Showing posts with label additions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label additions. Show all posts

Friday, November 12, 2010

Inspired to educate others - Kimberly Glackin

Psychology instructor Kimberly Glackin’s professional experiences and wide-knowledge base makes her a remarkable resource for students and staff at MCC-Blue River.

She frequently sends Blue River employee emails spotlighting newly acquired library resources. Her latest recommendation, “A Very Touching Book" by Jan Hindman- is an acclaimed book written to children discussing the sensitive issue of child sexual abuse. She describes the resource with words such as “friendly, informative and powerful." Glackin says she receives requests for resources on this issue probably more than any other topic.

No newcomer to the subject matter, Glackin worked at the Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault (MOSCA). During her time there, she read this particular book to children countless times, and now, recommends it to her psychology students at the onset of each semester.

Additionally, Glackin has been a key contributor in the development of the library’s impressive book collection. The collection is comprised of books on everything from potty training to bullying. Initially, the modest collection was in her office, but as it outgrew her space, the library graciously assumed responsibility for it.

Appreciative of the library’s help, Glackin is exceedingly forthright with praise for the library staff’s involvement in the collection. Glackin says librarian Susanne Boatright, (and the team) manage the compilation, promotes it and ensures books are returned. Glackin goes on to say, “Susanne has also allowed their budget to be used to increase and expand the collection."

“As we are entering the holiday season it seemed a good time to remind folks that this resource exists,” she says. It was important to her to make sure people in need know the books are free and easily accessible on the Blue River campus.

When asked what motivates her to send out the informational updates, she said “I would rather send out an email [to everyone] than risk someone in need going uninformed and thus a child not getting the services they need.”

Now, that’s the Blue River spirit.

For more information visit Blue River’s library inside the Campus Center.

To learn more about Kimberly Glackin, click here.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Blue River gets new resources


The MCC-Blue River Library recently acquired new titles in the Children's Library section. The Library is located in the Campus Center, just past Food Services. Blue River's Kim Glackin offers fascinating insight and descriptions of these new titles.

“Cat’s Got Your Tongue” A Story for Children Afraid to Speak by Charles Schaefer. This book is directed to children who struggle with stranger anxiety and is afraid to talk in front of others.

“When Fuzzy Was Afraid of Big and Loud Things” by Inger Maier. This book is helpful for children who are coping with fears of many things. It is generic enough that a child could insert their own fear into the book. I read this to my five year during a thunderstorm and it was very helpful.

“What to Do When Your Brain Gets Stuck” by Dawn Huebner. This is a workbook to help children overcome OCD.

“The Grouchies” by Debbie Wagenbach. This is a friendly book that speaks to kids about having a bad day and attempts to help them gain some emotional regulation and realize they have some choice in their emotional state.

“Imagine a Rainbow” A Child’s Guide for Soothing Pain by Brenda Miles. This book would help to comfort and teach children how to handle pain or discomfort. If you have a child who is having to live with pain, this book could aid them with their pain management.

“My Grandpa had a Stroke” by Dori Butler. If your children are struggling to understand the physical challenges that may occur with their aging loved ones, this book might help.

“Sometimes I’m Scared” by Jane Annunziata and Marc Nemiroff. This book addresses the fears children sometimes have about a variety of things: escalators, fire, spiders, clowns and monsters. I read this book to my five-year-old and it was a big hit. Children easily relate to this book and it gives very helpful, child-friendly, advice.

“Take the Time” Mindfulness for Kids by Maud Roegiers. This is another selection that intends to aid children in gaining awareness of their ability to control their emotions and their actions. It is written in a very soothing manner and is intended for children 4-8.

“Phileas’s fortune” A Story about Self-Expression by Agnes deLestrade and Valeria Docampo. This is a beautifully illustrated book that talks about how children can interact with others in verbal and non-verbal ways. It also speaks to the importance of simplicity, modesty, and the importance of being honest. A darling book.

These books are published by Magination Press, a subsidiary of the American Psychological Association, and are targeted towards elementary school aged children.

If you have time, please check out our children’s books that are currently available in the library.

Special thanks to Kim Glackin - Psychology Instructor