FigJam...The Perfect Digital Tool & Resource For Teacher Librarians! Let Me Show You, Friends!

I am always on the search for the perfect digital tools and resources to add to my toolbox as a teacher librarian. I love finding these as I work with our students and teachers in the library, within the classrooms, and throughout the school community. 

At the top of my toolbox is FigJam! 

As shared on their site, FigJam is an online whiteboard where possibilities turn into plans. Educators can facilitate collaborative group learning while encouraging active participation from students.  It's great for classroom discussions, brainstorms, and group work. 

And it sure is perfect for teacher librarians! 

There are so many ways I use FigJam in the library, and as a librarian, to promote books, reading, special events and celebrations, book suggestions, and book clubs.  As I collaborate and co-teach with all of our teachers within the district, FigJam is one of the first things I suggest as we work on new ideas, lessons and projects. As a member of our school community, FigJam can be a great way to bring us together in our conversations, goals, and work. 

And so much more! 

As we kick off a new school, I am working on lots of new ways to use FigJam. I am also working with our students and teachers to get them up and running with FigJam.  

Let me share how you can get started too, friends. 

First, sign up for your Figma for Edu account here.  It is FREE for all teachers and students. 

These short video tutorials about Figma for Education will walk you through the steps in getting set up, and all kinds of other tasks within FigJam. 

I find this video tutorial from Pockful of Primary, FigJam with Students, super helpful too.

As you get your students and teachers all set up, check out the First Lesson: How To Use FigJam. 

You will find it here.

This will help you walk your students (and teachers) through the basic steps in using FigJam.  

I love how it teaches users how to do so many of the basic functions within FigJam. It will be a whole lot of fun for them as they learn too. 

This is the perfect place to start this week, friends. In my next post, I will share a few of my favorite ways to use FigJam as a teacher librarian to promote books and reading. I hope you will follow along and share how you are using this amazing digital tool within your library and community too. 

As you get started, join the Figma for Edu Educator Community on Facebook.  I love the ideas and resources being shared here, plus I can share and learn within the group too. 

Figma for Edu believes that nothing great is made alone. They would love to work with you to bring FigJam into your schools and classrooms. 

Here’s how:

Join a livestream: Every Tuesday during the back-to-school season Figma hosts 1-hour introductory livestreams that overview FigJam basics and the Jamboard transition. Register here. 

Lead the charge: Volunteer to host a FigJam training for teachers in your community! 

Check out these pre-created materials and a PD plan.

Oh, and don't forget, with Google Jamboard closing down, don't forget to import your Jamboards to FigJam. Watch this video to find out how to do this today. 

Okay friends, get set up in FigJam and jump right in with your students and teachers. I can't wait to hear how excited they are to get started. 

I will post the next blog post soon.