Social Media Exploration

 Using social media for the classroom and/or the school library seems like a necessity if an educator wants to reach the students on a new level.

Facebook: 

    What's great about Facebook is that I'm already a part of quite a few professional library groups and follow several library pages. I use them as resources for lesson ideas, new activities, library décor, and advice when I have difficult students or situations in the library.  Even though Facebook seems to be on a slight decline in users due to Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and now TikTok, it still holds social media value. Facebook is easy to use especially when it comes to various ages.  In this case, having a school library page would be very useful for both students, parents, and grandparents. In the last few years of teaching, I have had a lot of grandparents as the primary guardian of my students.  Having a library Facebook page as a resource would be very valuable.

    One library page I enjoy following is that of Anderson Elementary in Spring ISD.

The librarian posts school updates, holidays and school closures.  She also uses it as a resource to advertise for events like her book fair. This is an easy way for parents and students to be reminded about the event and have access to any online shopping that could contribute to this event.

    Another library page that I follow is Smith Elementary, also in Spring ISD.  This librarian note only gives district and school updates, but also shares virtual events like book talks and author presentations.

I love that something as simple as a Facebook page will offer valuable resources to the community.

Twitter:

    I am not as familiar with Twitter as I am with other social media sites, however, I do see the appeal for using it as a resource.  It's simple, user friendly, and easy to post and use.  I can find up to date information on book bans, holiday topical library information, and see new technology being developed that I can use in the library.  Jim Lerman even offers instructional practices that will help with student engagement, so not only are teachers getting technology and lesson ideas, but actual tactics to better reach students.

    I really enjoyed checking out Gwyneth Jones, The Daring Librarian, @GwynethJones.  She gives links to the resources she suggests using and shows off what students are doing in her library. I really like this Tweet about some banned books.

    Following technical leaders and not just librarians is extremely useful for today's librarians because our job doesn't entail just books anymore, but also a Media Specialist portion of the job. Librarians need to be able to work with, understand, and teach new technology.  

Instagram:

    Instagram seems to have become popular not only with the posts you can share, but also with videos, highlights, reels, and stories. Insta features seem to be more catered to a younger audience, which gives the chance for educators to reach their immediate community on a level where the students are more the experts. Sharing pictures as the primary part of the posts gives students an eye-catching way to see featured student library work, feature authors, and share current events within the library.  As much as there is to learn from and share on any social media platform, the adults need to monitor any commentary that can become negative.  The authors and creators should strive to make their social media platforms a place of positivity and inspiration for all community members.

I have just begun a library Instagram, but please follow me @@LibraryLifeWithLaura

Insta Video Post

Photo Insta Post

Resources:

Hudson, H. (2016, August 7). 10 Surprising Ways to Use Instagram in the Classroom - 

We Are Teachers. WeAreTeachers. Retrieved February 11, 2022, from https://www.weareteachers.com/10-surprising-ways-to-use-instagram-in-the-classroom-2/