I love lists. So much so that I’m reading a book called “The Checklist Manifesto” at my assistant principal’s recommendation. I’m not very far into it, though, so don’t think this post has anything to do with this post. The end of the school year is for reflecting. And this year with the upcoming pack up and renovations, I thought I should do my reflections a little early (ie – before I completely go nuts). So here are three lists: my top 5 library accomplishments for the year, 3 personal accomplishments, and 3 things I’m looking most forward to doing.

Top 5 Library Accomplishments for 09-10 School Year

5. Numbering the Shelves

I got tired of being asked where the Junie B. Jones books were 50 times a day. I’m constantly fielding questions like that while trying to check out books and do 3 other things at the same exact moment. I teach 2nd and 3rd graders, who mostly understand the fiction/nonfiction concept, but teaching them to use Destiny and locate their own books is a task that I’m not sure they’re ready for. Even if I taught them, they’d still ask me where Junie B. was. So I numbered the shelves. Where are the books about dogs and cats? Nonfiction shelf # 19. Judge if you want, but it works wonders for me!

4. Yearbook

This was my second year to make the school’s yearbook and I am so unbelievably proud of the final product. It’s award-winning quality, in my humble opinion. My husband designed the cover, and it’s amazing. It’s got great pictures along with little write-ups, quotes, and fun facts. From cover to cover, it’s very consistent and cohesive. My rep is going to use it for her sample. Tears were shed over this book, I have not sold enough copies to break even, but I am very proud of the final product — which will be arriving at my school today!

3. Video Creations

This is a broad item, but I’ve come a long way with both creating videos myself and helping students and teachers make them. Making morning announcement videos, informational videos about reading promotions, using a Flip, collaborating and teaching PhotoStory for a Haiti project, and creating class poetry videos were all great experiences despite any bumps in the road along the way.

2. Book Club

Seeing the excitement that the students have about being part of the after school book club has been one of the most rewarding experiences of the year. The program has been such a success. Read more about it here, here, here, and here.

1. Read Around the World

The Read Around the World program has turned out even better than I imagined. Having students ask for help finding new genres of books has been my greatest pleasure this year. I can’t help but smile every time they ask where the bee-ograpbies are. Read more about it here.

Top 3 Personal Accomplishments This Year

3. Bought a MacBook!

Isn’t it beautiful?! I just love it! And how about that BookBook? I’m so happy I made the leap.

2. Taught Myself to Knit

I’ve been wanting to learn to knit. So over Christmas break, I went to the public library and got some knitting books, went to the store and got the equipment, then got on YouTube and taught myself to knit. I’ve done a few scarves and learned the basics. I even made this precious pair of baby booties for a family friend who is expecting. Impressive, huh?

1. Learning to Dance

My brother and I have been taking dance lessons. So far we’ve done beginning and intermediate East Coast Swing and we are in our second round of Country Two Step classes. It’s something I have so much fun with and I look forward to dance class all week long. Maybe it will even help with my (lack of) coordination!

Top 3 Things I’m Looking Forward To

3. Developing our School Ning into a great tool for PD

2. Starting Grad School this Summer

1. ISTE 2010 in Denver, baby!!!

So what are your 5 x 3 x 3??