Transforming Teen Services - Bloomfield Township Public Library

We will explore the Connected Learning principles of relationships, interests and opportunities and how to apply the theory into practice. Using the concepts of CT as a problem-solving framework, we will take part in an activity that introduces library staff to a project they can use for teen programming. Participate in hands-on, interactive learning and discuss what CL and CT are and how they can be integrated into teen activities. This workshop will help participants scaffold knowledge they may already have about CL and CT and use it to recognize the ways in which CT supports CL.

Participants will be able to:

• Understand the philosophy of Connected Learning (CL) as it relates to Educational and Career opportunities
• Articulate some of the core concepts of Computational Thinking (CT)
• Understand the value of integrating CT into activities for and with teens
• Articulate how CL environments support youth in learning CT
• Understand how to get started designing CL and CT activities

Instructor: Leah Delia Larson is a Youth Development Program Leader for Central Minnesota 4-H. Leah has extensive expertise in various levels of education. She started her career in education in 2001, and has taught everything from middle school ESL and special education in Texas to elementary school in Brooklyn, New York. Most recently, she worked with the Minnesota Department of Education as a LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act) Grant Coordinator/School and Teen Services Consultant and has worked in K-12 schools as a library media specialist. Leah is passionate about building partnerships to expand youth programming, culturally relevant curriculum, bilingualism and social and emotional health and well-being. Leah has been a trainer and assisted in development of the YALSA Transforming Teen Services course work since 2019.

Space is limited and there will be a waitlist. If you register but need to cancel, please do so 72 hours before the event so we can arrange for someone to fill your seat.

This project is made possible by grant funds from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) administered by the State of Michigan through the Library of Michigan.