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Making Connections
The Rockwood Library Newsletter - December 2017
Tapping Into Students' Passions Through Genius Hour
The projects began in September when the librarians at both schools met with the classes to introduce them to the idea of Genius Hour (sometimes called 20% time), to explain that students could choose any topic they wanted, and to encourage students to follow one of their passions. Subsequent lessons, which took place approximately once every two weeks, addressed driving questions, research strategies, library resources, product ideas, and citing sources.
Summit students Maggie and Paige worked with classmates Mya and Ruth on a project about school spirit. The girls liked being able to choose a topic they wanted to learn about and choose a product to share their learning. Paige said, "Our group a made a video showing school spirit. It was fun because we got to share our school spirit with others, including teachers." Maggie added,"By spreading school spirit, we brought joy to others."
Teachers like Genius Hour, too. Kelly Kennedy, who taught two sections of Freshman Seminar this semester, said, "I am a strong supporter of the Genius Hour project as applied to our Freshman Seminar classes. Allowing student voice in the selection of their project, as well as how they carry out and present their project provides students an opportunity to develop skills, such establishing a guiding question, research techniques, citing of sources, and delivering an effective presentation. Students enjoyed using the project as an opportunity to help others and learn more about themselves."
Kennedy is one of four Freshman Seminar teachers at Summit who collaborated with librarians Elaine McKenna and Margaret Sullivan on the project. The others are Libby D'Angelo, Katherine Fischer, and Christine Hohlt. At Lafayette, librarians Nicci Ballard-Long and Melissa Twombly collaborated with Freshman Seminar teachers Natasha Fischer and Colton Hill.
Creative Ways to Get Home
Students Love Hour of Code
Putting on a Puppet Show
First Grade: Build A Book
How can you ask for a book without a title? Who created the beautiful pictures? How do we give credit to authors? When was this book written? After learning the importance and placement of book parts, Green Pines first graders have some fun playing a library game called Build a Book based on the classic game, Pretty, Pretty Princess. Players have fun gathering parts for their own book as they go around the game board while hoping for the scarce “cover” which will make their book complete to win the game. This purposeful game, created by librarian Theresa Swoboda, reinforces book parts as well as cooperation, taking turns, and patience.
Chill Out & Read A Good Book
The Rockwood librarians would also like to remind you to catch up on your pleasure reading during winter break. Studies show that reading promotes relaxation, keeps the mind sharp, and helps develop empathy. So put "reading" at or near the top of your list of things to do. If you need book recommendations, you can talk to a Rockwood librarian or visit Rockwood Reads at <https://tinyurl.com/rsdreadsbooks>. We've also included links to lists of 2017's best books. (See below.) Happy reading!
Margaret Sullivan, Rockwood Lead Librarian
Email: sullivanmargaret@rsdmo.org
Phone: 636-891-6842
Twitter: @mm_sullivan