, Classroom Habitudes. My innovative touch was to invite students to the library during recess to work on any project or inquiry they desired. Then students made a pitch to their peers during lunch, and invited their classmates to watch their presentations in the library. They then distributed tickets for the audience, so these students were guaranteed a spot at the Genius Bar. Then the big day would come, and it was a great time to celebrate the students' accomplishment, so you can say we threw a mini party for them. Students were given snacks, and they ate while they enjoyed their classmates presenting.
In the beginning of the year, students wanted so badly to use their iPads, so students began playing with movie making, and the topics started to roll in: Rules for 4 Squares, Finding a Just Right Book, Being a Good Digital Citizen, etc. Children were getting good at using iMovie, CLIPS, and using their background experiences as a source of information.
Later in the year, students began thinking of topics that needed resources, so they used books to help them with their projects.
Then by February, the Genius Bar topics focused on the Hawaiian culture. More information about this can be found in the E Ola and WCHCBE page, click here.
In the beginning of the year, students wanted so badly to use their iPads, so students began playing with movie making, and the topics started to roll in: Rules for 4 Squares, Finding a Just Right Book, Being a Good Digital Citizen, etc. Children were getting good at using iMovie, CLIPS, and using their background experiences as a source of information.
Later in the year, students began thinking of topics that needed resources, so they used books to help them with their projects.
Then by February, the Genius Bar topics focused on the Hawaiian culture. More information about this can be found in the E Ola and WCHCBE page, click here.