Friday, 26 September 2014
Introduction
The professional development blog will discuss the services provided for children and young adults. It will analyse a website created for children, observe and document a story time program, review a young adult book, reflect on an interview of a children’s Librarian and document an event attended to celebrate the impact of Libraries in Africa. The topics to be discussed are censorship, diversity, young people’s book awards, digital materials and emerging technologies.
Censorship
Analyse and evaluate a website designed for children
Tumbler books website
This website was found through Rockdale Library website. Tumbler book Library website is the children’s website to be analysed and evaluated. The address is http://www.tumblebooks.com/library/asp/home_tumblebooks.asp.
The author of this website is unknown and the day the site was created is not available. With this website, children can listen or read along. There are different genres to choose from depending on the choice of the child. The collection is made up of non fiction, story books, chapter books, videos and maths books.
The site publishes works of popular children books publishers such as Simon & Schuster, Chronicle Books, Candlewick Press, Charlesbridge Press, Walker & Company, Annick Press, Orca Books, Lerner Books and HarperCollins Publishers.
The presence of the drop down for languages enables one to select other languages than English. It has got both books in French and Spanish. The site support children in a fun way to learning and encourages children to read independently or read along.
The text box also enables children to test their comprehension skills by answering questions. In many ways the site makes children to learn through the game and puzzle section. This is very important because most children are glued to computer games now so this will help them to learn while playing games at the same time.
It is a suitable site for children with low literacy rate and coming from cultural and linguistic background (CALD)to gain fluency, understanding and to improve their vocabulary. It may be good for people who want to learn other languages such as French and Spanish.
The website is censored so that people, schools and libraries can only access it through the use of a password. It is child friendly and easy to access any where.
I will recommend this website because it helps develop the literacy and numeracy skills of a child and even people from CALD background. It also enhances their listening skills and paying attention to details. Also Tumble book library can replace the computer games children play which does not benefit them in any way. By using Tumble, children are not just learning how to read and write but also leaning how to use the technology.
I will recommend that parents subscribe to it to increase their children’s literacy and numeracy skills. Again people including teachers, principals and librarians have written good testimonies about the site. The only weakness is one has to subscribe to it before it can be used even though there is a 30 day trial period. Evaluating this website benefited me because even though I work in the Library, I never thought there was a children website as good as this and so engaging and a fun way to learn.
Tumbler books website
This website was found through Rockdale Library website. Tumbler book Library website is the children’s website to be analysed and evaluated. The address is http://www.tumblebooks.com/library/asp/home_tumblebooks.asp.
The author of this website is unknown and the day the site was created is not available. With this website, children can listen or read along. There are different genres to choose from depending on the choice of the child. The collection is made up of non fiction, story books, chapter books, videos and maths books.
The site publishes works of popular children books publishers such as Simon & Schuster, Chronicle Books, Candlewick Press, Charlesbridge Press, Walker & Company, Annick Press, Orca Books, Lerner Books and HarperCollins Publishers.
The presence of the drop down for languages enables one to select other languages than English. It has got both books in French and Spanish. The site support children in a fun way to learning and encourages children to read independently or read along.
The text box also enables children to test their comprehension skills by answering questions. In many ways the site makes children to learn through the game and puzzle section. This is very important because most children are glued to computer games now so this will help them to learn while playing games at the same time.
It is a suitable site for children with low literacy rate and coming from cultural and linguistic background (CALD)to gain fluency, understanding and to improve their vocabulary. It may be good for people who want to learn other languages such as French and Spanish.
The website is censored so that people, schools and libraries can only access it through the use of a password. It is child friendly and easy to access any where.
I will recommend this website because it helps develop the literacy and numeracy skills of a child and even people from CALD background. It also enhances their listening skills and paying attention to details. Also Tumble book library can replace the computer games children play which does not benefit them in any way. By using Tumble, children are not just learning how to read and write but also leaning how to use the technology.
I will recommend that parents subscribe to it to increase their children’s literacy and numeracy skills. Again people including teachers, principals and librarians have written good testimonies about the site. The only weakness is one has to subscribe to it before it can be used even though there is a 30 day trial period. Evaluating this website benefited me because even though I work in the Library, I never thought there was a children website as good as this and so engaging and a fun way to learn.
Digital Materials
Background
I observed an hour and a half story time at Rockdale Branch Library on Wednesday 10 September 2014 from 10:30am -12:00pm, half an hour preparation and one hour story time including, reading of books, singing, craft and a movie time. The program was presented by Ms. Pili a Library Assistant.
