LIBRARY STACKS

January is the month of new beginnings—a time to reflect on the past year and set intentions for the months ahead. Whether you’re looking for motivation, reflection, or just a little winter inspiration, January is the perfect opportunity to embrace a fresh perspective.

As the first month of the year, January marks the transition from the warmth of the holiday season to the quiet, chilly days of winter, making it an ideal time to recharge, refocus, and set new goals.

January is Braille Literacy Month, which is used to raise awareness regarding braille literacy. When people hear the word “braille” they often think of people who are blind. However, braille is beneficial to many individuals with visual impairments, including those with dual sensory loss and/or multiple disabilities.

Facts about Braille for World Braille Day

National Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the traditions, languages, and stories of Native American, Native Hawaiian, and affiliated island communities and ensure their rich histories and contributions continue to thrive with each passing generation. (AASL)

January is also National Book Month, a time to celebrate reading by picking up a new book or finishing one you've started. Some ways to celebrate include:

• Reading with children: Reading to or with children can help them develop listening skills, vocabulary, creativity, and attention span.

• Getting book recommendations: You can ask a librarian for book recommendations.

• Sharing on social media: You can use the hashtag #NDCClassroom to share your National Book Month celebration on social media.

January Observances

18 | National Thesaurus Day

20 | MLK Jr. Day

22 | Library Shelfie Day

National Library Shelfie Day is a day for book lovers to share their favorite bookshelves and library displays by taking a selfie and posting it on social media with the hashtag #LibraryShelfie

Here are some ways to celebrate National Library Shelfie Day:

• Take a selfie with your favorite bookshelf or at your local library
• Share your selfie on social media
• Make your shelf as attractive as possible
• Pose with your children in front of your favorite bookcase

Allison Salgado (librarian) and Lauren Fasulo (library aide) have created a marvelous Makerspace for the students in Cedar Hilll ISD.

This makerspace is at their Collegiate Academy and Collegiate High School and was created as part of their Peggy M. Wilson Stem Center. The Stem Center was designed and funded as part of their STEMspired program that is a result of their district receiving the Educate Texas and the Texas Instruments (TI) Foundation Grant awarded to Cedar Hill ISD with a multi-year, multi-million dollar grant to make STEM education available to every scholar.

Teachers at both the Collegiate Academy and High School and the CTE Educators at the Peggy M. Wilson STEM Center routinely have students utilize the space for classes projects. Students regularly utilize the 3D printers, sewing machines, Cricuit machine, and more. As they are growing the space, they have added mobile shelving to allow the space to be flexible and still serve as the school's library and Makerspace.

Additionally, as part of Mrs. Salgado's efforts to make the space the "place to be" for learning and innovation, she has partnered with the city library to bring teen and tween programming to their scholars.

Need a passive program? Try putting out a puzzle in the library.

Simply put the puzzle on a table and watch the magic.

Puzzles can help with problem solving, fine motor skills, and hand-eye coordination. Libraries may also host events like puzzle swaps or game nights.

Students will enter to problems solve and to just have fun.

Article on Puzzle Centers

Free Puzzles...We will raffle off puzzles at our Book Repair session on January 22nd if you are attending!

Need Readers for Read Across America or African American Read Ins?

Well, the R10 Guest Reader program can help...

"R10 Guest Readers" is a group of Region 10 employees who have volunteered to come out to campuses to read to classes.

To request readers, simply send me an email. Tell me about your event, let me know how many readers you need, and I will get you set up.

angela.ellis@region10.org

Take your students on a virtual field trip to The King Center’s online exhibitions, where they can explore powerful stories, historical artifacts, and experience the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Mrs. Coretta Scott King.

Looking for guidance on how to make this experience impactful? Check out The King Center’s “Educational Resources: Teachers Guide” for practical tips and ideas on how to integrate these activities and more in your classroom.

Other resources:

Martin Luther King, Jr. for Kids

30 Meaningful Martin Luther King Jr. Activities for All Ages

Who Was Martin Luther King, Jr. – A Virtual Story Time

For Inauguration Day activities for students, you can have them: watch the live ceremony, analyze the inaugural address, write their own "presidential" speeches, design a parade float, research historical inaugurations, compare different media coverage of the event, create a presidential cabinet of their own, and discuss the symbolic meaning of the inauguration ceremony and traditions involved.

Inauguration classroom activities and lessons

Celebrate Inauguration Day with Discovery Education

DISCOVERY ED – BYTE OF THE MONTH

Here is this week’s brief DEX newsletter.

In a nutshell, you will find:

• SOS Strategy: Conga Line (so fun!)
• Professional Learning Now – microlearning courses by Discovery
• January Activity Calendars and Daily Fix-its
• US Presidential Inauguration Virtual Field Trip
• Training Request Form
• 
  

*If your district does not subscribe to Discovery Education and you would like more information, please reach out to Dr. Lori Aden at lori.aden@region10.org.

Join our Discovery Education listserv here!

If you have a training that you would like to present or see presented, let me know. angela.ellis@region10.org

Email: R10library@region10.org
Website: linktr.ee/r10library
Location: 400 East Spring Valley Road, Richardson, TX, USA
Phone: 972.348.1330
Twitter: @R10library

Email: angela.ellis@region10.org