Wendy Garland
@wendygarland
Elementary school librarian & reader who loves using technology to spark creativity. Dancer, figure skating enthusiast. All opinions are my own. she/her
This book has made me think a lot about the importance of mattering and our relationships with one another. As I prepare to go back to school, this is where I am going to spend some carefully curated time. #TLSky #SchoolLibraries
A former student recommended this to me and I am in LOVE! Great middle school read about friendship, relationships, connection, gaming, knitting, and AWKWARDNESS! Thank you @jodimeadows.bsky.social for this gem! #TLSky #SchoolLibraries
This beautiful, quiet space makes for a lovely reading retreat! I am so grateful for the public space adjacent to my neighborhood. My commute? A 5 minute WALK!
Greetings from my mobile office! My backpack beach chair has a pocket probably designed for a beach towel, but my dad absolutely chose it to carry my BOOKS!
Day 1 of vacation - Book Nerd Boot Camp at a local library! The timing couldn’t be more perfect. Bedazzled my first book and enjoyed their thematic snacks. #Skybrarians #TLSky
Summer teaching is now behind me. Celebrating my first day of freedom. #TLSky #Skybrarians
Oh, Knowledge Quest, how you are speaking to my heart! I just shared this article with my colleagues and some ideas about using district initiatives (& language) to demonstrate how the libraries are already aligning with these & are essential to moving them forward. #TLSky #SchoolLibraries #AASL
This Knowledge Quest article affirmed my thoughts about the hidden value to conferences - the PEOPLE! Conversations in & around sessions are often the GOLD and what will live beyond the conference @caharvey2.bsky.social @churchap3.bsky.social #AASL #TLSky #SchoolLibraries
Wow! Knowledge Quest is usually a fruitful read, but this issue is particularly applicable and speaking to me! #AASL #TLSky #SchoolLibraries
This was a fantastic book to read on our final week. I was able to send classes off with this phrase. Longest school year ever is now complete. #TLSky #SchoolLibraries
Our top 10 circulations confirm my suspicions. Fiction collection collects dust while the Wimpy Kid books take over the world. Thinking about how to gently inspire readers to try other books. Nonfiction shows a little bit of variety. Reflecting and planning for next year. #TLSky #SchoolLibraries
My favorite project this year was Students Rebuild, hands down. When we can interact with each other, create, and do this with purpose, beautiful things are born. buff.ly/j1muNBc #TLSky #SchoolLibraries
I knew graphic novels and nonfiction were the top circulating collections. The numbers show just how close. I take a close look at trends and make notes now so as I let things marinate over the summer, I can make decisions accordingly. #TLSky #SchoolLibraries
The last two years have taught me that our oldest students (5th graders) really thrive when they play. They actively choose magnatiles, legos, and games over chromebook activities. When they play, they are collaborating and communicating. We need to let them play! #TLSky #SchoolLibraries
I keep a folder of drawings, notes, etc that students have sent me over the years. It is a place I like to return to on occasion (especially when I need a reminder of my "why"). I am adding this beauty to my fine collection. #TLSky #SchoolLibraries
Survey says... attitudes towards the library diminish as school years progress. No surprise here - I've felt it in the lack of interest in checking books out and behaviors. However, I WILL say that the 5th grade responses feel higher than past years. #TLSky #SchoolLibraries
Wrapping things up with a few humorous titles. Steve is definitely a crowd favorite. I Am Not Happy doesn't always "land." I however, am having a grand old time reading these! #TLSky #SchoolLibraries
It's survey time! Thank you @illinimccoy.bsky.social for your use of a visual scale to help students understand and respond to this very important question. I read these very closely and shape next year in response to what I read. #TLSky #SchoolLibraries
Our model magic creations are complete. Like our country has monuments and symbols to represent it's story, we do too! Our "Footsteps to Freedom" community read is coming to a close #America250 #TLSky #SchoolLibraries
Our breakout answers come from our databases BUT students insisted on going to google. How many times have I redirected groups? Too many. Natural consequences - their answers don't work. Grrrr #TLSky #SchoolLibraries
I saw these beautiful book creations done by former students when I visited the middle school for a meeting. These are very insightful young men & women, given tools to express themselves. It makes my heart so very happy! ❤️ #TLSky #SchoolLibraries
Students are creating a landmark or symbol with model magic. This one looks just like the plan. (That doesn't always happen). Markers are next week! #TLSky #SchoolLibraries
We are creating landmarks or symbols to tell our stories with Model Magic. 4th & 5th graders are thinking about the stories we hear and the stories we don't as we celebrate our country's 250th birthday. #TLSky #SchoolLibraries
We have two of these Little Free Libraries outside of our Early Childhood building. They are often empty. Great problem to have! I've been doing some cleaning and relocating books to these to get them in the homes of our families. #TLSky #SchoolLibraries
I shared this gorgeous Robert Sabuda book with students as they start their landmark or symbol creation project to celebrate their American story. #TLSky #SchoolLibraries
Ks are brainstorming gifts to give our country on it's 250th birthday celebration. Love, money, a diamond ring and a Nintendo Switch were highlights of today's work. We read The Gift Inside the Box to launch our thinking. #TLSky #SchoolLibraries
Ks were discussing "well worn" and how someone older may have wrinkles. "LIKE YOU, Mrs. Garland!" Check. Love having my wrinkles compared to Abe's. 🤣 I still *feel* like I'm 27 but clearly I am "well worn."
We are thinking about our media choices - what is the purpose? What is a healthy choice? What is a not-so-healthy choice? This partners well with the Common Sense Media video: buff.ly/0esWo92 #TLSky #SchoolLibraries
Nothing like a love note to pick me up and carry me through the day! ❤️
Our youngest learners are participating in our community read and celebrating 250 years of our country. We took a close look at our flag, read two books, and made choices that included designing our own flag. @kadirnelson.bsky.social #TLSky #SchoolLibraries