Lewis and Clark Learns

This year, Mrs. Haynes and I started a Blazer Builders Jr. First Lego League with a small group of third grade builders.  We were excited to start this new challenge.  We started the session after the holiday break and just finished up this afternoon.  We had weekly plans set, a timeline, and an event we were going to attend with our project.  In the end, it didn't work out quite as we had planned. When I look back at my blog it looks as if everything always works perfectly the first time in our library...so not the case.  I have had a hard time with the league not going as planned.  But when I really think about it, I need to live by what I tell my kids each day..."If you haven't failed, you haven't tried!  Things are not always going to work the first time, you may need to try again.  Every problem has a solution, it just may not be the one you planned on." Where did it go wrong?  Well, it took us way too long to select our topic and s...

About a year ago I set out to bring a MakerSpace to my elementary school library. Because of a grant that I was awarded, a write up about our library program through MASL (Missouri Association of School Librarians), and a Principal team who often presents PD around the area, I have had MANY visitors to our library MakerSpace.  After spending countless hours answering emails and questions about the space, I have finally taken some time to formally write down a bit of what I have learned along the way.  I certainly am not an expert on MakerSpaces and continue to learn everyday how to make my program better.  I continue to read professional materials, visit other MakerSpaces, and search far and wide for new opportunities for my students.  However, I hope the information and experience I now have can give others a step up in... Planning and Implementation of a MakerSpace!

On Friday, March 13th, thirteen 5th graders who had read all twelve 2014-2015 Mark Twain Nominees experienced an amazing author visit.  Author and illustrator Henry Cole amazed us all with his amazing storytelling skills, drawing expertise, and comical relief!  What a great event to end the week!  Way to read kiddos!

 How would you like it if a lion stole your arm? Well, a boy named Pedru had his arm stolen by a lion in an nighttime attack. Pedru wants to avenge this lion who stole his arm. But he’s going to need some help. Pedrus dad is the best hunter in the village! Pedru asks his dad to help him hunt, he says yes! They’re going to need some gear so they grab spears and set out the next day. Soon they have come across many lions but they are looking for one in particular. They hide in lots of places to try to hunt down the lion who stole Pedru’s arm. But will they find the lion? Read to find out. Reviewed by: Paige M.

At first glance you may look at this photo and think that what you see is a group of kids sitting and watching another student roll a Sphero Robotic Ball.  What actually happens before, during, and after this photo is pure unsolicited collaboration between kids.  Here is what really went down this morning in our Library Maker Center... Mrs. Raney's 5th grade class was in the library working on their Genius Hour projects and Mrs. Neth's 3rd grade class was in checking out books.  Corbin (5th grader) was busy working hard on his Sphero obstacle course.  Naturally, as the third grade kiddos finished checking out, their attention turned toward the Sphero. They quietly started to gather around and watch what Corbin was working on.  I was working in another area of the library when I heard a loud group groan that got my attention.  When I arrived near the group, it was clear to see that Corbin ALMOST made it through his obstacle course after many unsucce...