2nd Grade Studies Technology Over Time Through "A Fine Dessert"

by guest blogger Mrs. Young

Second grade students recently studied how technology has changed over the years.  We continued what they were learning in the classroom during our time in the library. In our first lesson, we observed and discussed changes in transportation, communication and recreation technology.  In our next lesson, we read the book A Fine Dessert, which shows families cooking the same dessert, blackberry fool, over four centuries!  We compared and contrasted the technology of making this dessert through that time.  A major ingredient of the dessert was whipped cream, so for our final lesson we divided into groups and used different kitchen tools that were used by the families in the book to make whipped cream.  We compared our results with those in the book, got a little exercise, and finally, got to try some blackberry fool ourselves.  We all agreed that it was a fine dessert.

Next Gen Digital Library

Mrs. Young and I are so grateful for the opportunity to provide digital experiences to our students as they learn with iPads this year in the library.  So far we've already used iPads with book clubs to explore the South Pole via a live feed, to learn about verb tenses & homophones with an assessment app called Nearpod, and have used the digital touch screen to make a giant chart about context clues.  We are saving time by using the online catalog on the iPads, instead of having to jot down call numbers and go back and forth between a desktop and the stacks. Two students are serving as interns to help manage the iPad collection, taking care that the devices are charged and security stowed overnight. We are starting our giant project with Library Leaders and other groups on campus to film "Reading Rainbow"-style book talks that promote our collection and get the word out about new, exciting books on our shelves. The excitement is palpable, the ability to instantly engage & assess is so convenient, and kids are getting access to technology that is new to many of them, preparing them to be the "techies" of the future! 

Library to Have 1:1 Electronic Devices This Year!

The Forest North Library is thrilled to announce that we are a Next Gen Trailblazer Library for RRISD next year. This means the library will have a set of iPads for students to use during library lessons to incorporate technology this upcoming year. This also means I'm attending trainings this summer to prepare! Today I attended an all-day training about various resources to use. Thanks Mrs. Rubin from Brushy Creek Elementary for teaching us! Next up is another Next Gen specific training on 8/6 with Mrs. Rhea & Mr. Brewton!

Library Grant

Mrs. Fournier and Ms. Decker co-wrote a grant together earlier this year to buy a Promethean Board for the Library. Promethean Boards are a fun way to learn! Imagine a huge interactive whiteboard that students can use to engage with by using their finger or a stylus to drag and drop pictures, draw, write or spell. The cost of a Promethean Board is $1772.70.

We found out today that we were awarded the full amount from the Round Rock ISD Partners in Education Foundation! This PIE Grant came to award the money to Mrs. Fournier with a big check in the middle of a meeting. Mrs. Fournier gets kind of nervous with surprises, but was still thrilled to receive the money.

I Need My Teachers to Learn

Hello Eagles! Mrs. Fournier attended the Round Rock ISD Superintendent's Leadershop Retreat a few weeks ago. One of her breakout sessions was on the use of technology for our students to become tech-savvy but also to reach them in the way they think, which is sometimes a little different than the we way we old folk teachers think! Part of our session included this powerful video put together by Robert Autrey. The song he used is a well-known one by Kevin Honeycutt. Enjoy! I hope you're as inspired by it as I was.

Library Impact on Student Achievement

Mrs. Fournier here, blogging to you live from the Forest North Library. I'm already back in the saddle, Eagles, cataloging new books, designing the Forest North Bluebonnet Book program for this year, getting new technology ready for our classroom teachers, and helping teachers know what the library can do to help you learn! This morning, I gave a presentation to our teachers new to Forest North. They are a very articulate, motivated, beautiful bunch of teachers! Check out my Prezi to see what we plan to work on together this year. Learn more about making fancy presentations at Prezi.com.

It won't be long now. I look forward to seeing everyone's new haircuts, shiny shoes and summer tans!