After 20 years in elementary school as a classroom teacher and then a school librarian, I have made the move up to middle school. The elementary school I have been at the past 5 years feeds into Austin Academy, which is also a magnet school. The librarian there, during the week of PD before school startedd, was offered the position as a technology coach at a high school. The principal there offered me the position, and while I was reluctant to leave my littles I knew that this opportunity would not come along again for a while. Sometimes, you have to take an opportunity when it presents yourself. There is a reason for everything, in my belief.
The official move happened 5 weeks into school, so I had already started the school year out at Hillside, the elementary school. It was a bit stressful starting out at one school, then moving to another. My last day at Hillside was very emotional and filled with lots of hugs from the students. However, I know they will love their new librarian, who has just made the move back to Texas. (Another reason I knew that this move was happening for a reason.)
My first middle school displays
The first week there, I wanted to get some displays up quickly, since the students had not had a librarian there for 6 weeks. I needed to let them know I was there and ready to talk books and make recommendations.
My first bulletin board, that will probably stay up all year, was the BOOKFLIX board. I found this idea on pinterest, and knew it would be a hit with the students. I plan on changing out the book recommendations each month to keep it current. It has been so fun these past two weeks watching the students be drawn to this display in the hallways! So far, this has been a HIT!
I also placed a sign outside the library door that shows what I am currently reading. It has so far sparked a few conversations with students, and I can't wait to have more as I change the book.
Banned Book Week is always a week to start great conversations with the kids about our freedom to read. I usually did this with my fifth graders in the past, but this year, was able to go deeper in the conversations with the middle school students. Students were shocked that some of their favorites were on this list. We had some great conversations about our perspectives on different topics, and how just because you feel a certain way doesn't mean everyone else does. I was impressed at how considerate they were of each other during the conversation. We also talked about the fact that it is ok to abandon a book if the topic in the book is making you uncomfortable.
Library Decorations
I have always enjoyed decorating my space, and I believe that decorations make a place more comforting. I chose to do the library theme in Harry Potter this school year, and lots of students are loving it! I get lots of compliments.
I plan on adding more over the year, but for now this is what I've got. I also, last week, decorated for fall with some leaves and pumpkins. I had someone tell me it might be too childish, but the students, teachers, and principal have all loved it so far. People see the decorations through the windows and come in to tell me how comforting it is.
The first activities
Starting 5 weeks into school made it a little more difficult, so for my first lessons I wanted the students to get to know me, but also for them to have a voice. I placed posters around the room with questions the students were given a chance to answer. They loved having the opportunity to voice their opinions. As I read through all their responses, I am planning out programs I want to do this year with them.
I started running low on post-it notes, so for the 7th grade classes I created a padlet for them to respond to.
I admit, I do miss my littles sometimes, but I am enjoying getting to know the middle school students. I have had a few "are you crazy" looks when I tell people I moved up, and maybe I am. :) But I love the quirkiness so far in these kids! I think I am going to love it at Austin Academy!
