Media Mania
How can the media center better serve our schools in today's modern world?
Makers Space has become a buzzword thanks to shows like Craftopia and all the DIY hacks and videos on social media. Do you need one in the media center?
First, what is a makers space? Its a fancy term for a craft corner or station. Basically, it can be whatever you want it to be. Why have a makers space? Studies have shown that using our hands to create something that doesn't involve a screen, can be therapeutic. No matter how elementary or advanced, it can be a time for self-reflection and give your mind a break. Who will use it? To start, think about your average patron and what might appeal to them. Obviously, budget will play a role here as far as materials that you can provide. Would just coloring pages be enough? Or should there be a fleshed out activity that they make and take with them? It is a lot to think about and can be overwhelming. I suggest working with the The sky is the limit. Renovated Learning has some great ideas for a makers space.
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A library is for books. It is a quiet space for reading, studying, and reflection.
This has become the exception not the rule. Libraries now have children's programs, mommy & me time, puppet shows, movies, and even petting zoos! With information now literally at the tips of people's fingers, libraries have had to do more to make themselves relevant. So, how does this translate to a school media center? Should the school media center, often already teaming with students, beeping computers, running printers and more, add to that sometimes chaotic environment? Are activities for purely "entertainment" appropriate or necessary? There is a strong argument with scientific backing that board games offer a host of educational and social benefits making them more than solely entertainment. These benefits include social skills, logic, literacy, collaboration with peers, memory, communication... (Read More Here). All of these things are engaged when a student is playing a board game, but they often do not realize they are learning. In this case, it can also be a nice brain break. I find the board games in my media center are used as a reward by teachers for students who have finished their work. They are also used when our community mentors meet with mentees. Favorites include Checkers, Battleship, Life, Clue, Monopoly, Dominoes and Yahtzee. I have often seen a "community puzzle" set up in libraries where patrons can work on it for the duration of their visit. I have not broached this in my media center yet, but do know Media Specialists who have had a lot of success with this set up. Puzzles can offer a quiet brain break from the hustle of the day as well as visualization skills and much more. Games can be purchased at any retail location or website. Some, like Discount School Supply, offer game bundles. Another idea would be for people to donate lightly used games they no longer want. |
April A. WaldenI am a mom, a wife, and a brand new Librarian. Living that Media Specialist life while learning all the things! Archives |