I can't believe that we just finished up our first six weeks of school already. I am already well into my professional and school goals, and also trying to think of creative ways to get staff involved in library fun.
An article came across one of my various social media feeds about an Audiobook Walking Club and I was SO excited about this idea!! I am an AVID audiobook listener- so the Valhalla Voyages Audiobook Walking Club was born
Original Idea:
-staff only
-walk on the track in the morning
-walk during lunch time
-walk in the afternoon
This way I could invite various people that would have different times free
I emailed the coaches to see if space was available- and had Coach Bradley email me back asking to meet.
What started as an idea for staff only- is now forming into a Collaboration between a coach and the library (you know I love collaborating with various content areas!)
Currently:
-The Thursdays I am not flexible floating- those that are interested meet on the track for a 30 minute walk and listen to their OWN audiobook (no need to be listening to the same one!)- After walking- head back into the school for a cup of coffee and conversations
-I did the walking during lunch- it was great- but- it was also alot of time needed to do this- I might do this once a month depending on how much it grows.
-After school we meet at the library and walk about a mile around the inside of the school- and end up in the teachers lounge for a popsicle and a conversation
What I love about it:
-it gets staff reading and talking- I mean- I had a whole conversation with the coach about the book he was reading about Tom Brady
-it helps our Beanstack minutes!! When teachers are reading- students are reading!
-I LOVE talking- but it is really nice to schedule in a time where I can just walk and it is expected to not talk and listen to my book.
-I have been getting my steps in!
What's Next
I will continue offering the walking club after school every week and then in the morning the days that I am on campus. Once a month during lunch depending on interest.
I am REALLY excited about working with our PE coach during the 3rd six weeks. They have a Wellness Walking Unit.
Our district uses SORA, and our students have Chromebooks. Chromebooks are a little bulky. SORA is an app that can be downloaded on a phone- but due to state laws- cellphones are not an option.
We are looking at:
-playaways
-books on CD- I mean- lets go oldschool!
-set of iPads
This is just the beginning- but it has taken very little to get it going. The coffee and the popscicles came from our Irving Schools Foundation- so- it is also a program that needs very little from me other than some decent walking shoes.
What you need to start your own:
-30 minutes a week
-headphones and would recommend some walking shoes
-an email to invite others
-Do you participate in an audiobook walking club?
-What speed do you listen to your books?
Our walking groups have been anywhere from 2-5 people.. but as I always say- even if one shows up- that is one person that needed it (and I needed it too!) I have had so many great conversations about some great books. I am always SO thankful for all the people that join in the random activities I have!
Up next- how I am doing our Parent Book Club, Lunch and Learn, and HOMECOMING!!
