As the Library Media Specialist/STEAM Integrator I teach information literacy to students in grades PreK-5 and STEAM extension activities in grades 1 – 5. I have earned degrees  in elementary education and school library science at UW-Whitewater and have attended graduate school at Cardinal Stritch University and UW-Milwaukee. I am Google and Intel Educator trained and enjoy finding creative ways to connect science, technology, engineering, art, and math with reading.

INFORMATION LITERACY AND STEAM

Erin school students LOVE to read and regardless of their age they really enjoy story time. Students in grades 4K through 2nd grade have library story time every week followed by book selection and check out time. Grade 3 library time transitions as the year progresses. 3rd grade will begin the year checking out books weekly, but as their reading selections expand in length they will check out every other week to allow more time for reading those longer books just like 4th and 5th graders. 

Brand new for the 2018-2019 school year is the opportunity for students to engage in STEAM learning experiences as an extension of their weekly library time. Library time has been extended to 45 minutes and in addition to story time and book selection our students will be engaging in hands-on activities in the areas of science, technology, engineering, art and math. The purpose of STEAM focused education is to lead students towards a desire to inquire and engage in learning in a project based environment. 

The main focuses of STEAM at Erin School are as follows:

• Creativity – thinking outside of the box.

• Collaboration – sharing ideas, materials, accepting the ideas of others.

• Critical thinking – problem solving and unique solutions.

• Communication – the ability to share thoughts and ideas clearly.

• Classroom extension – STEAM projects aligned with classroom curriculum.