ECMA Learning Commons

Podcasts for Kids

Want some great kid friendly podcasts to listed to while you are at home?

First, you can find kid friendly podcasts on the following free apps:

Check out these for these recommended podcasts:

-Brains On

-Tumble

-6 Minutes

-Smash Boom Best

-Eleanor Amplified

-Ear Snacks

-Wow of the World

Welcome to the ECMA Learning Commons!

The ECMA Learning Commons houses certified teacher, Mrs. Bookins, the library, a full classroom space, a game collection and materials for making which include a 3D printer, Spheros, Ozobots, Cublets, circuit kits, Strawbees, Keva planks, Legos, magnets, art supplies and more.

The LC is open before school (8:05-8:35) on Tuesday's and Thursday's. Morning passes can be picked up in the front office or the LC.

Students can visit the LC anytime during school hours with a pass from their current teacher.

Book Check Out:

Students can have three books checked out from ECMA at a time. Students proven responsible can have more, with permission from Mrs. B. ELA classes visit every other week. Students can visit the LC at any other another time with a pass. If the LC is closed for some reason, books can be returned using the book return door in the hallway.

Fines:

Students can work off lost book fines for ECMA by reading and filling out a short book report form, by replacing the copy, or paying the fine. There will be several volunteer days near the end of the year to earn $ off fines as well.

February 2020

February was all about Figurative Language. Ms. Arnold's classes visited the LC to scavenger hunt for different types of figurative language using picture books, play Figurative Language Jeopardy and play Figurative Language UNO. Ms. Lumpkin's classes are visiting in early March to participate in the same activities!

January 2020

This month we celebrated our new books! Mrs. Lumpkin's classes visited Cafe Read-A-Latte to taste test books of different genres in order to help Mrs. Brookins develop the best menu possible. Students requested their favorites and Mrs. Brookins checked them out and special delivered them to their classes the following day.

Then, ELA classes also had the opportunity to visit the LC to view all 600 new books, make a wish list and learn how to request holds using Destiny.

About the library collection and YA novels

The library collection is curated to serve all students based on ALA selection guidelines. Books are chosen based on grade recommendations, interest, school standards and relevance. Books that are recommended for grades 8 and up are marked with a YA (Young Adult) sticker. Students are welcome to switch any book for another if they find it is too difficult or just not their thing.

Mrs. Brookins is often teaching a class or helping students and staff members so the circulation desk is set up for self check out and self check in. The students are taught correct procedures at the beginning of each year and their account is their responsibility. Account notices are given to students several times a year to remind them what they have checked out at that time. You may access your child's Destiny account using the Destiny link above or by going through Clever. Mrs. Brookins encourages parents to discuss the books students are reading and even read with them or come pick one out themselves! We have a lot of great books to share.

Students are encouraged to recommend any titles for purchase that are either not in the collection or are often checked out. Please use the form below to request books or other LC materials (such as games or supplies):

-> Book or Supply Request Form

Graphic Novels

Just because a book has pictures does not mean it is not quality literature for older students. Graphic Novels are a big hit right now and are extremely beneficial. If you have doubts, check out the presentation by Lee Ann Perry, the Media Coordinator from Catawaba County School District!

Graphic Novel Presentation

About Mrs. Brookins

Mrs. Brookins is ECMA's Media Specialist. She values student choice and loves connecting students with books that they enjoy. If you want to raise test scores, reading is key. If you want to raise children who think outside the box, problem solve, and are empathetic to those around them, reading is key. Read, read, read!

Mrs. Brookins teaches classes, runs the library, organizes morning announcements, coaches Reading Bowl club, manages the Makerspace/Game Center, is the ECMA technology contact, is the "Chromebook Queen" of ECMA, and more. If you have any questions related to any of the above, please email Mrs. Brookins at brookins.jamie.m@muscogee.k12.ga.us

Mrs. Brookins is married to her high school sweetheart, Chris, and together they have a daughter, Leah, who is in Kindergarten at Britt David Magnet Academy. They also have a furry family member named Melo, a dachshund who likes to chew holes in dog beds and dump his toys out of the toy basket without ever cleaning up. Mrs. Brookins loves fall, football (Go Dawgs!), reading and shopping. She also loves to binge watch her favorite shows.