As the school year quickly approaches, I've thought a lot about some of the school library challenges I'll face. I had a pretty good year last year. That's especially true considering I started a few weeks after the school year had begun. I felt like I was constantly behind. Even though the past school year was a good one, I am always trying to find ways to improve.
Stressors
I don't want to turn this post into a gripe session. However, one of the things that stresses me out during the school year is my crazy schedule. Compared to some library media specialists, I know I should be very thankful, but my schedule is definitely a major source of frustration. You can see the details of my library schedule here. In addition to my library skills classes, I'm also required to teach two reading classes each day. That leaves very little time to take care of library maintenance, shelving, running the Accelerated Reader program and planning. Not to mention the other jobs I get assigned, such as updating the school website or changing the outdoor sign.
Solutions
One way I'm making my life a little easier this year is by working on all my library lesson plans this summer. I probably won't finish plans for the entire year before school starts on August 8, but if I can get several months done, I will be happy. I spent most of my free time this summer working on library lesson plans, but I know I will be thankful once school starts again. I'm so excited to share what I created on with all of you. I'm planning to get my August plans up on this site in the next week or so, including Powerpoint presentations and videos for you to use in your library! Every lesson plan incorporates Common Core standards as well as AASL standards. Stay tuned.
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What school library challenges do you face? How could this website help you overcome those challenges in the future? Respond in the comments!
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