Ahnalese Pearson - LIS

Exploring PebbleGo: A Research Platform for Emerging Readers As young children begin to read and make sense of the world, it’s important that the tools we give them match where they are in their learning journey.  PebbleGo , created by Capstone, is a digital resource designed specifically for students in kindergarten through third grade. It supports early research skills, builds content knowledge, and encourages independent learning — all within an age-appropriate, accessible platform. If you’re a librarian, classroom teacher, or tech integrator looking to bring more nonfiction into the hands of emerging readers, PebbleGo is a resource worth exploring. 📚 What Is PebbleGo? PebbleGo is a web-based platform filled with short, engaging nonfiction articles written for early elementary students. The content is broken into five subject areas: Animals Biographies Science Social Studies Health Each database includes hundreds of articles organized by topic. The articles use simple language ...

Exploring Epic! School: A Digital Reading Platform for Elementary Classrooms and Libraries As school libraries continue to evolve into hybrid learning hubs, digital reading platforms like Epic! School are becoming increasingly important. Whether you're a seasoned school librarian or just beginning to curate your digital collection, understanding what tools are available—and how to use them effectively—is key. In this post, we'll take an in-depth look at Epic! School : what it is, how it works, and how it can be incorporated into a school library. What Is Epic! School? Epic! School is a free digital reading platform designed for use during the school day in K–6 classrooms and libraries. It provides educators and librarians with access to a large library of high-quality books, audiobooks, read-to-me titles, and educational videos. Unlike the paid version available to families, Epic! School is tailored specifically for educational use and is available for free between the hours o...

Creating Mindful Digital Citizens: How the Center for Humane Technology's Youth Toolkit Can Transform Schools and Libraries As a future school librarian, one of the questions I return to again and again is: How do we prepare students to thrive in a world shaped by algorithms, attention economies, and digital overload? We talk a lot about information literacy, but what about attention literacy, tech ethics, and digital well-being? That’s where the Youth Toolkit from the [Center for Humane Technology] (https://www.humanetech.com/) (CHT) comes in—a free, thoughtfully crafted resource aimed at helping young people reclaim agency in a tech-saturated world. In this post, I’ll break down what the Youth Toolkit is, how it works, and how educators, librarians, and school leaders can implement it to help students navigate their digital lives with more intention, awareness, and power. What Is the Youth Toolkit? The Youth Toolkit is an educational resource designed to help middle and high sch...

Checkology: The Essential Tool for Teaching News Literacy in Schools As a library science student, I’m constantly thinking about how we can help students navigate the complex, often overwhelming world of information. Between social media, 24/7 news cycles, and the sheer volume of content students consume, it can be hard to teach them how to evaluate what’s credible, what’s fake, and what’s just a little too questionable. That’s where Checkology, the online platform from the News Literacy Project, really shines. It’s a resource I’ve come to see as essential for any school librarian or educator interested in fostering critical thinking skills in students—especially when it comes to news and media literacy. So, let me break down what Checkology is, how it works, and why it’s such a game-changer for schools. What Is Checkology? At its core, Checkology is an interactive, web-based platform designed to teach students how to analyze and evaluate news. It’s all about giving students the skil...

Unlocking the Future of AI: A Review of Code.org’s Artificial Intelligence Curriculum for School Libraries As a school librarianship student and a kindergarten teacher, I’ve seen firsthand the incredible potential that artificial intelligence (AI) has in the classroom. AI isn’t just about smart machines or algorithms—it’s about critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. And as educators, it’s our job to help students understand these tools, not fear them. That’s why I’m excited to share my experience with Code.org’s Artificial Intelligence Curriculum —a resource that can introduce middle and high school students to the world of AI in a fun, engaging, and educational way. I know many people still feel uneasy about AI, but from my personal experience as a teacher, I’ve come to appreciate how AI can be a powerful tool for learning. I’ve used it to come up with creative lesson ideas for my kindergarten students, and I’ve seen how much more efficient and innovative learning can b...

GoNoodle: The Good Energy Company  If you’re looking for a way to make your library space even more engaging, check out  GoNoodle ! It’s a super fun platform that’s perfect for getting kids up and moving, boosting their focus, and even supporting their mental health. Whether you’re leading a group, helping students refocus, or just looking to mix things up, GoNoodle can be a great asset to us (librarians, educators, parents) as we try to develop well-rounded kiddos. It is a free platform that offers interactive videos aimed at getting kids to move, focus, and even practice mindfulness. It’s designed to help students release energy, calm down, and engage in learning in a more active way. There’s a mix of activities, including dances, exercises, and mindfulness practices, all with the goal of keeping kids active and engaged, whether in the classroom, library, or at home. I am often curious as to how we can teach skills regarding emotional or mental wellbeing in a way that is act...