Literacy Leadership

While attending AASL in Tampa, in 2023,the LMS was thrilled to meet Matthew Swanson and Robbi Behr. They are an author/illustrator POWER COUPLE and their presentation was super engaging. 

It was there that the LMS learned about the Busload of Books tour, where they travel around the United States, visiting Title I schools and giving a copy of one of their books to every child on campus.

Being a Title 1 school with little to no parent involvement, we simply cannot afford to do author visits at our school unless they are virtually free. This was an opportunity that Sabal Palm couldn't pass up.

Upon returning to school, 

the application to be a part of this amazing opportunity was completed! Sabal Palm and the LMS were thrilled when our school was chosen!

While they weren't able to make it to Florida this year, we were still able to do a virtual visit with them. The students still received a copy of Everywhere Wonder (PK-2) or Ben Yokoyama and the Cookie of Doom (3-5) in addition to their very own Build a Bear (Courtesy of First Book and the Build a Bear Foundation). 

To top it off, we were able to have 10-12 students each lunch with the author and illustrator, where they learned more about the writing process.

As part of the lunch session, the students did a step-by-step drawing with Robbi Behr. Then, Robbi and Matthew actually asked the students questions in an attempt to get to know them better.

It was such an amazing experience. One that the students will never forget.

Even better, the Media Center cannot keep the Cookie of Doom series on my shelf any longer. They are constantly checked out and on hold for the next set of students!

Before the virtual visit, Robbi and Matthew sent Sabal Palm 

a personalized video. 

Check it out here: https://busloadofbooks.com/sabalpalm-intro/

The students love writing and illustrating books to offer for checkout in the library.

The LMS discussed the importance of a front cover, listing the author and illustrator.

One student went so far as to include that the book was the first in the series with "More Cat Books" to come. She even wanted to charge for her book and put it up for sale. The LMS was sure to purchase a copy for the library!

The LMS discussed the need for the authors and illustrators to protect their work with copyright.

Barcodes were added to each book so that they could be checked out by other students. This resulted in even more authors and illustrators wanting their works featured in the library!

During Black History Month, we were honored to have members from the Gamma Mu Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. come out to read to our first-grade students. 

Tallahassee, Florida, is lucky to have three post-secondary institutions: Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Florida State University, and Tallahassee State College. 

FAMU has been recognized by US News and World Report as the Number 1 Historic Black College or University for the 6th Year in a Row. 

Sabal Palm intentionally plans for students to have access to these institutions. Third graders get the opportunity to visit TSC, Fourth graders visit FAMU, and fifth Graders visit FSU.

The Media Center cannot keep cookbooks on the shelf. No matter how many are purchased, they are always checked out. As such, the LMS planned a visit by a local baker to talk to the students.

Bumbly's Bakery is a local Cottage Bakery, and the owner is self-taught. 

The students loved learning how the owner was able to take a hobby and turn it into a lucrative business. They were also impressed by the thematic cookies, cakes, and cupcakes.

A week later, a student made a cake and brought it to school to share with the LMS and media staff!

Throughout the school year, the LMS and Sabal Palm have collaborated with FSU Rising Spear.

This collaboration led to a coat giveaway, several classroom read-alouds,  tutoring, and mentoring.

One of the best experiences with Rising Spear has been small group reading with them and students from various classrooms.

Members of Rising Spear found some fun places to read, including UNDER the tables in the library.

They have made reading a memorable experience for many of our students.