Teachers Talk about Literature

Cover 2 Cover had an unexpected benefit in terms of building up a culture of reading in a school and this is reinforced through articles that I have read.

One of my colleagues was assisting me with Library supervision several weeks ago. They actually leaked out their favourite book to a group of students. The teacher in question was one of those featured in the staff favourite books guessing competition.

I recall that they shared some details about the book and this got the students interested.

The students who took part in the guessing competition themselves and even after the answers were publicly revealed (once winners had collected their prizes) learnt a lot about teachers' reading preferences and I hope it might encourage them to read. If teachers can reveal their reading preferences and share it, it will motivate them to read, whether it is the books featured or other books.

Most importantly, the message conveyed to students was that teachers, even with their busy schedules put time aside to read.

Even I learnt a lot about what my colleagues like to read. I could tell that the books meant something to them.

But in the classroom, what could you do as a teacher to promote reading as a fun activity?

• Find books with storylines that relate to the work being studied in class e.g. The Lord of the Flies is fantastic in reflecting how important having laws are in society. 
• Sharing background information, especially classic novels can be used to relate them to history.
• Share quotes or extracts from books with your class.
• Talk to students about your reading and invite them to share what they read with you.
• Get students to try and identify books or stories that relate to the content studied.
• Share books relating to a specific subject, e.g. Adam Spencer's books on numbers are great for mathematics.

There might be some other ideas. What could you suggest?

Cover 2 Cover is over

Cover 2 Cover is now over. After the last logs were validated on Wednesday and scores tallied up, the winners were revealed today at a school assembly.

I was proud of our winners with juniors winning most of the prizes on offer. Our winners managed to read around 60 books in a seven week period. Time is limited, but reading is an activity that means something to them.

One of them is from a Non English speaking background and her love of reading stemmed from having to read at home develop her English language skills. She can read well above her age now.

Compared to where it began seven weeks ago, Cover 2 Cover came a long way. I noticed in the last fortnight, homeroom teachers were encouraging their kids to read to land the homeroom prize of a special lunch. The homeroom winner was well deserving with most students reading at least one book in that time.

Some students had also spread gossip about progress, especially after I stopped reporting points early in the week.

I had heard from one student that their friend normally doesn't read, but participating it made them rethink about the importance of reading.

We also had noticed more books being borrowed with some untouched books actually finding themselves in the hands of a student.

And the students today enjoyed and cheered on our winners. They were thrilled.

Reading Reduces Anxiety - Newsletter article

Below is a short feature that I put in the school newsletter this week focusing on reading and anxiety.

According to Beyond Blue, 7% of Australian adolescents have experienced an Anxiety Disorder while around 3% have experienced a depressive disorder. Research by the Black Dog Institute has shown that 25% of adolescents are at risk of developing mental illness at some point in their lives. 

In recent times, researchers have examined whether or not reading can reduce anxiety, known as bibliotherapy. Evidence has suggested that reading a good book can reduce anxiety.

How? Reading a book allows a person to escape from the problems that they are facing, and can enter into another world. Reading can also allow a person to develop a sense of compassion and empathy but also aid in healing.

Sometimes our day doesn’t turn out the way that we wish for. Reading for pleasure is a great way to unwind after a long day at school. 

And if you are someone who travels a long way to school on public transport, reading can make the journey much more relaxing and makes the time go faster. Disruptions with your bus or train won’t be so frustrating.

Digital Replicas of The Sydney Morning Herald (back issues)

Newspapers have made an effort in recent to provide subscribers access to articles featured in back editions, whether they go back 10 years, 25 years or since publication of the first issue.

The OZTL_NET forum had a request from one person about accessing an article from a specific edition in 2002.

I have noticed that The Sydney Morning Herald has appeared to spread itself far and wide in providing databases to provide specific timeframes.

Newspapers.Com (Paid database) has issues dating back to 1831, when publication began. Anything up to 1954 is freely available on Trove. What I like about it is the ability to download a full page in jpeg format or as a pdf for easy printing in a great size.

The disadvantage is that they end at January 31, 2002 and some editions are not listed.

They also have one archive that covers 1955-1995. This is available if you a member of the State Library of NSW.

