Standard: Designing Learning Environments to Support Participatory Learning
Theme: Designing for Student Well Being in the LLC
Growth Phase: Evolving
Growth Indicator: LLC learning experiences are designed to support mental health and well-being.
This Ontario Library Superconference presentation provides theoretical background, context, multiple resources, strategies and illustrative examples (from the secondary school of one of the presenters) for how the teacher-librarian can help implement student well-being and mental health initiatives through the LLC.
Nunn, L.L., & Hall, R. (2014). Well-Being and Mental Health in the Library and Learning Commons at R.H. King Academy [Slideshare]. Retrieved from http://accessola2.com/superconference2014/sessions/1208.pdf
This inspiring article demonstrates how a teacher-librarian in an Ontario secondary school Library Learning Commons took a leading role in taking practical steps to implement the Toronto District School Board’s 2014 initiative, “The Children and Youth Mental Health and Well-Being Strategic Plan”. Strategies include carefully curating, building, and promoting collections and digital resources in the LLC for students, teachers and parents that reflect accurate information about mental health and well-being as well as physical space in the library set aside as a “calming centre” with reduced noise and physical stimuli, and implementing a mental health literacy curriculum pilot project and school-wide mindfulness program.
Nunn, L.L. (2017, October 15). The Mindful Library: A Path to Student Well-Being, Mental Health Literacy, and Mindfulness in the Library Learning Commons. Retrieved from https://researcharchive.canadianschoollibraries.ca/2017/10/15/the-mindful-library/
In this article the teacher-librarian describes moving into a new secondary school with a spectacular library learning commons in British Columbia, then adjusting to meet the needs of staff and students as schools closed due to the covid-19 pandemic. Immediate tasks for the teacher-librarian included providing resources for teachers now teaching online, finding answers to copyright issues associated with open access, and creating systems to provide students with computers and resources. Includes photos.
Beaudry, R. (2020, June 2). Being a Teacher-Librarian During a Pandemic. Canadian School Libraries Journal 4 (2). Retrieved from https://journal.canadianschoollibraries.ca/being-a-teacher-librarian-during-a-pandemic/
This Ontario teacher-librarian has created a study skills page for secondary students on the library web page that is well-presented in a calming, clear, yet dynamic, manner. Includes short videos for them that include strategies such as sketchnoting, Q & A note-taking and more. Emphasizes self-care.
Ridgemont Library. (2023). Study Skills. Retrieved from https://sites.google.com/ocdsb.ca/ridgemontlibrary/learn-about/study-skills