I have been inspired by the innovative and dynamic transformation of libraries into Library Learning Commons over the past number of years. I currently work in a school district where all our secondary schools have transitioned from libraries to School Library Learning Commons. In our elementary schools, this is not always the case. The traditional concept of the library as being only a physical space to store books is the experience for most of our K-7 students. Many Teacher-Librarians find it difficult to align their practices with the current BC Curriculum and the concept of inquiry-based learning in these traditional spaces being run by traditional means. Since my journey in the TL Diploma program began a year ago, I have been trying to formulate a feasible plan to transition an elementary school library into a 21st century School Library Learning Commons.
A School Library Learning Commons is both a physical and virtual space. In the physical space, there is soft seating, movable furniture, areas for play and exploration, and textual material that align with inquiry-based learning and promote imagination, and problem-solving. The SLLC would not be a quiet, unwelcoming space, but a space that hums with activity, excitement for learning and working with friends and peers. I have found the document written by the BCTLA, FROM SCHOOL LIBRARY TO LIBRARY LEARNING COMMONS: A PRO·ACTIVE MODEL FOR EDUCATIONAL CHANGE helpful for introducing a working model to begin my work. This video created by the BC Ministry of Education on School Library Learning Commons is an excellent example of the work being done at the post-secondary, secondary, and elementary level in schools that have transitioned into Library Learning Commons.
The physical collection of the SLLC would not just consist of books, but would include exploration stations that would be comprised of: loose parts for story workshops, lego for makerspace, ozobots, spheros, cubettos, and other digital tools for coding, felt-boards and puppetry for story making and telling, there would be ebooks and ebook readers that would widen access for all learners in the school community, and there would be the necessary technology such as iPads, desktops, and laptops for students to conduct research.
In the virtual space of the SLLC, the OPAC and the SLLC website work together to provide multi-faceted services to students. Students should be able to easily access the catalogue, but also external sites such as BC Focused apps, other apps that schools and districts have bought licences for student access, and presentation applications such as word, publisher, pp, and so on. The Greater Victoria School District’s digital SLLC provides an excellent example of blending the OPAC and digital apps for ease of student use.
The SLLC I envision for my elementary school library will incorporate all these modes that will promote and provide accessibility, play, and foster imagination and critical and creative thinking skills all of which are necessary for the 21st century learner.
I created a wordle to visualize my thought process for this assignment. It is below.
Upon reflection, the key words/ideas that stood out to me as I think about the next step, “Reading Review-Part B” are…
- School Library Learning Commons
- Accessibility
- Creativity
- Physical space
- Virtual space
- Technology
- Digital tools
- Exploration stations: maker space, coding, story workshops
- Imagination
- Innovation, problem solving
This is a strong first post. It is well-written and thought-provoking. You have explored a range of ideas and themes and have identified a clear direction for further investigation. I am interested to see where your learning takes you. I appreciate the inclusion of multimedia elements. These add another layer to your post and enhance the reading experience.