School librarians, like all librarians, do a lot of juggling! And those who go the extra mile by creating a humanities program for their students have the chance to be recognized through ALA’s Sara Jaffarian School Library Program Award for Exemplary Humanities Programming. This award is for programs that took place during the 2009-10 school year.
Previous winning programs:
Sally Rasch, librarian at Carroll Academy, developed and submitted the winning program, entitled “Learning about the World with a Global Perspective.” Working with the Carroll Academy’s curriculum requirements on International Studies, the library’s “Learning about the World” program gave students an expanded global knowledge through the creative, hands-on study of world regions, languages, governments and the immigration experience. Throughout the school year, students participated in geography lessons, storytelling and music activities, mock world council meetings, book-themed school parades and an immigration simulation.
Sandra Wiseman, school library media specialist at Woodsdale Elementary, developed and submitted the winning program, entitled “History Hits the Road to Woodsdale.” Partnering with local historians, the West Virginia Humanities Council, the PTA, parents and community volunteers, “History Hits the Road” allowed students to experience life in the 19th century through hands-on learning. Teachers of all grade levels built classroom activities around the theme, using reading, research, role playing, crafts and music to actively engage students in understanding the pioneer life.
One humanities program that comes to mind that might qualify is One Book for Nebraska Kids and Teens. I’m sure that there are other worthy humanities programs that school librarians in Nebraska have facilitated. Take this opportunity to toot your own horn and apply for the award today. The deadline for applications is December 15.
And, feel free to share your successes right here by commenting on this blog post. That way, your fellow librarians can celebrate your accomplishments with you.
