I Read Kids' Books

 Last summer I found a Canva template someone shared with their bitmoji for summer reading. I really liked the idea and I took the template and amended it for myself and I started posting to all my socials. I then asked my principal if she would be willing to share a couple post to the school Facebook page. Of course she said yes, so I texted her a few times a month with the picture and a blurb about the book. Our students also all have Sora accounts, so if it was available, I also bought anything I read and included in my post that it was available in our library in the Fall, or on Sora right now. I didn't know if anyone would pay attention. I still don't. But, if even one parent saw a post and thought it was something their kid would read and they went and got the book, then mission accomplished!

 The original plan was just to do kid books, but then I realized I read more than kid books (especially during the summer) and I have adults following me that might care about what I'm reading. So I ended up doing a post for every book I read. And since I was having so much fun doing it during the summer, I decided to continue it into the school. I change bitmoji Mrs. Pierce for each season and I count how many books I've read.

I don't honestly know if anyone reads the books I post. I guess I don't really care.

ScreenRecorder Assignment

 Is Canva a Tech Tool? I say YES!

For my next assignment, I had to use a Screen Recording program and do a quick video showcasing a tech tool I am already familiar with. I've decided Canva counts as a tech tool. There is so much you can do with it and so many people share templates on the socials. I have an entre folder of templates I may or may not ever use. But maybe a teacher in my building will try to do something and I'll have a template to save the day! See the link below to my video...

For whatever reason, Loom wasn't cooperating (I have used it in the past), so I did a Zoom meeting by myself, recorded it and shared my screen. Fingers crossed that this works!

Tech Sandbox: Discover, Play, and Engage with the Newest EdTech Tools Assignment #1

 As I mentioned in my last post, I need to use this blog for a PD class. So you'll find my first assignment below....

Your Name, School District, and Grade Level or Role

My name is Tina Pierce. I'm the school librarian at Arcade Elementary School in the Pioneer Central School District. I work with all the students in the building, UPK - 4th grade.

How many years you’ve been in education

The 2025-2026 school year will be year 17+ in education.

Why do you teach?

I never thought I'd be a teacher. This is a 2nd career for me. When I returned to WNY, I discovered I could no longer do my previous career to the level I would have wanted. So I had to figure something else out. 'School Library Media Specialist' came up in my job searches. Once I discovered what that was and what I had to do to become one, I was sold. 

This is the best job in the school. I get to see every kid every week. Some of them are still 3 years old when they come to me in UPK and then some of them are 10 years old when they leave me to go to the middle school. They come to me as babies and leave me as little people!

Why did you choose to take this PD? What are you hoping to gain from it?

I selected this PD because so few PDs offered by my district apply to me. I can make this apply to my role as a school librarian. I'm hoping to discover some new tech tools that I didn't know about before or learn how to better use a tech tool that I've heard of, but never really had time to play with.

What is your favorite tech tool, and why?

Right now, my favorite tech tool is Canva. There is just so many ways it can be used. There is not a creative bone in my body, but when I use one of their templates, it looks like I actually have skills. Plus, so many people share templates on the socials! I grab them and save them, just in case. I might need them, or better yet, a teacher in my building might be able to use them!

It's been a hot minute....

 So I'm resurrecting this blog. I'd thought about it numerous times, but it just so happens that I need to for a PD class I'm taking.

So stay tuned....