Many libraries provide the library edition that covers 2006 - today.

I think its created some problems for what formerly was Fairfax. Wouldn't it make sense to consolidate it all into one database?

Not to mention, it creates more costs for libraries that want to provide access to one has been regarded as one of the world's great newspapers.

Databases like Factiva will list articles from the newspaper to cover the 2002-2006 period, but what if the individual wants to view a more authentic version of the article?

What about the library edition in schools?

I think generally they are great in providing a digital replica of the newspaper but is limited in its back library to January 1 2006. Would be great if they could add editions before 2006 to help students in their research, especially history students.

Cover 2 Cover Challenge

The Cover 2 Cover wide reading challenge at my school is underway.

The mood in the library is becoming electric, especially with the guessing competition where students can win prizes if they can correctly guess the favourite books of selected staff. It's a great way for my colleagues to share their reading preferences and experiences with the students. I have learnt what my colleagues enjoy reading too.

I have prepared recommended reads brochures that will award two points if a book on that list is read and reviewed (via a reading log) or 4 points if they select a book recommended by the teaching staff. It gives a bit of a challenge. If they want to read an item that is not listed, they can earn one point per book read, but can only read five books not listed.

It is a pilot project for my colleagues and I, but I will say how much fun its proving to be so far. Getting the students to read is the big challenge, but there are going to be some prizes on offer for those who either read the most books and/or earn the most points.

OLT Autism Training

I have recently been given the opportunity to undertake some Autism training through my school which is a mixture of face to face and online training.

The insights that have been given onto Autism today have interested me, especially the changes in the definition of Autism under DSM - 5, where Autism Spectrum Disorder is classified by levels and is determined by assessment by medical professionals.

Two matters have stood out for me which I will need to consider as a Teacher Librarian:

1. Ensuring that I provide explicit instructions in how to access library services. I have focused on providing step by step guides in how to access database or undertake a particular task in a program or application for the general school community. Could breaking it down further be better and/or identify an area that may require explicit instructions or ensure effective use.
2. Inquiry Learning - We have been presented with a hypothetical case study as part of the course. The person who was one who found creative tasks and answering open ended questions difficult. While inquiry learning is great in formulating questions of our choice to help us in research, for a person with autism, it may be overwhelming. Obviously there is a need for detailed steps to be followed including templates and scaffolds. But what about what to choose as their area of focus. I have thought about it and I would suggest at this time to focus on the persons specific interest area to narrow it down and allow them to enjoy a research task that accommodates their interests.

Australian Reading Hour 2019

On Thursday, Australian's were cncouraged to pick up a book and read for one hour at any time of the day.

The goal is for people to either discover or rediscover the role of reading (in a recreational sense) but also understand the role that it has in the development of literacy skills, especially children.

Click here to access the official website.

I was impressed (and agree) with the fact that reading reduces stress. One of the reasons for taking public transport instead of driving to work is that reading gives me time to destress, especially at the end of a working day and to put the hassles of the world behind me.

I am noticing more that I take advantage of delays to engage in reading. It may annoy me that I will get home later, but I tell myself that at least that I can do something that I want to do, even if a bus or train is not the most comfortable place to be.

Flights for me can be nerve wracking especially longer haul flights as I worry that I may have left something behind, worry my luggage missed the flight and the confined nature of the plane. I have noticed that reading gets me through the stress of it, though there are times I need to get around and stretch my legs in the cabin.

Reading for an hour can be a challenge for many people, but I think getting into the habit of reading each day is more important, even if it is for 15 minutes. I have always said to students that take public transport each day to take advantage of that time to read a book that interests them. Even adults should get into the habit. I am sure that people can disconnect for their devices for a short while or turn what could be a dreary time to enter a new world.

For some, technology will help them engage in reading like a kindle or an eReader app on their tablet device. I do use my iPad at times to read eBooks, especially if travelling to international destinations. It's not the same as reading a printed copy, but you can still immerse yourself in what is on the screen.

Book Request Paper Forms Vs Book Request Online Forms

I have for the past few months managed an online form (made via Google Forms) that encourages students and staff to suggest new books for the school library. I've over 80 requests from students and staff though I have made a few contributions so I don't forget to get the books

This week, I decided to make paper forms with the idea focusing on "Book Wishes" where students can "wish" for a book. With this approach, I keep it more simple. 