The weekly program is for school-age children between the ages of 3-5 years. Attendance was ten children with eight parents. Most of the children are in pre-school. The children were seated together on the story time mat in front of the presenter and parents sat on chairs behind their children.
Observation
Introduction and Reading of books:
Ms. Pili asked the children what we do first. They did the triangular sign by joining their two index fingers and thumb together to get the triangle shape with a loud voice. That was impressive. She introduced herself and one by one the children came to ring the bell so that the program will begin.
She introduced the theme which is “Space”. At this stage the children were very noisy but become very attentive when the first book was introduced with the title Five Little Men in a Flying Saucer by Dan Crisp. The story was short so she continued with the second book entitled Daddy on the Moon by Cressida Cowell.
After the story, she followed it with a rhyme titled “climb up board the space ship” and two songs, twinkle, twinkle little star and Hey diddle, diddle.
The craft activity was to prepare a rocket. Materials provided were paper cups, strip of paper, glue, scissors etc. After the craft they watch the movie star, star, star. The program ended with the stamping of the story time stamp on each child’s hand. They lined up quietly to receive it.
Reflection
Parents are required to stay with their children during the story time, help them with the craft activity, and even assist in cleaning up afterward. Ms Pili knew the name of most of the children indicating they are regulars. She also read the books from the book stand so every child can see the pictures as she read. Her voice was clear and the tempo was slow enough to allow them to look at the pictures. The stories were too short even though it was appropriate for the children.
The children kept interrupting while she read but she kept reading and occasionally will stop and ask them to keep quite. It was a good sign of leadership and the ability to control crowd.
As an aspiring Children and Youth Librarian, I will imitate the skills and qualities of Ms Pili thus her excellent rapport with children, patients and good management.
I may change the order of the program considering the age of the children and their attention span. I would have read a story, music, story, music, craft, rhyme then movie and stamp so children wouldn’t be restless. This will ensure return visits, and boosts regular attendance at the weekly story time.
Negatives:
The movie was too long and boring and not suitable considering the age of the children. At that age describing the planet means nothing them.
I observed an hour and a half story time at Rockdale Branch Library on Wednesday 10 September 2014 from 10:30am -12:00pm, half an hour preparation and one hour story time including, reading of books, singing, craft and a movie time. The program was presented by Ms. Pili a Library Assistant.
The weekly program is for school-age children between the ages of 3-5 years. Attendance was ten children with eight parents. Most of the children are in pre-school. The children were seated together on the story time mat in front of the presenter and parents sat on chairs behind their children.
Observation
Introduction and Reading of books:
Ms. Pili asked the children what we do first. They did the triangular sign by joining their two index fingers and thumb together to get the triangle shape with a loud voice. That was impressive. She introduced herself and one by one the children came to ring the bell so that the program will begin.
She introduced the theme which is “Space”. At this stage the children were very noisy but become very attentive when the first book was introduced with the title Five Little Men in a Flying Saucer by Dan Crisp. The story was short so she continued with the second book entitled Daddy on the Moon by Cressida Cowell.
After the story, she followed it with a rhyme titled “climb up board the space ship” and two songs, twinkle, twinkle little star and Hey diddle, diddle.
The craft activity was to prepare a rocket. Materials provided were paper cups, strip of paper, glue, scissors etc. After the craft they watch the movie star, star, star. The program ended with the stamping of the story time stamp on each child’s hand. They lined up quietly to receive it.
Reflection
Parents are required to stay with their children during the story time, help them with the craft activity, and even assist in cleaning up afterward. Ms Pili knew the name of most of the children indicating they are regulars. She also read the books from the book stand so every child can see the pictures as she read. Her voice was clear and the tempo was slow enough to allow them to look at the pictures. The stories were too short even though it was appropriate for the children.
The children kept interrupting while she read but she kept reading and occasionally will stop and ask them to keep quite. It was a good sign of leadership and the ability to control crowd.
As an aspiring Children and Youth Librarian, I will imitate the skills and qualities of Ms Pili thus her excellent rapport with children, patients and good management.
I may change the order of the program considering the age of the children and their attention span. I would have read a story, music, story, music, craft, rhyme then movie and stamp so children wouldn’t be restless. This will ensure return visits, and boosts regular attendance at the weekly story time.
Negatives:
The movie was too long and boring and not suitable considering the age of the children. At that age describing the planet means nothing them.
Diversity
An event in Macquarie University Library:
This is an event organized by Macquarie University Library to celebrate the impact libraries have in Africa, with a focus on the world’s newest nation, South Sudan. I attended this program because it was about cultural diversity.
