This blog reader assignment turned out to be super
difficult, not because it was hard per se, but because I kept finding all these
amazing ideas and getting side tracked while figuring out how to incorporate
them into my own library program!
Blogging is such a great way for librarians to share ideas and
experiences and learn from others.
After reading Vicki Cassidy’s blog post on the 10 Best
Feed Reader Apps, I decided that I would give Feedly a try. It seemed simple, is available on the Web,
iOS, and Android, and has the ability to share to Twitter, Facebook and
Pinterest. But, the most important
aspect is the fact that it is FREE for a basic plan where you may add up to 100
sources. Of course an upgrade to the Pro
plan is also available for about $65/year, but for the purposes of this
assignment, the basic plan was perfect for me. I actually found this assignment
to be very beneficial because I do currently follow a few blogs that I have
bookmarked on my browser and must click through the favorites menu again and
again to scroll to the one I want to read.
After creating my Feedly account, I added each of the blogs I keep up
with, plus a few more, and there they all were, on one convenient page!
Here is a list of just a few of the blogs I chose to follow:
Watch. Connect. Read: Exploring
Children’s Literature Through Book Trailers
This is one
of my favorite blogs, because it gives you a heads up on what is new and coming
up in the world of children’s literature.
The numerous book trailers that Mr. Schumacher shares is just one of the
things that make this blog so awesome.
But more than trailers, he shares cover reveals that build excitement
for upcoming books, and interviews with authors and illustrators who share
their processes and inspirations.
Nerdy Book Club
Nerdy Book
Club offers blog posts on an almost daily basis thanks to contributions from
guest bloggers who all have a love of children’s literature in common. It ranges in posts from recommended books
lists, book reviews, reading experiences and suggestions. I also loved the posts from Nerd Camp that
allowed readers to glimpse some of the information that was shared there
although they were unable to attend.
The Daring Librarian
I love
Gwyneth Jones. She’s exactly the kind of
librarian that I hope to be. She’s smart,
she’s creative and oh so cool. Her blog
is filled with new and exciting activities and programs going on in her
library, ways to incorporate the latest technologies, and general advice for
educators.
The Library Voice
The heading
on the page says, “A place to be heard through creating, technology,
connecting, reading, collaborating and noise.”
This blog is literally all of those things. It is a great resource for lesson plans and
ideas on how to integrate technology into your classroom and library. From websites that allow students to create,
to apps that help teachers connect with parents, this blog has it all.
The Unquiet Librarian
The first
post I saw on this page, about having a student poetry reading, inspired me to
do something similar in a couple weeks when our fifth graders complete their
poetry unit. The fifth grade teachers
and I are so excited. This blog is
filled with other ideas and suggestions involving reading, writing and
classroom activities. With posts devoted
to inquiry learning, student publishing, and tech recommendations, this is a good
blog for librarians to follow.
Resource
Cassidy, V.
(2015, September 22). The 10 best feed reader apps for RSS, news, and more.
Those are great blogs you discovered! The Watch. Connect. Read. blog is pretty awesome! I can definitely see how engaging this can be for visual learners...such a clever way to hook students!
ReplyDeleteI really like the daring librarian too! She has great ideas that are so relevant to the changing look of today's libraries. You list some other great blogs I will have to add to my list.
ReplyDeleteI agree that is assignment was difficult because it was easy to get distracted.. I also kept finding a ton of great blogs and ideas to add to my librarian tool kit.
ReplyDeleteI found it both exciting and overwhelming to discover so many great ideas! I'm excited to check out The Library Voice for ideas on integrating technology.
ReplyDeleteI found The Library Voice to be a great resources also. I like that this blog provides various ways to engage students thru noise, interaction, hands-on learning, technology, connecting reading, and collaborating. I'm glad we are being introduced to so many resources to further our library knowledge.
ReplyDeleteExcellent choices for blogs to follow! I love getting to see what we all chose, and finding even more to follow.
ReplyDeleteI am excited to explore some of the blogs that you found! I have seen that many of us chose some of the same blogs, but you and I only have one in common, so I am thrilled to add what you found as more resources. I loved The Unquiet Librarian and the fact that she is not only a librarian, but a writing teacher. I think that gives her unique perspective that is beneficial.
ReplyDeleteI am going to add to of the blogs that you discovered to my Feedly site, The Nerdy Book Club, and Watch.Connect.Read. The last one I had not come across. Good finds!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing. I am definitely going to add 'Mrschureads' because I want to stay informed! There are many new book that I do not know about. Following his blog can help me provide the best and newest to my students.
ReplyDeleteI follow most of the blogs you posted on twitter. I find them to be very fun and informative.
ReplyDeleteI love Mr. Schu reads - he is one of the guys I have been following on Twitter ever since I had my first class here at SHSU! Love him!
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