They then place their paper slip in a box. I noticed that a dozen requests were received within a day.

So will paper win or will the online form win?

I can see advantages both ways. The paper form is much simplier while online forms do require a little extra information to be provided. However the online form can be filled from anywhere and being done from a computer can make the request appear less visible to others. Mind you, only library staff can view the spreadsheet with book requests.

If you do book requests, do you still go for paper or do you go online or do you do both approaches.

Dealing with Plagiarism in schools

Sydney media were reporting this week of a cheating scandal at a high school affecting Year 12 students.

I had heard some "talk" that parents had "complained" about it and perhaps influenced a decision to let off students. I cannot confirm this either.

Whether or not this happened is the issue, but how it is dealt with.

I see it this way.

In an assessment task, a student must demonstrate their own understanding of what they have learnt. That is present ideas in their own words and express their own thoughts and ideas. If they are using a concept, thought or idea that is not their own, they must acknowledge that person/s.

If they fail to acknowledge another person's concept, they are claiming ownership of something that is not theirs. It is like the theft of a physical object from another person.

We have to reward those who can independently express their own thoughts and ideas while giving credit to those who have shaped their thoughts and ideas and also have gone to the effort to locate, select and present their information.

We also have to send a message that passing off another person's work is harmful and does not reflect the persons true knowledge.

There will be some people (including some parents) who may not agree with the deduction of marks especially zero marks. But consider this - did the person who plagiarised their assessment task bother to spend the time to locate, select and communicate their information? In assessing students, we may be assessing knowledge, but also we assess the effort that is put in.

The effort a student puts into their learning says alot about the progress of a student. A student may lack the knowledge of a topic, but if they can present their own work communicating their own thoughts and ideas, the long term gains for the student will be better. The teacher will know how the student is progressing and can lead them in the right direction.

Pandering to parents because it might affect final grades is not the way to approach it. It sends the message that plagiarism is allowed but also discourage the students who have undertaken the effort to present their work from doing so.

Book Week & Early Childhood Studies

Some schools offer Early Childhood Studies as part of the HSC Course in NSW and can be studied by those who wish to follow a non-ATAR pathway.

This week, I presented a Book Week workshop with students undertaking the course in Year 11. The lesson involved students reflecting on their book week experiences, either in pre-school or in primary school before providing an overview of book week itself and the importance of picture books.

I then asked the students to select a picture book and work in pairs to create an activity program for an early childhood centre for each day during Book Week.

I will admit I had to do alot of reminiscing as I provided strategies to suggest to the students e.g. art & craft, story telling sessions, visit to the local library and running a book fair and encourage parents to buy books to read to their children. I personally remember doing this in Book Week whether it was in pre-school or primary school.

I suggested for the 2019 theme Reading is my Secret Power to focus on Superheroes given the interest in super heroes that infants and pre-schoolers will have. I actually had to do some research as this years theme can be open to interpretation. I did apply the superheroes theme for our Book Week display for our students

As students will also do placements in early childhood centres as part of their studies, I told them that they can borrow picture books to use in their placement.

Walking around and helping them was fun too as they got into the spirit of reading the book to their partner and then creating their own activities. I even helped them with their storytelling skills so that they can engage the kids effectively when doing it for real.

Today in the staff room for a weekly morning tea and briefing, there was suggestions floating around of getting students to wear a costume or outfit and that the students had talked about it. Might be considered for 2020!!!

Apollo 11 Display & Newspaper front pages

Normally, I don't mention about displays but decided to try something a little different with a display.

Recently, the world marked fifty years since the Apollo 11 lunar mission which saw man set foot on the moon for the first time.

Given that the event is about space travel and space, my library assistant and I managed to find some books while I took advantage of my library of scanned newspaper articles (associated with my ongoing work at Fab Sydney Flashbacks) to create a daily news stand featuring newspaper front pages from each day of the lunar mission. They encompass daily newspapers here in Sydney.

Below are some photos of the display as taken on a "point and shoot" camera.

I also made some booklets featuring the front pages that are on display. You may want to do one for your city or town.