Date: 13 August 2014
Time: 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Location: Atrium, CampusHub, Building C10A, Macquarie University
Theme: Libraries in Africa – a celebration
The event was about the celebration of the impact libraries have in Africa, with a focus on the world’s newest nation, South Sudan. There was an announcement of a project which is supported by Macquarie University Library and this is to build a library in a village in South Sudan.
The program Libraries in Africa – a celebration was sponsored by the Macquarie University Equity & Diversity Unit, under the Diversity Grant Scheme. It is supported by the African Students Association and Macquarie University Library. All staff and students were invited to attend and enjoy African food and cultural performances.
The event was a joint effort between the Library staff and African Students Association. Library Services Assistant and event organiser Alex Abe Kenyi born in South Sudan previously called Sudan says the event aims to raise awareness and celebrate the impact libraries have in Africa, with a focus on South Sudan.
“The event is to acknowledge and appreciate the generosity of the Macquarie University community in welcoming the people of South Sudan,” said Alex. “The community group participated in the event were the South Sudanese Australians Initiative for Development in South Sudan-Africa who aim to build a library in South Sudan.”
I learnt Libraries in Africa is an event close to Alex’s heart. This is because he believes Libraries play important roles in a culturally diverse society such as Australia and his home country South Sudan. As an African born migrant and working in a Library, I agree that Libraries enable different groups to enjoy their cultural heritage for example the South Asians Mother group meeting in Rockdale Library monthly come to keep in touch with their homelands, practice their mother tongue, learn their new country’s language, find their way in the new society, celebrate cultural activities and educate and inform all new community members.
Cultural sensitivity and respect are important aspects in the interaction between staff and patrons. Staff from different backgrounds can also play an important role in processes like acquisition and cataloguing even if they are not trained librarians. Unfortunately, most Libraries in Australia do not want to employ people from a cultural diverse background, they prefer Asians to Africans. This is proving to be difficult for them to acquire variety of materials because of the lack of knowledge of the language expertise limits cataloguing in different languages.
Again, lack of reliable vendors, copyright-issues and limitations in budgets has made it difficult for many libraries to reach. For Australian Libraries to be culturally diverse there would be the need for the National and international cooperation to improve these processes and make them both more effective and efficient and Alex would be very happy to send more Sudanese to Australia Libraries to help in acquisition and cataloguing when needed.
This is an event organized by Macquarie University Library to celebrate the impact libraries have in Africa, with a focus on the world’s newest nation, South Sudan. I attended this program because it was about cultural diversity.
Date: 13 August 2014
Time: 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Location: Atrium, CampusHub, Building C10A, Macquarie University
Theme: Libraries in Africa – a celebration
The event was about the celebration of the impact libraries have in Africa, with a focus on the world’s newest nation, South Sudan. There was an announcement of a project which is supported by Macquarie University Library and this is to build a library in a village in South Sudan.
The program Libraries in Africa – a celebration was sponsored by the Macquarie University Equity & Diversity Unit, under the Diversity Grant Scheme. It is supported by the African Students Association and Macquarie University Library. All staff and students were invited to attend and enjoy African food and cultural performances.
The event was a joint effort between the Library staff and African Students Association. Library Services Assistant and event organiser Alex Abe Kenyi born in South Sudan previously called Sudan says the event aims to raise awareness and celebrate the impact libraries have in Africa, with a focus on South Sudan.
“The event is to acknowledge and appreciate the generosity of the Macquarie University community in welcoming the people of South Sudan,” said Alex. “The community group participated in the event were the South Sudanese Australians Initiative for Development in South Sudan-Africa who aim to build a library in South Sudan.”
I learnt Libraries in Africa is an event close to Alex’s heart. This is because he believes Libraries play important roles in a culturally diverse society such as Australia and his home country South Sudan. As an African born migrant and working in a Library, I agree that Libraries enable different groups to enjoy their cultural heritage for example the South Asians Mother group meeting in Rockdale Library monthly come to keep in touch with their homelands, practice their mother tongue, learn their new country’s language, find their way in the new society, celebrate cultural activities and educate and inform all new community members.
Cultural sensitivity and respect are important aspects in the interaction between staff and patrons. Staff from different backgrounds can also play an important role in processes like acquisition and cataloguing even if they are not trained librarians. Unfortunately, most Libraries in Australia do not want to employ people from a cultural diverse background, they prefer Asians to Africans. This is proving to be difficult for them to acquire variety of materials because of the lack of knowledge of the language expertise limits cataloguing in different languages.
Again, lack of reliable vendors, copyright-issues and limitations in budgets has made it difficult for many libraries to reach. For Australian Libraries to be culturally diverse there would be the need for the National and international cooperation to improve these processes and make them both more effective and efficient and Alex would be very happy to send more Sudanese to Australia Libraries to help in acquisition and cataloguing when needed.
