The ECIS Librarians’ Conference in Istanbul, Turkey was just dripping with inspiration. Joyce Valenza swept us off our feet with apps for everything we need for presentations and publishing, and an amaing array of resource sites. She had some examples that made you want to rush right home and get started. Doug Johnson, as always, gave us sage advice. My favorite was to chose a few new things and learn them well, then try a few more after that. I attended a storytelling class that reinforced my view that students must hear and tell stories. I think we often forget this in our rush to research. Of course, I had to attend Tara Ethridge’s presentation on using PhotoPeach for book trailers. Practical ideas with stunning examples. Debbie Abilock’s presentation was last. I felt bad that so many people had already left to catch a flight. Her presentation was very thought provoking. What is multi-cultural learning and how does this manifest itself in our daily lives and teaching. She caught me out once or twice. Her comments about the ever present country reports hit home. Instead of gathering recipes talk about what is happening in the country now – education, environment, and politics.
Now for the real challenge! Putting some of the inspiration into practice. My 4th and 5th graders were already working on a presentation for me. 4th graders are using Caldecott winners andthe 5th graders the Newbery winners. We have added music and some pictures from sites I gathered from Joyce.
If you didn’t get to join us at the conference, plan ahead for the next one. If you aren’t a librarian, come anyway. You will get lots of ideas for your classroom and will realize what an asset your librarian can be.
