Unlock Bookshares Lesson Plan Unlock Bookshare's World
Librarian Professional Development Lesson Plan
30 Minutes
Objective
Librarians will understand the purpose of Bookshare, identify eligible students, and know how to access and utilize its features to provide accessible reading materials for 7th-grade students with reading barriers.
Why it Matters
Bookshare is a powerful resource that ensures all students, especially those with print disabilities, have equal access to literature and educational materials. Understanding it empowers librarians to foster inclusivity and support student success.
Preparation & Materials
Setup (15 mins)
Review the Bookshare Introduction Slide Deck
Print copies of the Librarian's Quick Guide Activity
Ensure projector/internet access are functional
Materials Needed
Bookshare Introduction Slide Deck
Librarian's Quick Guide Activity
Warm-Up Question & Cool-Down Reflection
Computer & Projector
Instructional Steps
2m
Warm-Up: Challenges to Access
• Present the Bookshare Warm-Up Question.
• Ask librarians to quickly share one challenge they've observed students facing with reading materials.
• Facilitate a very brief discussion (1-2 shares).
5m
Introduction to Bookshare (Slides)
• Use the Slide Deck to cover key points: Mission, Eligibility, Formats, and the Librarian's Role.
• Keep the pace brisk, focusing on essential information for organizational sponsors.
5m
Quick Demo & Activity Intro
• Conduct a brief live demonstration: searching, reading options, and member management.
• Distribute the Librarian's Quick Guide to Bookshare Activity.
• Explain that this is for future self-exploration; briefly walk through the first steps.
3m
Q&A and Next Steps
• Open for 1-2 quick questions.
• Distribute/display the Cool-Down Reflection for librarians to note one key takeaway.
• Encourage further exploration and offer follow-up support.
Bookshare Intro Slide Deck Unlock Bookshare's World!
Your Guide to Accessible Reading for All Students
School Librarian Professional Development
The Reading Barrier
Imagine a world where:
Books are hard to see.
Words jump around on the page.
Turning pages is a struggle.
Many students face these challenges every day.
Enter Bookshare!
An online library for people with print disabilities.
Provides accessible books in various formats.
Free for qualifying U.S. students.
Who Qualifies for Bookshare?
Students with a "print disability" including:
Visual Impairments (blindness, low vision)
Learning Disabilities (like dyslexia)
Physical Disabilities (holding or turning pages)
* A competent professional must confirm eligibility.
What's Available?
A vast collection!
Educational textbooks
Bestsellers & popular fiction
Test prep materials
Magazines & newspapers
Thousands of titles, constantly growing!
How Does It Work?
Audio
Listen with highlighted text
Braille
Refreshable displays & files
Large Print
Customizable font sizes
Text-to-Speech
Read aloud by computer voice
Flexible formats for diverse needs!
The Organizational Sponsor
As a school librarian, you can:
Sign up your school
Add eligible students
Assign books to students
Manage student access
You are key to unlocking this resource!
Questions & Next Steps
Bookshare: Empowering Every Reader
Let's explore how to get started!
Q&A
Live Demo
Bookshare Intro Script Instructional Script: Unlock Bookshare's World
Facilitator's guide for the 30-minute librarian introduction.
Warm-Up: Challenges to Access
2 Minutes
Display the Warm-Up Question.
"Good morning, everyone! Let's start with a quick thought: What's one challenge you've observed students facing when trying to access reading materials? Just a quick thought, no need for long answers."
(Allow 1-2 librarians to quickly share one challenge.)
"Thank you. Those insights are crucial, and they lead us right into today's topic: Bookshare, a powerful tool to address these very challenges."
Introduction to Bookshare (Slides)
5 Minutes
Slide 1: Unlock Bookshare's World!
"Today, in just 30 minutes, we're going to Unlock Bookshare's World! My goal is to give you a clear overview of how Bookshare can be a game-changer for our 7th-grade students with reading barriers, and how you, as school librarians, are key to its success."
Slide 2: The Reading Barrier
"As you mentioned, some students face significant reading barriers. Imagine words blurring or pages being impossible to turn. Bookshare is designed to break down these barriers."
Slide 3: Enter Bookshare!
"Bookshare is an online library of accessible books, free for qualifying U.S. students with print disabilities. It's about ensuring equal access."
Slide 4: Who Qualifies?
"Who qualifies? Students with a print disability, including visual impairments, learning disabilities like dyslexia, or physical disabilities. A professional confirmation of eligibility is required."
Slide 7: Your Role
"Crucially, your role as a school librarian is to sign up your school, add eligible students, assign books, and manage access. You are the link!"
Demo & Activity Intro
5 Minutes
"I'll now give you a very quick tour of the Bookshare website. I'll highlight key areas like searching for a book and where to find student management tools. I also have a Librarian's Quick Guide to Bookshare Activity for you."
(Perform brief demo: log in, search for "The Giver", show download formats, point out the 'My Bookshare' tab.)
"This guide is something you can use for your own exploration later. For now, just follow along as I quickly show you some highlights."
Q&A and Next Steps
3 Minutes
"We have a moment for one or two quick questions. What's on your mind?"
(Address 1-2 questions.)
"To wrap up, please take a moment to reflect on this Cool-Down Reflection. What's one key takeaway for you?"
"Thank you for your time and for helping us make reading accessible for all our students!"
Bookshare Warm-Up Question Warm-Up: Access Challenges
Bookshare Professional Development
Name:
Date:
? What are some of the biggest challenges you've observed students facing when trying to access reading materials in your school library or classrooms?
Think about various types of barriers, not just academic ones (e.g., physical access, visual fatigue, social stigma, or formatting limitations).
Bookshare Cool-Down Reflection Cool-Down Reflection
Unlock Bookshare's World
Name:
1. What is one key takeaway about Bookshare that you learned today and will remember?
2. Based on today's intro, what is one immediate action you'd like to take to support your 7th graders?
Thank you for championing accessible reading!
Bookshare Librarian Activity Guide Librarian's Quick Guide to Bookshare
Your Exploration Roadmap for Accessible Reading
This guide is a roadmap for you to explore Bookshare at your own pace. During our brief session, we'll highlight key areas. Use the spaces below to jot down observations or questions.
PART 1
Quick Website Overview
Accessing Bookshare
Navigate to www.bookshare.org
Notes on login/sign-up:
Searching for Books
Try searching "The Giver" or "7th Grade Fiction"
Results observed:
PART 2
Librarian Functions (Future Reference)
1. School Registration
Becoming an Organizational Sponsor.
2. Adding Students
Reflect on student data required.
3. Assigning Books
Selecting titles for specific members.
PART 3
Next Steps
1. What specific feature of Bookshare are you most interested in exploring further?
2. What action do you plan to take this week regarding Bookshare?
