School+Library+Journal

=School Library Journal=

The **//School Library Journal//** is a monthly magazine with articles and reviews for school librarians, media specialists, and public librarians who work with young people. Articles cover a wide variety of topics, with a focus on technology and multimedia. Reviews are included for preschool to 4th grade, grades 5 and up, and teens. Also included are reviews of professional reading for librarians and reference books.

One of the hot topics is that research shows that when the percentage of school librarians increased, a percent increase was also seen in reading scores for all students, whether poor, Hispanic, or ELL. These statistics can be used as evidence for school librarians to advocate school library programs in their communities.

Wen

//School Library Journal's// September 2010 issue had some great articles about using technology in the classroom which is a very hot topic now with 21st century learning at such a high focus. One article //Test Driving the iPad// discussed possibilities for using the iPad in the classroom. A lot of teachers and librarians have been advocating for more technology use in the classroom, as long as it is effective and helpful in students' learning. The article discusses possible textbooks in e-book form which we are seeing more of at the college level now. There could be interactive quizzes, videos, links, and other things implemented that could be used by students in the classroom and at home. I think this could be useful, but we are far from it in terms of the elementary school level, especially in school districts with less funding. I don't see my school district getting a class count of iPads at the elementary school anytime soon, but it would definitely be interesting to see how the kids work with them. I also really liked looking at the recommended books in the magazine for kids and young adults. There were also many book reviews and I think this is a helpful journal for librarians.

Ashley

//School Library Journal// had similar themes over multiple issues. The included a major focus on inquiry learning, 21st century skills and reliable internet resources. The all hit on censorship as an issue to be watched and prepared for by school districts. Districts have to have policy for all book challenges especially those of LGBT literature. The May 2010 issue includes a rather humorous article on using gaming in the classroom. The article, “The Pokémon Generation”, by JP Porcaro includes some specific ideas on using Pokémon in lesson plans and generalizations about incorporating general gaming in the classroom. He says that “games have a plot, character development, thematic elements, and interactive narrative devices – the same terms used to describe books.” (pg 25) Games are a good way to involve reluctant students in classroom activities and are great teachers of 21st century skills.

The July 2010 issue included a great piece about using the school website to encourage summer reading and offer book talks when students are out of school.

Tara

The idea of using games as a way to engage the reluctant reader is interesting. I never thought of a game as having the parts of a story, but when you think about it a lot of them do. It would definitely be a way to reach some students. Wonder if this has been tried before and what the outcome was?

Shari