I am really excited about seeing innovation happen in the library this year! In order to facilitate these opportunities I have created "zones" in the library; areas that are dedicated to different focuses, so students can learn and explore in different ways. One of the zones I have created is a gaming zone, where students have access to puzzles and strategy games to encourage critical thinking and support other common core standards based on both content and skills. Students are truly loving this area, and utilizing it in very appropriate ways.
Another zone, and perhaps what I am most excited about seeing grow this year, is our MakerSpace. This is an area where students can design, create, build, and explore in a hands on environment. So far, I have been providing a rotation of challenges to invite students to check out this space. We have had a duct tape challenge, a lego challenge, and a cartooning challenge. In order to make this a space designed with students in mind I have invited several students to work with me in an advisory role, to develop and suggest different project ideas. I hope that they will also share their knowledge with other students in a coaching role. I am looking forward to supporting STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) in the library. In addition, as this area grows I would love to invite "resident experts" (students and teachers) to come and teach us how to create or build something in our shared MakerSpace.
