Summer PD Goal: Learn YouTube How-Tos with link to resulting video (FY19 SSYRA Jr Video Introduction)

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FY19 SSYRA Jr Video Introduction

Summer PD Goal: Learn YouTube How-Tos

with FY19 SSYRA Jr Video Introduction

I've got my own set of Summer learning goals. One of them is to learn more about recording videos on YouTube as part of my Google Certified Educator training. There are so many steps in the process to consider: Camera, background, lighting, voice projection, language appropriate for intended audience, presence, content knowledge, prop preparation, etc.

During this process my thoughts were on the multi-faceted nature of learning new skills. It can take many hours and can require repetition to master. I wonder if we allow those we teach, whether young or old, the time it takes to master the skills they are seeking to learn. Do we allow enough time to practice when we teach new skills?

I thought I'd share the video I recorded as I practiced my learning. It's not perfect, but it's brave. I want my students to choose brave over perfect too. The purpose of this video is to introduce incoming Kindergarten-2nd Grade students to Florida's FY19 Sunshine State Young Readers Award Jr. beginning chapter book selections. I also hope to help them discover the thought process involved in deciding whether or not they're interested in selecting any particular book to read. Students will have access to the video through direct instruction and independently via Google Classroom.

I welcome your thoughts and constructive criticism as I continue practicing new skills.

What are your learning goals this Summer?

Make A Congratulations Card for Test-Takers (includes free Cricut Design Space file)

Congratulations are in order! One of my goals for this school year was to pass the 3-hour Google Certified Educator Exam. On Sunday, May 13, I reached that goal. Hooray! I feel like celebrating this accomplishment. So today, I want to share a card-making project with you. This is a card that will celebrate the successes of every test taker in your life.

To make this card you will need:

• 1 12x12 sheet of blue cardstock
• 1 12x12 sheet of 'Colorbok 75386 Spray Paint' cardstock (I got mine here: Amazon)
• 1 12x12 sheet of CTMH White Daisy cardstock (I got mine on my independent consultant website here: CTMH)
• 1 black 0.4 tip Cricut black pen (I got mine here: Cricut)
• 1 Cricut Maker, or other Cricut machine using Design Space, with accompanying light grip mat and fine-point cutting blade

This picture shows the inside of the card. I am the team leader for my school's Technology Trailblazer program so I went ahead and made a card for each of my team members since passing this exam is a prerequisite before receiving the technology in FY19. As each one passes the test, I plan on mailing a card to congratulate him/her. The card in Design Space doesn't have my name on it. Just double-click on the text to add your own name, or sign it by hand after printing out the sentiment.

I hope you enjoy making this card to celebrate the successes of your friends, family and coworkers. 

Here's the Design Space file so you can get started:

Congratulations Google Certified Educator Level 1 Card

Please let me know if you need any help making this card.

Welcome

Welcome

I'm glad you're here.

A little about me

• I'm a library media specialist at a public elementary school teaching reading strategies, leading technology integration, designing STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) challenges in our media center makerspace and providing information and reader's advisory services,
• I'm an anti-bullying and literacy advocate,
• I'm a freelance writer and book reviewer, and
• I'm an ordained minister.
• I enjoy making beautiful *usually useful* things with my hands,
• I thrive in the great outdoors and enjoy gardening, hiking, biking, camping, and geocaching,
• I love digging in the dirt and breathing deeply of the salty ocean air, and
• I'm really big on family.

How'd I pick the site name?

The term 'makerspace' is big in the educational world. I consider myself to be and also encourage everyone I meet to become and remain lifelong learners. Learning keeps the mind alert and the brain active. I started this blog to be a place where friends of all ages can gather to create, explore, discover, inquire and share wholesome, family-friendly creative projects using a variety of tools and materials. I will make use of my Cricut Maker, Cuttlebug, HP instant-ink ready color printer, Janome sewing machine, Close To My Heart papercrafting supplies, as well as my varied assortment of on hand home office and craft supplies. Although I will post the sources of any newly purchased supplies, you are not obligated in any way to purchase from these sites. My goal is to freely share my projects and discoveries with you. I hope you'll join me and share your learning too.

My favorite quotes

Why do we fear when we already know the ending? -- Kimberly Bower

Dance like nobody's watching; love like you've never been hurt. Sing like nobody's listening; live like it's heaven on earth." -- Mark Twain

Thoughts about books, reviews and site indexes

As a librarian I come across many new books every month. I scour professional journals and websites, research on Edelweiss and NetGalley, subscribe to feeds from a host of other sources and take part in Twitter chats to see what's new, coming up in the ranks, popular etc. I can't read every title. There just isn't time. I do, however, look closely enough to decide if I would read a title before requesting a galley, ARC, or review copy. Those titles will likely find their way into a New On My Nightstand post, a topical book list or research guide. NOTE: New On My Nightstand is soon-to-be-added to this site. I'll be playing catch-up for a bit but I feel strongly about sharing the best makerspace-related resources I find. Stay tuned! I'll have a Book Review Index for quick links to reviews.

I enjoy engaging with other librarians, readers and bloggers. I like to check out other blogs and share ideas. I love to promote authors offering content that meets the stated goals of this blog. Thanks again for stopping by. I hope to get to know you better.

Blessings on your journey today,

Kimberly