Follow-up: The Big6 Academy 2008

Posted on July 29th, 2008 in Big6, Education, Information Literacy, Teaching the Big6, Training by Mike Eisenberg

The 2008 Big6 Academy ended yesterday afternoon. In my opinion, it was one of our very best events ever! The attendees came from all over including Montana, New Zealand, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Virginia, Carolina, Maine, Conn., Mass., and of course, New York.

It’s a very intensive 2 day learning experience, and Bob and I always learn new things. For example, the concern about approaches to implementation is high on the priority list. Educators want to know how to systematically engage other teachers and create a pervasive Big6 information literacy program. We discussed strategies for working with other individual teachers (e.g., focusing on existing assignments; teasing apart required standardized tests and relevant and essential Big6 aspects). We also worked on school and district-wide implementation through short presentations, use of materials (bookmarks, cards, posters, etc.), and efficient curriculum mapping and planning matrices.

This year, we also stressed the Big6 as a common vocabulary for teachers, students, and parents. We see this as more and more important. The Big6 is a common way for teachers, students, and parents to talk about “process” as well as subject area “content.” If students recognize where they are in the information process, that is “metacognition” and it’s certainly high level, critical thinking.

Next year’s academy (2009) will be held around the same time – the last Sunday/Monday in July. Besides the intensive and small group interaction with Bob and myself, attendees receive a series of Big6 books and materials, including the Big6 Workshop Handbook.

So, it’s not too early to plan for next year! If interested, contact Sue Wurster at info@big6.com.

Mike

p.s. – Special thanks to Sue for all her help in the event. Also thanks to Marette Berkowitz and Ken Wurster.  Much appreciated!

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Leah’s Homework

Posted on July 10th, 2008 in Super3 by Laura Robinson

Being the daughter of one of the co-founders of the Big6 (as well as the author of a few Super3 publications), I have extra copies of various books and handout packets laying around the house. Well, my daughter Leah, who is three, stumbled across the Super3: Information Skills for Young Learners book (as if we don’t have enough toys to play with, she now has to resort to my “stuff”). Anyway, once she found the book, she walked over to me in her very serious manner. Our conversation went something like this.

Leah: “Mama. Is this the book about the penguin and you and Papa did it. For real.”

Me (as Leah happily looks through the book. She is especially interested in the worksheet pages and the pictures):”Yes, Leah. That’s Super3 Sam and he helps us to “plan, do, and review. And he tells a story with a beginning, middle, and an end.”

Leah: “Mama. I’ve been looking all over for this book. Cause I have so much homework to do. Really. A lot. And I need to go get my marker to do the book. Okay.”

Leah goes upstairs, gets markers (Sharpie’s, that is), and proceeds to complete each blank worksheet. As she is diligently working, she is talking about each picture and telling a story about the contents of the page. She is so involved in her work. Meanwhile… Logan and I are staring at her in amazement…

One of Leah’s stories goes like this:

“The two kids have to get books and the computer and they do the paper and pencil. Like homework. And all these other things. And then the Mom and Dad hold the baby and have to get the book. And the end.”

I jump in: “Wow, Leah. You are working so, so hard. I am proud of you. Look at how you made a person just like on the other page. You are doing stories like Super3 Sam with a beginning, middle, and an end. That’s great.”

Leah pauses for a moment and looks at me with a blank stare. She says, “Mom, are you gonna pay me for doing this homework? It is hard work, ya know!?”

And that is Leah’s first “true” experience with the Super3!!

Papa, you would be proud!!


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Big6 Academy – July 27-28

Posted on July 9th, 2008 in Big6, Education, Information Literacy by Mike Eisenberg
I’m looking forward to seeing those of you registered for the
Annual Big6 Summer Academy

WHEN: JULY 27 – JULY 28, 2008
WHERE: The Lodge at Woodcliff, 199 Woodcliff Drive, Rochester, NY

Bob and I will be working together on this. I believe there are a few more openings if you want to attend.


THEME: “The Big6 Skills Approach: Putting Curriculum and Information Technology Together” – Instruction, Technology, Collaboration, Information Literacy

PRESENTERS: Mike Eisenberg and Bob Berkowitz

Cheers,

Mike

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Summer Vacation

Posted on July 2nd, 2008 in Education, Elementary Schools, Secondary Schools by Laura Robinson

A question for the teacher librarians and classroom teachers on summer vacation:

Do you really take the summer off?  Do you leave school in June and not return until September?  Are your plan books and materials “left at the door?”

OR

Do you continue to plan and organize for the next school year?  Are you taking classes and reading the latest and greatest education material?  Are you on summer vacation… but really working?

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Big6/Super3 Everyday

Posted on July 2nd, 2008 in Big6, Super3 by Laura Robinson

Even though I’m technically “out of the classroom” and the school year is over, I find that I “Big6 and Super3″ on a daily basis in my personal life and also with my two kids ages 5 and 3.   The day begins of course, with our plan or task.  Is it a summer camp day?  If yes, let the process begin… lunches to pack, clothes to  wear (depending on the  weather, of course), field trip permission slips signed and ready to go, sunscreen applied… and the checklist continues.   The  Big6 extends throughout the day as the kids actually  “do” their summer camp activities.  And I begin the whole process again… What do I need to accomplish while the kids are at camp?  What are my priorities?  How will it get done?  And at the day’s end, we review and reflect on our day.  Did I accomplish my task or tasks?  Was I effective and efficient with my time?  Did the kids have fun and enjoy themselves?  This final evaluation is probably the most important part of our day… as we evaluate our feelings, reflect on the day’s activities, and begin to think about or plan the next day.

I am a “list” person.  I love to make lists, cross off completed items, and reorganize my list.  I like this structure.  I like to feel organized and have a plan.  Whether I realize it or not, the Big6/Super3 provides this type of structure and organization for me and allows me to progress through the day in a logical order.

Thanks Big6/Super3!!

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