Congratulations, Angela Husband, library media specialist at Cleveland Metro School District. Angela is the Rosen Publishing Ohio School Librarian of the Month for May.

The goal of the project “Book Creator Celebrating Young Authors” is to focus on two objectives: inquiry and creation.  Learners engage with new knowledge by following a process that includes generating products that illustrate learning.  Acquiring digital skills, students log in to Book Creator and learn how to use some of the tools and features within it to create multimedia content.  The final product is the creation of an ebook.

The duration of the project is eight (8) weeks or 8 sessions at 45 minutes per class. The necessary supplies include the Book Creator App, Chrome book or other personal laptop. The project can be done across disciplines.  As Angela explained in her application - “teachers can have the book assignment reflect their particular subject.”

The end product was an ebook that focused on a super hero theme that included a cover with title, author, and picture. In the story, students enrolled at Valley View Boys’ Leadership Academy had to share how they gained their superpowers and how they use them.  The project was in collaboration with a fourth grade ELA teacher.  After students learned the basics of Book Creator, they had the creative license to write and design the book as long as it included key story elements. Once the projects were completed, the books were published online and the class celebrated their accomplishment. Several copies were printed, signed, and given to younger students to read.  As Angela shared “one student was excited and said his book sold out; another said he would buy me a car from his book sales.  It was a joy to celebrate young authors.”

In her elevator pitch for “Book Creator Celebrating Young Authors,” Angela said “Looking for a fun way to get your students engaged in reading and writing? Here’s how Book Creator can help! Book Creator is designed to be used by everyone.  With hundreds of accessibility features built right in, this tool will make your classroom an inclusive space.  There are so many ways to collaborate with other teachers and opportunities for peer collaboration.  It is truly magical to witness student creations come to life.  The key to authentic learning is developing future-ready skills such as collaboration and communication.  With the option to publish books online, students can share their books within the community and worldwide promoting literacy near and far.  NOW LET’S CREATE AND CELEBRATE!

The Rosen Publishing Ohio School Librarian of the Month recognizes one school librarian a month who designs, develops, and implements a collaborative lesson plan and/or programming that empowers student learning. This award spotlights the importance of both the school library community and librarian and the pivotal role each plays in transforming learning throughout students’ K-12 education.

Consider nominating yourself or another OELMA Library Media Specialist to be considered for the Rosen Publishing Ohio School Librarian of the Month!  The Rosen award nomination form can be accessedunder the Professional Recognition tab. Contact Susan Yutzey (oelma.awards@gmail.com) with any questions. Rosen Publishing Ohio School Librarian of the Month are selected September through May, but please nominate yourself or a colleague anytime during the year.

Congratulations Angela!