Alabama LM Update February 2025
Join us for First Fridays on February 7th as Amanda Dykes, Computer Science Education Specialist at ALSDE, shares practical tips and strategies for integrating DLCS into our libraries.
Elementary Libraries: 9:30–10:30 AM (Register in PSPL: Session 522661)
Secondary Libraries: 1:30–2:30 PM (Register in PSPL: Session 522664)
All sessions are recorded and available on our First Fridays site, where you’ll also find topics, registration, and archived sessions. You must register in PSPL to receive credit. Login details are included in the registration. If the link isn’t working for you, login to PSPL on a different browser and key in the session numbers.
Don’t forget to check our First Fridays site for topics, registration, and archived sessions! (All sessions are recorded and will be uploaded to our First Fridays site. You will not receive PSPL credit for watching an archived session.) If you have any session requests or are interested in presenting/facilitating a topic related to library management, please submit your idea(s) using this Form.
The session login information is included in the "Notes" session of PSPL. You will have access to the “Notes” section when you register.
Enjoy this book review from Tiffany Roddy, an AMSTI Elementary Math Specialist for Grades 6-8.
Sir Cumference and the Dragon of Pi
By: Cindy Neuschwander
Illustrated by: Wayne Geehan
Math Content Area: Geometry and Measurement
Concept: Discovering pi
Grade/Standard: 7.GM.20
Oh no! Sir Cumference accidentally turns himself into a dragon after drinking a potion created by Master Fibonacci, the castle’s alchemist. The knight’s son, Radius, embarks on a journey to find the magic number that will change his father back into a human. Guided by a riddle and clues, Radius explores the relationship between a circle’s circumference and its diameter, ultimately discovering the mathematical constant Pi (π). This story of an engaging math adventure introduces readers to the concept of Pi in a creative and memorable way.
After reading the book, students can engage in a hands-on activity to explore the concept of Pi themselves. Provide them with various circular objects, string, rulers, measuring tapes, and a recording document. First, have students measure the circumference by wrapping a string around the object, marking the length, then measuring the length from the string with a ruler. Next, have them measure the diameter by finding the straight-line distance across the center of the circular object. After gathering those measurements, ask the students to divide each circumference by its corresponding diameter and record each result.
Students can average their quotients within their group and average the group results with the class. As students compare their measurement calculations, they will notice that the ratio remains close to 3.14, reinforcing the discovery made by Radius in the story. This hands-on experience can make the concept of Pi more tangible for students. Conclude the activity with a discussion about their findings and help students connect the concept to the adventure in the book.
Ed Farm Grant Brings Innovation
Cassie Goodwin shares her experiences with transforming the Russellville Middle School Library.
I had always envisioned transforming the library into a space that would empower our students as creators, thinkers, and innovators. However, I wasn’t sure how to bring that vision to life. Thanks to partnerships and grants like Ed Farm, I was finally able to achieve it for my students.
Inspired by Ed Farm’s mission, I first learned about the organization during a professional
development session hosted by Karen Thorn, Instructional Technology Specialist for Alabama
Technology in Motion at the University of North Alabama. Karen's quarterly meetings for library
media specialists in northwest Alabama provide invaluable opportunities to explore innovative
ideas.
At one session, a video showcasing a cutting-edge learning space at Chestnut Grove
Elementary in Decatur sparked my imagination. I immediately envisioned a similar space for
Russellville Middle School, as it serves a diverse population of economically disadvantaged
students. I knew this was the kind of environment our students needed.
Without hesitation, I reached out to Ed Farm on the same day. By the holiday break in
December 2023, the journey had begun: we had completed a walkthrough of the existing library
and submitted space measurements.
The Alabama Wiregrass area has a new conservation curriculum supported through the Sand County Foundation. Read the news update here. As librarians, how can we support this initiative and others like it? Let's plant ideas for the future.
Here is a link to the Science 2023 Alabama Course of Study. (First year of implementation is the 2025-2026 school year.) Spend some time familiarizing yourself with this content and find ways to support concepts throughout the library.
