A New Beginning: Cultivate a Love of Learning through Enchantment

As I am preparing for the annual School Library Media Programs' (SLMP) Professional Development Day tomorrow, my mind is swimming with ideas on how to move SLMP forward in the face of many challenges.

I was fortunate to attend the ISTE conference in Philadelphia this summer and was so inspired by fellow media specialists from all over the world as they shared their stories. The one idea that has resonated with me since returning home from that conference is from the SIGMS Breakfast. Buffy Hamilton related to the audience an experience she had as a patron of a restaurant in New Orleans and how that enchanting experience was a catalyst for her talk at ISTE. The theme of enchantment comes from Guy Kawasaki's book, Enchantment: The Art of Changing Hearts, Minds and Actions.

I am having a difficult time relating to the word, "enchantment," but after watching Buffy's presentation several times and then purchasing and reading the book, I have a clearer picture of how the idea of enchantment could lead to changing the tone, direction, and expectations of our school library media programs.

I hope that my presentation to the 400 school library media staff will encourage everyone to reflect on their programs and what it is that they want to achieve this year. I want to continue the conversation through the year and plan on revisiting the idea of enchantment at our October professional development for library media specialists, followed by a virtual book discussion for anyone interested in the second half of the school year.

Kawasaki says that enchantment is manifested in three ways: 1) likeability, 2) trustworthiness, and 3) creating an excellent product or service. I created a mindomo map of how I see this playing out in school library media programs. It is my desire to create excitement around this idea and encourage each library media specialist to find ways to create enchantment in their own individual programs. I see enchantment as one solution to answer the points of change that have been thrust upon us and can be a source of innovation.

Here's to a great school year!!!

~Andrea

Introductions - Margaret Gaudino

Margaret's Voki

Guy Kawasaki defines enchantment as the process of delighting people with a product, service, organization, or idea. “The outcome of enchantment is voluntary and long lasting support that is mutually beneficial”. Enchantment can occur in our libraries and schools as we fill our patrons with the “great delight” of lifelong learning.

How can we work together on our journey towards enchantment? In partnership with School Library Media Programs, we have developed face to face technology workshops to help you sharpen your 21st century skill’s to support student achievement.  We will collaborate through webinars, and other professional learning communities to support each other along the journey’s path.