Emerging Technologies
Interviewing the Children & Youth Services Librarian of Rockdale Branch Library on emerging technologies
I interviewed the Children and Youth Services Librarian at Rockdale Branch Library about emerging technologies and how this can be useful to children who visit the Library.
Q1. What is your name?
Heike Ohrmann
Q2. What do you do?
Children and Youth Services Specialist
Q3. What made you choose librarianship as a career?
I've always been interested in literature, language and life-long education.
Q5. When did you realise you want to be Children and Youth Services Librarian?
I had different roles in libraries and other sectors throughout my career. When I took up the position of Children and Youth Services Librarian, I was re-focussing on some interests that I had developed earlier in my working life, in particular children literature and literacy.
Q4. What does it take to be successful as a Librarian?
It takes an ability to interact with people of all ages, an insatiable sense of curiosity, an ability to look at a problem from many different angles, and perseverance so as to determine what the patron is really asking you and then to find an answer for him or her. Especially when working at the Reference desk, my job is like a treasure hunter.
Q6. What do you see as the role of Children and Youth Services Librarian? To promote literacy, engage children in fun activities that support their development as readers and learners, offer parents opportunities to develop their children's literacy, offer parenting support, offer and promote activities for children/families that promote community cohesion.
Q7. Something about emerging technologies, give examples of emerging technologies for Libraries and how you use them to serve children and the youth.
Emerging technologies will change programs and services offered to children and young adults. The interactive nature of websites, apps and databases is appealing to children and young adults as it is to adults and can be used to enhance programs. Here are some of the examples how programs and services are being reshaped: include digital storytelling into early literacy programs, use state-of-the art technology to run programs (iPods, display screens) include web casts and web activities in the programming of the national summer reading club program, offer online tutoring service, use social media and interactive web forms for youth programs.
Reflection
I learnt, working as Children and Youth Services Librarian is not just performing story time but to promote literacy with the use of emerging technologies through interactive website, apps and database which is appealing to children and young adults. It was the first time I heard of digital storytelling into early literacy programs. The children's Librarian was really prepared for the interview. She did not think I was interviewing her for an assignment purpose but answer the questions as if she was being interviewed for a job. She is aware of emerging technologies appropriate for children and young adults. The only problem encountered in organising this interview was the Children and Youth Services Librarian was not readily available since she works as a part time staff. Hence it was difficult in scheduling an appointment with her.
I interviewed the Children and Youth Services Librarian at Rockdale Branch Library about emerging technologies and how this can be useful to children who visit the Library.
Q1. What is your name?
Heike Ohrmann
Q2. What do you do?
Children and Youth Services Specialist
Q3. What made you choose librarianship as a career?
I've always been interested in literature, language and life-long education.
Q5. When did you realise you want to be Children and Youth Services Librarian?
I had different roles in libraries and other sectors throughout my career. When I took up the position of Children and Youth Services Librarian, I was re-focussing on some interests that I had developed earlier in my working life, in particular children literature and literacy.
Q4. What does it take to be successful as a Librarian?
It takes an ability to interact with people of all ages, an insatiable sense of curiosity, an ability to look at a problem from many different angles, and perseverance so as to determine what the patron is really asking you and then to find an answer for him or her. Especially when working at the Reference desk, my job is like a treasure hunter.
Q6. What do you see as the role of Children and Youth Services Librarian? To promote literacy, engage children in fun activities that support their development as readers and learners, offer parents opportunities to develop their children's literacy, offer parenting support, offer and promote activities for children/families that promote community cohesion.
Q7. Something about emerging technologies, give examples of emerging technologies for Libraries and how you use them to serve children and the youth.
Emerging technologies will change programs and services offered to children and young adults. The interactive nature of websites, apps and databases is appealing to children and young adults as it is to adults and can be used to enhance programs. Here are some of the examples how programs and services are being reshaped: include digital storytelling into early literacy programs, use state-of-the art technology to run programs (iPods, display screens) include web casts and web activities in the programming of the national summer reading club program, offer online tutoring service, use social media and interactive web forms for youth programs.
Reflection
I learnt, working as Children and Youth Services Librarian is not just performing story time but to promote literacy with the use of emerging technologies through interactive website, apps and database which is appealing to children and young adults. It was the first time I heard of digital storytelling into early literacy programs. The children's Librarian was really prepared for the interview. She did not think I was interviewing her for an assignment purpose but answer the questions as if she was being interviewed for a job. She is aware of emerging technologies appropriate for children and young adults. The only problem encountered in organising this interview was the Children and Youth Services Librarian was not readily available since she works as a part time staff. Hence it was difficult in scheduling an appointment with her.