ClickView Challenges

I have been a fan of ClickView for years now in providing excellent video libraries for schools and being able to easily source TV recordings from TV Networks and Foxtel. In addition is the ability to modify and create content for your school.

In recent times, I have been concerned with the amount of technical support that is being provided. The main concern for those that I work with any myself has been the streaming speed of video's on ClickView with frequent buffering, even after updating software.

I don't know if anyone else has had this problem and in previous schools have not encountered this problem.

In June, I was locked out of ClickView one morning simply because too many people had logged on across all schools, but I raised the matter with other schools and it felt like I was the odd one out. Everything seemed fine elsewhere.

Sometimes it seems the problem is resolved, but then a week or two later the cycle starts again.

I have responded at a school level by asking colleagues to keep a log of problems and emailing it to me This can create a paper trail to support the problems that I have.

Being a Commerce trained teacher, I do have awareness of consumer rights and at the end of the day, I will always fight for to ensure what is paid for and is delivered.

Has your school had this problem lately too?

Some Geography Fun in the Library II

Just before the school holidays in NSW, I had posted a photo that I had taken on the wall in the library, with a lure of a small prize for a correct answer.

I did mention that senior students were "keen" and they got even keener. We had some junior students also give it their shot.

It did not take long for a Year 9 student to take out the prize because they got the mountain range correct and then it led them ultimately to the city - Los Angeles. The mountain range was the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The photo was taken by me in December 2016 from the Observation Deck atop the US Bank tower in central Los Angeles.

My second photo looked like it was going to be hard, but they got New York and Central Park correct. The common reason was that they felt that they saw that location or setting in a film. I took this one in early 2017.

With so many people wanting to take part, I have had requests for when the next photo is being posted on the wall and some students want to submit their own photos. I look forward to what students submit and how they can challenge others in this!!!

Some Geography fun in the library

As some of you may know, I love taking photos and came up with an idea today to tie in with a library display to reflect the winter season.

I've decided to post a photo of a snow capped mountain range rising over the suburbs of a city outside of Australia. There is a prize of chocolates for the first student to get it correct and an extra prize if they can name the mountain range!!!

I know many students dread Geography, but they are even getting into it. The senior students are most keen at this stage!!!

I do have a second one planned...

Internal Reading Challenges

I am trying to create an internal reading challenge at school. Over the past few weeks, I have managed through the OZTL_Net forum and within the Association of Independent Schools to find out how schools have coordinated their own reading challenges.

Thank you to those who have lent me a hand in sharing their ideas

Some schools will also offer the NSW Premier's Reading Challenge if in NSW alongside or equivalent if in other states.

Each school that I have come across so far has adopted different approaches whether it may be:

• Students must read from a set list.
• Students can read any book and earn points according to the format or genre of the book read.
• One school has a book bingo system which students must read books that reflect a statement or description of the book e.g. "A book that was published in 2019".

At Dapto High School several years ago, my jobshare partner and I created a challenge that was similar to book bingo, but it was a collaborative effort with students in their English classes deciding which student was going to meet each challenge e.g. read a book with a red cover. We also had the students complete short book reviews, which were published in their newsletter. There was a pizza lunch at the end for the first class to complete the challenge. 

It was only open at the time to Year 7 and 8 English classes. 

In addition, Barbara Braxton provided me with a link with ideas that any Teacher Librarian can use and can be adapted to any age.

https://thebottomshelf.edublogs.org/dr-bookloves-reading-challenges/ 

I am hoping to reflect on this further in time.

Cheap US Magazine subscriptions to Australia

We have some great magazines here in Australia but sometimes there are magazines which can be useful to support teaching and learning that are not published here and if they are available would be sold at a hefty premium in CBD newsagents.

Note this will not apply to US titles that publish Australian editions like Time and National Geographic. 

Personally, I recently decided to subscribe to The Atlantic, an American news and commentary magazine that is published monthly. Being a teacher, I managed to get a one year subscription for around $70 including postage and delivery. This is cheaper than the retail price in the United States and I have seen it in CBD newsagents for around $20 per issue.

