We have all been there. You walk in with your green bean casserole and see the tables filled with the most delicious items you have ever seen at a potluck meal. You pick up your plate and rather than getting your normal-size meal, you get a little bit of everything that grabs your attention. By the time you sit down, your plate is unrecognizable and there is no way you can eat everything on it! At times, this is how I feel about my first year...outstanding apps with no devices, MakerSpace ideas with no space or limited supplies, blogging, 3D printing, running after-school groups, online book clubs, green screen rooms, virtual field trips, MAYker Mondays, etc. I am wanting to do it all and I know that I can’t. So, it’s time to hit the rewind button and get back in line with a clean plate. It’s time to think about what it is that I want to have on my plate during this first year. What is it that is most important? What do I want to look back on and say that I completed or tried in Year One? Let the reflecting and planning begin.
Create Relationships with Teachers
One of the first things that has happened as I have been reflecting is that I need to make sure I make it through year one. It’s frustrating because I want to be able to implement ideas like I did in the classroom, but it’s not about just one class and one teacher. It’s about an entire school with a large faculty. What I’m realizing is that the 700 students are not my only students. The teachers are my students as well. I have to use this first year to let them know that I am here for them--to help them learn and grow as well. I need to spend this first year creating teacher relationships that once built, will be a sturdy foundation on which to stretch and grow together.
Plan to Utilize my PTA
While fostering those relationships, I will take small steps towards a larger goal of a MakerSpace in the library with a PTA committee to work with me. It’s not something I can do alone without an IT position in our building and a fixed schedule of 31 sections. I have started a notebook of “Ideas for Year 2 and Beyond!” Possibly getting littleBits, Q-Ba-Maze Cool Colors, Sphero 2.0 with the technology/tools to make it happen. Being that we are a school that is not eligible for grants, I may need to work with them to try DonorsChoose.org. The PTA could even help in starting an afternoon blogging club.
Complete Simple Ideas...
I need to let myself take small, steady steps to success. Completing simple ideas can help to get you on your way. Below are several ideas I am planning on trying to complete over the next few months.
- Paint several tables with dry erase paint
- Weed Reference Section to make space for simple centers (MakerSpace as time goes on)
- Construct a Lego Wall
- Collaborate with teachers (not every single one)
- Share tips at faculty meetings
- Create “Wish List” for Spring or possibly beginning of next year for PTA
- Try out some simple STEAM lessons for fun!
- Stay inspired...just like Caine!
Celebrate Accomplishments
Don't get me wrong. I absolutely love being a librarian and can't imagine that there is a better job out there! So when it is all said and done, take time to celebrate where you have been this year, where you are right now, and where you are headed in the future. As first year librarians, we get so caught up in figuring out this new path that we don’t always see the progress that has been made. Take time to savor those beautiful moments and know that you are making a difference. And remember, don't take too much when you are going through the potluck line--you can always go back for seconds if you are still hungry!
Lara,
ReplyDeleteGreat entry! I can imagine your first year is fantastic and overwhelming all at the same time. I think your list of first year ideas is great - and still long. The dry erase tables will be a HUGE hit with the students and can be used for so many activities. The notebook of ideas is a great way to remember it all too. Have fun!
I LOVE this, you were meant to be a blogger! Your witticism and ability to help the reader visualize and make it real to them is never ending. Personally, I have definitely "savored" the moments with those of you who are first time librarians this year and can't imagine going through this with anyone else! Blog on dear friend!
ReplyDeletethank goodness somebody else said it, because I, too, am sitting here thinking about all the awesomeness we're supposed to implement and I'm having a hard time looking past 'ideas' into the notion of 'reality' to see how this all could and does function together. You're very clear about what you've had to do to keep your sanity and help make not just this year successful for your library, but upcoming ones as I'm sure those bonds you make with students and teachers will only get stronger and will allow you to expand your ideas/possibilities beyond just survival-and you'll have their support to help too!
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