Young people's book awards
A Book review for Young people’s book awards
This is a book review of When You Were Mine by Rebecca Searle. It will be discussed under the topic Young people’s book awards.
Rosaline Caplet a senior at San Bellaro High School lives in South California with her parents and her best school mates Olivia, Rob and Charlie. After their school holidays, Rosaline was nervous seeing Rob because she hasn’t seen him during their eight weeks break.
She is nervous because she thinks she has feelings for Rob and hope Rob has the same feeling for her too. Things did not go to plan as Rosaline became broken hearted when her Cousin Juliet arrived in town and snatched her one and only love Rob from her.
When you were mine by Rebecca Searle is a story about two young adults Rosaline and Rob who grew up together as friends but later realised they have fallen in love with each other. In the story they look like perfect couples who have known each other for a long time but their first date seems to be very awkward and this is typical about first dates.
Things didn’t go to plan as Juliet, Rosaline’s cousin who has not been seen or heard off for a very long time because of the difference both fathers had a long time ago returned to town and come between them (Rosaline and Rob). Rob didn’t hesitate to fall for Juliet and dumping her childhood friend Rosaline.
At this stage, I felt very sorry and sad for Rosaline who had lived all her life believing Rob was meant for her. In this entire storm Rosaline was facing, she was not alone; she still had her two best friends, Charlie and Olivia. They were very supportive throughout.
In my view, I wouldn’t blame Juliet much for what she did. I will partially blame Rob. I don’t understand why he has to fall in love with two sisters and more over he has known Rosaline all his life so what made him to fall in love with another girl within a short time. We are yet to know.
To me this is a modern day Romeo and Juliet story because none of them really enjoyed each other. I was disappointed to read that Rosaline was taking part of the blame even though she did nothing wrong. May be she blamed herself because she thought she did not fight enough to win the heart of the man she loves.
To me, when you were mine may be a true story which happened to somebody or still happening today. Women are losing the love of their life to other women. It is a bittersweet ending for all the characters especially Rob, Rosaline and Juliet. The writer seems to be self aware of what is happening around and also looks smart and responsible. I will recommend this book for any body to read and will nominate it for the young people’s book award.
This is a book review of When You Were Mine by Rebecca Searle. It will be discussed under the topic Young people’s book awards.
Rosaline Caplet a senior at San Bellaro High School lives in South California with her parents and her best school mates Olivia, Rob and Charlie. After their school holidays, Rosaline was nervous seeing Rob because she hasn’t seen him during their eight weeks break.
She is nervous because she thinks she has feelings for Rob and hope Rob has the same feeling for her too. Things did not go to plan as Rosaline became broken hearted when her Cousin Juliet arrived in town and snatched her one and only love Rob from her.
When you were mine by Rebecca Searle is a story about two young adults Rosaline and Rob who grew up together as friends but later realised they have fallen in love with each other. In the story they look like perfect couples who have known each other for a long time but their first date seems to be very awkward and this is typical about first dates.
Things didn’t go to plan as Juliet, Rosaline’s cousin who has not been seen or heard off for a very long time because of the difference both fathers had a long time ago returned to town and come between them (Rosaline and Rob). Rob didn’t hesitate to fall for Juliet and dumping her childhood friend Rosaline.
At this stage, I felt very sorry and sad for Rosaline who had lived all her life believing Rob was meant for her. In this entire storm Rosaline was facing, she was not alone; she still had her two best friends, Charlie and Olivia. They were very supportive throughout.
In my view, I wouldn’t blame Juliet much for what she did. I will partially blame Rob. I don’t understand why he has to fall in love with two sisters and more over he has known Rosaline all his life so what made him to fall in love with another girl within a short time. We are yet to know.
To me this is a modern day Romeo and Juliet story because none of them really enjoyed each other. I was disappointed to read that Rosaline was taking part of the blame even though she did nothing wrong. May be she blamed herself because she thought she did not fight enough to win the heart of the man she loves.
To me, when you were mine may be a true story which happened to somebody or still happening today. Women are losing the love of their life to other women. It is a bittersweet ending for all the characters especially Rob, Rosaline and Juliet. The writer seems to be self aware of what is happening around and also looks smart and responsible. I will recommend this book for any body to read and will nominate it for the young people’s book award.
Conclusion
I have learnt to develop on my learning skills within and outside my work place and increased my knowledge and skills in the library and information sector during the learning process.
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