The Daring Librarian

This One iPhone Trick Has Transformed My Life OK, that's a kind of a big statement. You may have heard of this, but I found this out right before Christmas and started this blog then...but, you know. Holidays. So....just in case you haven't heard about this, here it is. The Space Bar Cursor Trick on the iPhone / iPad in iOS 12 is a great time saver for every iPhone or Apple user.  You can press and hold (long press) the space bar on an iPhone / iPad to control the cursor as mouse pointer. You can easily move over to the exact spot where you want to edit the text. How did I go years and years without knowing this iPhone keyboard trick? (I'm so tired the overused word of hack) Apparently, it's not exactly new but little known.  If you've ever felt the frustration of trying to move the cursor exactly where you want it when correcting (my increasingly less accurate -what's with that, too?) voice to text results tapping here and tapping there, when...

Inspiring words from this timeless Huffington Post article by Mr. James Perry, once mayoral candidate, and the the Executive Director of the Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center: "Among the most important lessons I've learned from Dr. King is the example of servant leadership. A servant leader is one who offers an inclusive vision; listens carefully to others; persuades through reason; and heals divisions while building community. It is easy to spot servant leaders. In a room where others are jockeying for attention, they are the ones listening to someone others might consider unimportant. When faced with a problem, they look for solutions that benefit everyone. When something goes wrong, they take the blame. When things go well, they share the credit. They tell everyone the same story, even when it is inconvenient or difficult. They know that they don't have all the answers, so they seek advice from others. They work hard and inspire others to do the same. ...

Hello Blogosphere and Edu friends! Here are some of our recent IG Highlights from the Holidays, #makermondaycrafternoon , Winter Smash, #MHTVNews, and our MHMS Memory Book Cover artist winner! WARNING: Because this post contains a LOT of Instagram embedded posts, it may take a bit longer to load. At the very bottom of the page I have links to why having a professional School or Library or School Library Instagram is important. Now, most of our kids love, I mean LOVE getting their pics taken for our Instagram. They often come up and ask me to take their pics on a special day, their birthday, or when they have a cool new pair of kicks. But some are a little shy. This young lady is is an example! But I showed these pics to her Mom, and she LOVED them and gave me permission to post! Hee hee hee. Don't worry, my sporty friend here is really super outgoing! Moms gave me permission to post this! The total cuteness of these two pictures is undeniable! A post shared b...

Hey dear readers, Gwyneth here!  I haven't had a guest post in 7 or so years, but I thought this was such a great idea I begged my dear fellow HCPSS Teacher Librarian, Danielle Du Puis, (and my former student teacher!) to let me share this super ....actually, ......marvelous Maker Idea! Confession: I LOVE Pumpkins (but NOT Pumpkin Spice!) Pumpkins are perfect for the Fall season...from September to December, a Book Page Pumpkin is great to create! Now, for the details. Book Page Pumpkins At the beginning of the school year I started my 9th year as a high school media specialist (14th year as a media specialist overall). I did what I do at the start of every year - unpacked my desk, ordered new books, prepped for my first week of lessons, talked with teachers to schedule media orientations, and got ready to greet our new students. However, after unpacking my things from the summer school pack up, I had some difficulty finding supplies that I needed that I knew I had...

Over the years we've had a great educational partnership with our NYC friends at Flocabulary . I'm even a proud MC Educator or Flocabulary # HipHopEd Ambassador. See? We've been using their Week in Rap news feature in our school since they landed on the hip hop education or #HipHopEd scene in 2008! Not familiar with them? Check, check, check, it out!   Murray Hill even earned a video shout out in 2013 ! W00t! (We were SO proud!)   10 Things to Think About Before You Post video stands up to the test of time.   It's just practical advice and one we like to play on our #MHTVNews at least once a year! So, when I heard that they were teaming up with the awesome Common Sense Media people, to put out a music video about Digital Citizenship, - I was SO there!   Common Sense Media has added some handy extras! You can view the Video Discussion Guide download the Lyrics Poster , Top 10 List Poster , and Fill in Your Own Top 10 Poster . (Require...

This is not something new. Our School Library has always been a safe space for kiddos of all kinds. Our wonderful Middle School community is a rich tapestry of many woven threads, rich colors, diverse backgrounds, orientations, expressions, many abilities and kids from many lands speaking many languages. Laurel, Maryland is right smack dab between Washington DC and Baltimore - it's like our school has always been a mini United Nations. I love that about us! And our School Library has always enjoyed being a draw and a safe landing spot for kids who are quirky, nerdy, bookish, geeky, techie, queer, gay, trans, wordy, dramatic, creative, alternative, and cool. That's why I thought it was important and reassuring to have a sign that proclaimed that we are a Safe Space or a Safe Zone right on our front doors and right by our check out desk! What is a Safe Space? According to the Safe Space Network, “A Safe Space is a place where anyone can relax and be able to fully express...