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DKG Practice/Program

a bird who supports her as she “flies.” Moral: Don’t be
afraid to ask for or offer help.
• Piggie has a surprise for Elephant in Waiting Is Not Easy!
(Willems, 2014). He has to wait all day until dark when
he is surprised by the beauty of the stars. Moral: It won’t
be easy to survive the pandemic, but we must be strong. It
will be worth it.
• Elephant is afraid Piggie won’t need him any longer in
My New Friend Is So Fun! (Willems, 2014). Elephant
goes to question her about what is happening and finds
her drawing a picture of her best friend—him. Moral:
Remember and keep in contact with old friends but be
open to new friendships.
• Elephant has a dilemma in Should I Share My Ice Cream?
(Willems, 2011). He can’t decide if he should share his
cone with Piggie. As it happens, Piggie ends up sharing
her cone with him. Moral: We never expected to have all
digital chapter meetings, but it is working.
• Piggie demonstrates what it means to pretend in I’m a
Frog! (Willems, 2013). She explains that pretending Kathaleen Reese was
honored with flowers
means acting like something you are not. That is how she can be a frog. Moral: and a certificate for 63
Alpha Zeta does not have to pretend to have had a successful year. Even years of service.
through a pandemic, we stayed connected!
Staying Connected Through a Virtual Library

The primary purpose for creating a virtual library was to provide a resource and
support for classroom teachers. An added benefit was members connecting as they
worked together toward this goal.
Alpha Zeta members Vicki Hinen and Judy Kehmeyer introduced Loom
video recording software (loom.com) at our first meeting of the year. They went
through a 9-page handout that had step-by-step directions, pictures, and definitions.
The plan was for members to video themselves reading a book that students
would enjoy. Individuals were encouraged to go to Loom to create an account or
download the Loom software from the Google Chrome Store. The completed video
would then be sent via email to Judy or Vicki, who would add it to the library.
Teachers could then use the library in their classrooms.
The virtual library was discussed at every meeting. The project proved to be
more difficult than expected. Ultimately, one member (who had expert help in
using Loom) recorded the year’s total of nine books. The thought was that the time
and technology involved led to the low number of recordings.

Conclusion
The effort to get to know members better was a two-fold success. Several
women commented that they enjoyed connecting on the telephone calls. Others
shared how much they looked forward to reading in the newsletter about how
members “got in trouble” in school. These stories helped to create a bond.
The Elephant and Piggie books also proved helpful. One member exclaimed

Collegial Exchange · 33