Finding Your NicheCreating Compelling ProgrammingFAME 2014 Breakout Sessions Presenters: Meaghan Monaghan and Beverly Coe

Why is programming that is not necessarily library or literacy based your job?● build community● develop multimedia and collaborative

literacy and appreciation● foster lifelong learners

How to find and adapt your niche to your level● You have to start somewhere, so start by

looking inward.● Reflect on what you would like to spend

more of your time on personally. ● Look for the root.

How to get started● Make a To-Do List (see handout)● Tools for planning (see handout)

Book based Programming

Things to consider● age group● content● your interests● “What’s hot”

Elementary Perspective / Book Club This is what I did

● Multi-age weekly book and movie club

● Combine grades - tailor to book

● Pair popular book and its children’s movie

● Activity based meetings

How I did it/ What I learned● Choose a book you enjoy!● Base the meetings on an activity not wholly on a book discussion.● Encourage parent/grandparent involvement but set boundaries

Lessons learned● Watch the movie before committing to the book● Don’t forget procedure, it is still important!● Have parent information

High School Perspective

This is what I did● After school themed parties for

popular book-to-movie adaptations: Hunger Games, Divergent

● Trivia, themed challenges, food, decorations, book displays, prizes

How I did it/ What I learned● search the web for how-tos● adapt and re-theme party games● lessons learned:

○ create activities that occupy everyone at the same time

○ make a schedule and stick to it

○ don’t spend a lot of time elaborately theming food

Technology

Things to consider● choose a well reviewed program● consider the background and technology

available to your students● set a goal and scaffold● keep in mind district guidelines, firewalls,

accessibility

Elementary Perspective / Coding Club

This is what I want to do:● 3-5 morning coding club● scratch.mit.edu● One project a semester ● Tutor style ● Student Paced

How I did it/ What I learned● Use the websites resources● Start flexible - add and subtract restrictions, support,

pace as needed● Coordinate heavily with administration

Lessons learned:● Stay in contact with parents/ keep

communication log● Be aware of technology limitations● Explore thoroughly beforehand!

High School PerspectiveThis is what I did● programming on the go● book spine poetry● digital citizenship display● promoting interaction with authors

and youtubers● coming soon: social media

workshops

How I did it/ What I learned

● Physical displays to promote digital interactions

● We live in a participatory culture● Stay plugged in and you’ll be able to plug

your students in

Special/ Student Interest

Things to Consider● Don’t duplicate● Fill a hole - serve underserved

populations● Listen to your students! Student interest

groups should be student guided.

Elementary Perspective Solar Car Competition

This is what I did● Entered team in the Junior Solar

Sprint● Coordinated the efforts of 5

fourth and fifth graders● Won best design for the

county

How I did it/ What I learned● Watched list servs and county emails ● Matched project with in class curriculum● Found interested students● Coordinated materials, requirements, and

event details● Parent communication is key.

Lessons Learned● Stepping outside your comfort zone can be very rewarding● Small group field trips are feasible but come with extra red tape● Scour your sources for materials before buying anything.

High School Perspective

This is what I did● Tabletop gaming, tea

time● Coming soon:

NaNoWriMo

How I did it/ What I learned● born out of discussion with students● creating fellowship around shared interests● got the word out by flyers and word of mouth● keep it manageable - time/size constraints - vital for

weekly programs where you’re most likely by yourself

Things to Keep in Mind

● You are not an island! Team up with others.

● Don’t be discouraged by failure. Be reflective.

● Literacy isn’t your only scope.● Plan ahead!