There is also Smithsonian magazine which I also signed up for at a similar price. They focus on the social sciences and culture. I am also giving to give it a go and see how useful that they are within an education context.

Magazines.com is a good reference point if you are seeking magazines that are available in the United States, however I would go direct to the magazines website and see if they will deliver to a foreign address.

Back on track

It has been two months since I last posted here and some might be asking - Where have I been?

The second half of term 1 had proven to be a little too busy for me, not to mention that I had run out of some ideas to comment and/or reflect on.

I did spend Term 1 as a classroom teacher at Gymea Technology High School in an "unfilled vacancy" in their HSIE faculty, teaching all Commerce classes along with some junior Geography and History. While it was a demanding role, it was a rewarding time there, working with lovely staff and students.

I also have been working with Australian Electoral Commission as a Second in Charge at a pre-poll booth at Hurstville covering three electorates (Banks, Barton & Cook).

With the elections now over, I am back in the library now based at Bethany College Hurstville, and hopefully being back in the library gives me time to reflect on matters in our school libraries.

Autographed Books

This week, something a little different but I was lucky to land some autographed editions of some best sellers during my recent trip to New York.

The autographed copies were at the Barnes & Noble Store in Fifth Avenue (Corner of 46th Street).

Below is one by David Limbaugh, author of  Jesus is Risen.

This one was of Hank Green, author of the recently released teen novel - An Absolutely Remarkable Thing.

This was a rare opportunity to secure autographed copies of books by big name authors. Barnes & Noble do sell autographed editions through their online store, but given I have concerns over their shipping, chances are they will be damaged by the time they reach Australia.

The need to read for pleasure

The Weekend Australian recently published an article by Rebecca Urban on recent comments by the headmaster of the SHORE school in Sydney - Tim Wright in a school newsletter.

He was concerned that boys were too dependent on social media and online news and that it could impact on their intellectual development.

Also, he has challenged the boys to read better quality books and challenge themselves in their reading.

I agree in particular with this statement:

“Reading develops your imagin­ation, emotional skills and reasoning power. If I am a reader and I have chosen my reading wisely I will see through simplistic slogans, facile arguments and tinsel values. I will understand more completely the perspectives of other people and I will not believe in unidimensional solutions­ to life’s problems.”

I really believe that you can get great insights into the state of our world or how others see the world. I for one have believed that literary works have an underlying message that an author embeds about the world. Bear in mind that great literary works have affected historical change.

For example, Charles Dickens through his novels highlighted the atrocious conditions that workers were subjected to in 19th century Britain. That would influence improvements in working conditions and has helped each of us work in safe workplaces today.

Many teen fiction novels today are based on real-life experiences. One can gain a real understanding of the issues facing teenagers by reading the novels. In fact, they have led to a public debate on the issues themselves. This is great for the progress of society

As there is a firewall for access to The Australian online, click here to view a pdf copy of the article.

Amazon Bookstores

On my recent trip to New York, I took the opportunity to visit two of the physical Amazon Bookstores. One was located at Columbus Circle and the second was located on 34th Street right opposite the Empire State Building.

It does break some rules against conventional book stores.

Unlike other bookstores, you will not find prices on the shelves, but rather you as the customer will need to scan the book at a scanner located in the aisles.

Otherwise, get ready for a surprise when you pay for your books.

If you want discounted books, you need to sign up to Amazon Prime and from my understanding, the membership is global. Here in Australia, you should be able to access the discount if you have joined through amazon.com.au. You will be able to pay the online price

No Prime Membership? You will have to pay the recommended retail price.

The shelves are stocked with books based on book sales or highly recommended reads by Amazon shoppers. Hence its based more on online sales through their website. The shelves will change according to what is popular in the marketplace. It is however organised by genres and subject areas like a typical bookstore.

I would at least recommend taking a browse if you come across one in the United States.

Photos from the New York Public Library

I spent a fortnight in New York last month and decided to go for a stroll in the New York Public Library in Fifth Avenue at Bryant Park.

Below are a few photos of the Rose Main Reading Room.

If visiting New York, I would recommend that you pay a visit. It won't hurt your pocket. There are also displays and even a theatrette that screens a film documenting its history.

I also took some photos of its entrance as seen from Fifth Avenue.