10/22/2026
As part of our Canadian School Library Day celebrations, today we're recognizing ๐๐จ๐ฒ-๐๐ง๐ง ๐๐จ๐ก๐ง๐ฌ๐จ๐ง, Learning Commons Technician, and the Learning Commons at EG Wahlstrom School!
๐ฌ Joy-Ann shares, "Here in the library, I try to have a variety of wonderful learning opportunities that meet the needs of my students. Every month I put different items on my desk that give opportunity for the students to ask questions and try the item. I have used different things such as a plasma ball, tornado lava lamp, pendulums, planet identification mobile, and I also have 3 fish that have opened many conversations.
I also have a 'joke of the week' that comes up with some really interesting answers and gets quite a few laughs. I have a Suggestion Box for students to let me know what they would like to see in the library. This could include a new series or the next book of a series, or any changes they'd like to see in the library itself.
I try to organize a variety of contests during the school year. Last year we had a Halloween contest, a library bookmark contest, and a timed game, with the finals taking place in the gym during the assembly. So much fun!
One of my biggest library achievements is the numeracy and literacy classes up in the loft. I don't use technology or paperwork for these classes. Instead, I use games that include numbers and letters, puzzles, building/magnetic blocks, Chess, Tapple, Lego, Trouble, Twister, Simon Says, Connect 4, Guess Who, card games (Uno and Skip-Bo), word games, number games, puzzles, and gravity mazes, to name a few.
These games promote cognitive skills and social/emotional skills such as memory, pattern recognition, focus, planning ahead, understanding consequences, teamwork, sharing, communication, emotion regulation, and patience. Most games also encourage turn-taking, sportsmanship, respect, spatial awareness, and hand-eye coordination. I try to switch things up every 6 to 8 weeks while keeping in mind that I have 300 students with different ranges of developmental needs.
I have 14 classes that I plan for in a 6 day cycle. I see the students once in the loft and again downstairs for regular library classes.
What I love most about my job is the students. I love watching the smiles on their faces and the joy they feel when they've mastered a game or discovered a book series they love.
This is my third year as a Learning Commons Technician, and I'm hoping to put in a few more years before retirement. I am lucky to work with a great group of teachers, administrators, EA's and, and office staff who make my day so worthwhile and complete.
Last year I found two new series that the students of all ages have enjoyed. One is 'A Mighty Muskrats Mystery' which is a 5-book series written by Michael Hutchinson following four Cree cousins living in Windy Lake First Nation who solve mysteries together in Hardy Boys-style Indigenous adventures. The other is 'Adventures of a Misfit' which is a 4-book series written by Daniel J. Millette featuring an 11-year-old boy named Joey Storthoaks living in Saskatchewan and the adventures he experiences with his family and friends.
Feel free to visit the library anytime. It really is a place to learn and have fun!"
Thank you, Joy-Ann, for the creativity, care, and enthusiasm you bring to your E.G. Wahlstrom's Learning Commons! Your passion for supporting students and finding meaningful ways to make learning fun truly shines through in everything you do. We're so fortunate to have you as part of our learning team! โค๏ธ๐
