Library Learning Commons in a Post Pandemic World is One of Windows, Mirrors and Sliding Doors
by Lisa Lewis
“There were many challenges for teachers during the covid years, but one challenge that is sometimes overlooked is that children, many with learning differences, were stuck at home, felt more isolated than ever before, and didn’t have access to the incredible books that were available to help them feel included.” states Lisa as she sets up the context for her research into finding and using books with neurodivergent characters and stories. In her paper Lisa share some of the best titles she has found and the difference these books are making in her school community.
Lisa Lewis is an avid global explorer with an overactive curiosity that fuels her constant thirst for knowledge and experiences. Since 2008, she has taught at the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) in French Immersion and English track programs using an inquiry lens and cross curricular approach. Lisa has been involved with the Ontario Library Association’s (OLA) Forest of Reading program since 2011 as Co-Chair of the Silver Birch Fiction Steering Committee and champions an infectious love of books. Lisa is a Teacher Librarian Facilitator and Digital Lead Learner at her School Board and incessantly ponders how to integrate technology into her practice. She has presented at the TDSB’s Google Camp, the OLA Super Conference and recently recorded podcasts with Read Into This, a podcast sponsored by Canadian School Libraries and voiceEd Radio. This is Lisa’s second paper for Treasure Mountain Canada. Lisa is always thinking of initiatives to engage her community and the intergenerational book club she launched as in the elementary school she teaches at is a huge success.
Thank you for sharing your journey from the last two years. It was very heartwarming to read about how you were able to use a difficult experience to inspire change in your LLC collection. I am wondering about how you promote the books with neurodiverse characters to staff and students. Do you label and/or specifically identify that they have neurodiverse characters, or just ensure you are including them when you put books on display, etc?
ReplyDeleteHi Nicole. Thanks for reading the paper and for commenting. When classes visit the library, I have book talks with the students and teachers and highlight these resources. This fall, I will be creating a display of these books that will be for the teachers and students but also for the parents that visit the building. The plan is to have this display ready for parent-teacher interviews. I also shared this paper with my school's social worker, psychologist, special education contact and speech language therapist.
DeleteLisa,
ReplyDeleteWhat I appreciate about this project is how you spread the knowledge you gain to so many others - your school community, the special education department and school psychologists, and more.
This is a tricky question, as many authors don't necessarily divulge their own status as neurodiverse individuals, but how were you able to source out books that were #OwnVoices, and not just ones written by authors who have done a lot of research in the area? I'm not trying to diss some creators, but if you have experience with the subject matter (like author Wesley King for OCDaniel), it makes a difference and prevents stereotypical portrayals and lends more authenticity.
I'm so glad you cited the source of your Windows, Mirrors, and Sliding Doors reference on page 7 of your paper - the incomparable Dr. Rudine Sims-Bishop.
Diana M
Hi Diana. Thanks for reading the paper and for your thoughtful comments. It is so personal for authors to decide whether or not to share personal information. That said, as I started reading more books with neurodiverse themes and/or characters, I found more novels written by authors who are neurodiverse. The quote is spectacular.
DeleteYou are wonderful and I want to interview you for the alivelibrary.info website. I hope you are at Tres. Mt. This is the kind of message that could also go into trustlibrarians.info
ReplyDeleteHi David. Thanks so much for your comment. I would be delighted to be interviewed.
DeleteHi Lisa,
ReplyDeleteThis is a really great paper highlighting some excellent resources. As part of the Library Journal course on creating Anti-racist culture in our libraries, our tl team has started creating a list for different observences throughout the year. One of them is Autism awareness day so some of your resources on neurodivergence will fit right in.
Joseph, thanks very much for reading the paper and for your comments. There are many more books with characters that have autism and Asperger's. Every year, more are being published and they are exceptional.
DeleteLisa, I love this topic, which I've heard emerging in professional learning networks. One thing that stuck with me from your paper was what kids look for in books. "When kids read books, they look for themselves, their friends, their siblings, and their parents." This really struck home for me. My great-nephew has ADHD, and dealing with his situation has led his mother to self-identify as being ADHD too. I am very cautious about supporting self-diagnosis, but clearly there is a connection between the way she feels about herself and how she supports her son. So glad to see books emerging with these particular mirrors and windows! And I'm wondering if there's a need for some guidance in this regard in CSL's Collection Diversity Toolkit.
ReplyDeleteHi Anita. Thanks for reading the paper and for sharing your story. We learn so much when listening to people talk about their experiences. There is definitely a need for guidance in CSL's Collection Diversity Toolkit. Every year, more books with neurodiverse characters and/or themes are being published.
ReplyDeleteLisa - what I love most about your paper is how you are further spreading your passion for diversity and representation in kid lit out into the world. Yours is a voice that needs to be heard loud and clear and I'm so glad you've been given this platform to share it.
ReplyDeleteHi Wendy. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. I really appreciate it.
ReplyDelete