Jean Darnell: Awaken Librarian

Expressing gratitude is an amazing positive experience, if done correctly. Some folks go overboard, others are more understated. But nothing could have started out my week on a good note than being thanked by my favorite illustrator/author, Dan Santat ! @awakenlibrarian Thank you — Dan Santat (@dsantat) February 8, 2015 @dsantat You made my week, truly!:) I thanked you here: http://t.co/lGa5Eu2EzA Be well, friend! — awakenlibrarian (@awakenlibrarian) February 9, 2015 His acknowledgement of me let my students know that it is possible to connect with your mentors and role-models, but more importantly, the validation in gratitude. Thank you Mr. Santat...you're GAWESOME! (My combo of the words "good" and "awesome!") "Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts." Henri Frederic Amiel P.S. Now let's get to reading Crankenst...

Today, we had glorious gentlemen on campus reading to our youngsters! Check out some of our photos: Real men reading right now on campus! @Goodman_Owls @DigitalFBISD @PrincipalLang pic.twitter.com/etpHLRYVyn — awakenlibrarian (@awakenlibrarian) February 2, 2015 Here were some of the books we featured... Please conclude with this WONDERFUL SHORT FILM that provides engaging and dynamic interpretation on the importance of reading especially MEN!

Here's some of my HOT TWEETS for the month! Enjoy! :) @JHarden13 My @PrincipalLang will be at your game, close behind you. Would you please sign our library bk? Thanks! :) pic.twitter.com/ppe1NRPGg1 — awakenlibrarian (@awakenlibrarian) January 26, 2015 Owl Nation! @JHarden13 signed your library book! So did Pat Beverly & Matt Bullard@HoustonRockets Go Rockets! pic.twitter.com/kIedbFrcZ3 — Goodman_Owls (@Goodman_Owls) February 8, 2015 @Goodman_Owls @PrincipalLang #Library kids watching the live @NASA feed of astronauts in space. "Watching auroras!" pic.twitter.com/HK7IXBRdk3 — awakenlibrarian (@awakenlibrarian) January 29, 2015 Here's my #crankface courtesy of my students in the #library : http://t.co/ghbkUDgP4b #IhateMondays #txlchat #edchat pic.twitter.com/XYTJUsxsPn — awakenlibrarian (@awakenlibrarian) January 26, 2015 Valentines Day - How to Make Party Poppers! Crafts for Kids w/ Crafty Ca...: http://t.co/Ar...

Today, we're featuring the book Crankenstein by Samantha Berger , illustrated by Dan Santat It's a wonderful read for all elementary students and adults, because let's face it--in the fast-paced world world we live it, all of us get a little CRANKY, at some time or another! :) Here's my cranky son...totally owning the cranky face: To present the lesson, I had the kids do a "Cranky Face" drawing contest. Here are some of our winners from K-5th grade: Finally, here's the official trailer for Crankenstein!

So, I've been tinkering with the iMovie app for use in the library and here's what I've determined: IT'S GREAT, EASY TO USE AND I DID IT IN 10 MINS! Well, once I had my pictures all organized! Here's my pitiful puppet video...I hope to add more that my kiddos made: Presenting... "The Wish of a Dragon!" The Wish of a Dragon from Awaken Librarian on Vimeo . I know...it'll get better! :) And here's the "little diddy" I created to promote some new "shelf members" in the library. I just love sharing the latest and greatest with my BOOK BABIES! Presenting... "New in the Library!" New in the Library from Awaken Librarian on Vimeo .

As librarians, we consistently uplift all the latest and greatest of literacy trends, including digital literacy and internet safety! Please check out this informative visual graphic from American Association of School Librarians : Additionally, I prefer to use the Netsmartz Kids Videos to help with educating kids on how to be safe online and proper "netiquette!" There's even a safety pledge offered by Netmartz for internet safety: And to conclude with a bonus, here's a enjoyable "ABCs of Safety" video I found on YouTube:

2015 is a year full of promise for me! I'm a young and eager librarian, graduate school is over and I'm ready to explore what's ahead! :) I begin this year fascinated with the moon! My father works for NASA and space has always been a discussion in my family! In fact, my youngest son's first word was moon! Can you guess which son from the picture below? Nevertheless, children and adults alike are excited by the majesty of the moon, our Natural Satellite! Gail Gibbons has a wonderful book titled The Moon Book that explains the facts of the moon in kid-friendly words. Add a globe, and a soft fluffy ball to function as the moon and you've instant props for a visual demonstration. I had a students throw the fluffy ball at the globe to serve as a meteorite hitting the Earth. Also, you can begin the discussion with some Moon Facts. The kids were amazed that the moon does have traces of water! Please conclude with the video below which offers such interest...