Ahnalese Pearson - LIS

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...

Using ScratchJr in the School Library: A Fun Introduction to Coding In today's digital world, coding is quickly becoming an essential skill, even for our youngest learners. As a future school librarian, I am of course looking for ways to incorporate engaging, educational technology into the library space.  ScratchJr is a free app designed to introduce children ages 5-7 to coding through creative storytelling and interactive play. What is ScratchJr? ScratchJr is a simplified, block-based programming language that allows young learners to create their own animated stories and interactive games. Using a visual interface, students piece together coding blocks to make characters move, jump, dance, respond to user input, etc. Unlike its more advanced counterpart, Scratch, ScratchJr does not require reading skills, making it a great introduction to computational thinking for early learners. Why Use ScratchJr in the School Library? It Encourages Creativity  – Students can create ...