Smart Librarians

September 4, 2013

Every Other Thursday, you’ll get this short, fun, relevant newsletter.  It will contain a quote or smile about the library and those who love it, an idea you can use to promote your library or reading in general, a Common Core implementation idea and a shameless plug for the programs I offer.  Enjoy! 

If you are new to EOT or have missed any previous issues, you can read them all at http://smartlibrarians.blogspot.com/. And tell your friends about it!

In this issue:

·         Library Quote (includes a bonus quote!)

·         Promoting reading through BIG events

·         Helping colleagues with Common Core

·         What is your theme for the year?

Library Quote/Smile

“Never judge a book by its movie.”

J. W. Eagan

"At the moment that we persuade a child, any child, to cross that threshold, that magic threshold into a library, we change their lives forever, for the better."

President (then Senator) Barack Obama

 

Promote (From the “Encouraging Readers and Non-Readers to Read” Section of 45 Ideas in 45 Minutes)

8. Celebrate milestones often. Recognize progress along the way. We all know the importance of recognizing those who finish first at the end of the year, but recognizing progress along the way minimizes attrition and keeps enthusiasm high. My own children, who were highly motivated readers, would often see the person who got an early jump on the AR points as impossible to beat. And since first place was the only important spot, they would stop taking tests or tracking minutes, making the success of the program hard to assess. Constant encouragement and a chance to start over every 3, 6 or 9 weeks can keep kids from giving up. Consider helping your readers set short term as well as long term reading goals. Everybody (especially the students) benefit from the sustained motivation!

Common Core Connection

I am a big fan of The Teaching Channel (www.teachingchannel.org). The content is solid, the videos well done and the information is understandable. They offer this as a fee service if you sign up. I get an e-mail from them about once a week and can usually find something worthwhile in every one.

This week I got an e-mail that takes you to a page called “Ask the Experts” where you or your teachers can ask a question of a panel of CC experts and get answers via e-mail. The web address is https://www.teachingchannel.org/ask-the-experts. You can see some of the questions that have already been asked and answered at https://www.teachingchannel.org/questions. Spend a few minutes and learn something about this major nationwide curriculum shift and become the expert your teachers rely upon as they make their own adjustments!

Shameless Plug

Three plugs this edition –

1.    Special pricing for September only – go to http://smartlibrarians.blogspot.com/2013/08/august-22-2013-were-back-and-youreback.html for details and save big!

2.    Elementary Media Specialists should have already received the new TJP brochure of all our current programs. If you don’t have yours, let me know and I’ll drop one in the mail to you right away!

3.    Whatever your theme for the 2013-2014 library media center emphasis, I probably have a program that supports it! If I don’t have a show that fits the theme, I can always adapt “I Love to Read!” with a costume and books that will support your emphasis for the year!

Let me know how I can help! See you in two weeks!

Encouraging kids to read, I am
Tommy Johns
Educational Entertainment Specialist
www.TommyJohnsPresents.com
tommy@tommyjohnspresents.com
Call (770) 640-6509 or Toll Free at (866) 490-READ
------------------------------------
Your peers appreciate your advice about quality programs. Please tell them about your experience working with us. Our best sales people are our many loyal clients.

You are receiving “Every Other Thursday” because you have attended one of my workshops, invited me to your school, or registered for a free half day of assemblies at a conference. If you’d like to unsubscribe, simply click reply and let me know.  Have a WONDER-Filled Day!