This library spotlight was originally posted on the Granite Educational Technology Dept. Blog (http://www.graniteschools.org/edtech/2014/10/elementary-library-media-spotlight/)
Experience
Pam Jensen has worked as a Library Media Assistant in Granite School District for eight years. She has worked at Oquirrh Hills Elementary, Plymouth Elementary, and has been Library Media Assistant at Elk Run Elementary since it opened in 2011.
Favorite Book
Jimmy Zangwow’s Out-of-this-World Moon-Pie Adventure by Tony DiTerlizzi
Favorite Quote
You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go…
-Dr. Seuss
Featured Project: Creating a yearly theme for the library
Elk Run Elementary has artwork from different cultures, all over the world, displayed in the hallways. Pam started to think about incorporating that idea into the library and designing a theme for this school year that would challenge students to think about the world outside of their community and to inspire them to investigate those cultures. She picked the theme, “Book a Trip around the World,” as her starting point.
Pam then integrated that theme into her displays, her handouts, and storytimes. When you enter the library, you get a sense of cohesiveness and it is exciting to see all of the creative ways that it has implemented. Here are some examples:
Each teacher received a miniature globe with a tag that read, “You’ve got the whole world in your hands,” a bookmark made from an old map, and a little treat to sneak on a hard day. This connected the teachers to the theme of the library and acted as a great way for Pam to reach out to the teachers.
Pam set up little displays throughout the library, using old globes to create different variations on the theme.
Behind the check-out desk, Pam made a banner out of old maps, and it hangs above a display made from old suitcases.
She also created a large display by the storytime rug that shows a map of the world, flags from different countries, and little illustrations of children from all over the world.
Every month, Pam will pick a new place for Elliot the Elk, the school mascot, to visit. For the month of October, Elliot visited France. Pam set up a display to show where Elliot is visiting, and incorporates the country he is visiting into her story times. While visiting France, the students will learn French words and will listen to a story that takes place in France.
Seeking Inspiration
Pam used Pinterest as her main source of inspiration for her displays, a great place for finding ideas of how to recycle items for displays. Instead of getting rid of globes that were no longer accurate, she was able to use them in an inventive way.
Yay Pam! I am so impressed! What an awesome library you have. You are such a creative person, and your library benefits from it for sure. After reading your post, we are re-committed to coming up with some new and creative ideas for our library. Thanks for the inspiration!