There are two new items in my school library learning commons. One was based on my request while the other was not. Both have been noticed by the student body. Here's the overview and how it might change the way things get done in the library.
1) Chomp Saw
My wonderful friend, Jennifer Brown, owns several of these machines in her library in the Peel District School Board. She recommended them highly. I tried to purchase one last year, but it only had an American distributor and it takes a lot of paperwork to arrange to purchase items from the USA nowadays. While at a TDSB TL meeting, I discussed my dilemma with Darcy, another TL facilitator. His incredible research skills (and connections) unearthed a Canadian vendor and I was able to order a Chomp Saw for my school.
What's a Chomp Saw? This is a machine that cuts cardboard, with a similar aesthetic to a table saw but much, much safer. The Chomp Saw allows for curved lines and smooth edges.
My schedule now includes STEM periods for all the primary division classes from Grades 1-3/4. I conducted a lesson that led to the use of the Chomp Saw this past week. I did a lot of photo documentation, to show how students were using the Chomp Saw safely and responsibly. I have a cool STEM idea that will incorporate both my library/guidance themes of personal identity as well as learning how to use tools like the Chomp Saw.
I am really excited about the teaching and building possibilities for this machine. For students who struggle with using scissors, it's a game-changer. It was expensive, but if I use it often enough (and show others how to use it), then it will hopefully be worth the expense.
2) White Board
I had a blackboard in my library. I used it. It was fine. It's been replaced with a white board.
When I typed "whiteboard vs blackboard", this is what Google Gemini reported:
Chalkboards offer a timeless, affordable writing surface suitable for creative use and provide a distinct tactile experience, though they produce dust and require more effort to clean. Whiteboards provide a cleaner, more modern experience with smoother writing and vibrant colors for diagrams, but they rely on markers that can dry out, leave stains, and have higher recurring costs. The best choice depends on your priorities, such as budget, allergy concerns, and desired aesthetic.
The white board has been installed. I purchased some markers and magnetic marker holders to use with the board. My white board markers aren't chunky or thick enough to be seen from far away. Differentiating colours did help with a particular library/guidance activity, but I'm not as enthusiastic about this new addition to the library as I am about the Chomp Saw.
I can see why, for reasons, related to allergies, why a white board might be better. I guess I might be an old-fashioned teacher at heart, because I didn't see anything wrong with the chalkboard. Could my reluctance be related to the fact that I wasn't the one that initiated this change? Possibly.
