Emotional ABC’s
https://www.emotionalabcs.com/
This program looks amazing! My only complaint is that you have to be a current teacher to a brick and mortar school and be confirmed as a teacher therefore I could not see the lessons. This also means that nonschool staff can not utilize the material. I do like the availability for teachers to get a class or school account to allow all students to use the tool in place of the teacher having to pick and choose what to include in the lesson. When the class or school receives the service it has a cost., but then again it would best serve a school as a whole by having all if not several grades participating in the program. Social emotional skills are a much needed top priority for schools and home learning.
Teaching Books
https://www.teachingbooks.net/
Great website that presents lots of tools for teachers/librarians to engage students in readings. So many resources and tools for teachers in the classroom and learning virtually. There are lessons and tools for social emotional learning, library programming, professional exploration, diversity with books, book promotion (great videos and QR tools), and so much more. One area of the site that I liked was under the student section but would be very useful for teachers is called Book Guides and Activities. You can type any book into it and if available it will give you lesson plans, videos, chapters read aloud, vocabulary, and other resources available online. There did not appear to be any cost for this collection of resources.
Blog of interest – The Adventures of Library Girl
https://www.librarygirl.net/blog
The Adventures of Library Girl blog was very colorful and engaging to look at visually. I found the different blog topics relevant to any school librarian or even public librarian. Topics included programming, book talks, displays, and even advice for new librarians. I loved her professional development under the presentations section and will take the time to complete them in the near future! The blog is a great resource to stay current with very real programming concerns and how to address them. I am inspired at the dedication she has shown to the profession and the students of her school. It appears that she is always challenging herself on how to be better. On a personal note I loved her article “Librarians Don’t Shush Anymore!” And Other Things I Wish Were True.” that discussed stereotyping of the librarian.
I also really liked Library Girl blog. I really enjoyed the variety of topics she discusses and the different resources, like the professional development you mentioned. The only downside I saw was that I’m sure there are tons and tons of useful blog posts archived, but there wasn’t a great way to sort through them unless you knew exactly what to search!