Universal Design for Learning and How to Implement-   A universal design for learning is based on principles that support diverse students by providing them multiple means of representation, action, expression, and engagement. When the universal design is implemented in school libraries, it provides learning opportunities for a wide range of students, leading to independence for students with disabilities. The guidelines I am using daily are perception, when I offer students’ content in different forms. Guideline two, language and symbols, when I use clarifying vocabulary and symbols in the library. Lastly, guideline seven, sparking excitement and curiosity for learning. I could add guideline four, physical action, tomorrow in my library by varying students’ methods of response to their learning as well as optimizing access to tools and assistive technology. Guidelines eight, sustaining effort and persistence, guideline six, executive functions, and guideline three, co...

  Podcasts - What They Are All About:   I thought it was interesting what Dr. Lesesne said in her blog regarding listening to a n audiobook instead of reading it . Comparing audio books to cheating is like meeting a friend at Disneyland and saying they cheated because they took a bus there and you drove yourself. The point is getting to and enjoying the destination, not how you travel. However, you notice different things when you listen to an audiobook versus reading the text. Listening to the audio of a book and expanding into the world of podcasts has many benefits for students in the classroom and library. T he act of listening to a good narrative helps students become better learners. Podcasts are a screen-free, movement-enabling, ear-stimulating, and eye-opening way to deliver content. Research tells us that better listeners are better readers , also that listening while reading improves text reading rates and leads to higher comprehension. Listening to stor...

 Cartoons and Comics in the Library-     In the 1940's many people believed that comics were filled with evil and affected children's lives negatively, such as making them aggressive and anxiety-ridden. Once Lauretta Bender's, a senior psychiatrist, study results were made public, the world saw comics from a different viewpoint. Comics actually  offered children a way to play, fantasize, and even a way to solve problems. Yes, there is usually mayhem everywhere, but it is a way to prevent hostile aggression from others. It can be said that comics offer mental catharsis to their readers (Lepore, 2014). I have found in my own library that reluctant readers are always open to reading a comic book when suggested! I tried Fotojet, Make Beliefs Comix, and Pixton, to create some of my own comics. There were pros and cons with all websites, but I was able to create my own comic strip on each one, some easier than others.  Fotojet- This was my favorite website to use due ...