"Don't Sweat the Flops" a Virtual Workshop for Teen Services Library Staff

It won't be perfect the first time. Or the second. Accepting this will accelerate skill building and frankly make the process a lot more enjoyable for teens. Fear of failure creates anxiety and prevents many people from even starting on a path toward growth whether it be one of personal or even professional development.

This session will guide teen librarians on how to help break through that fear by making "flopping" fun. Flow Circus will introduce librarians to the flop ball; this simple, yet challenging skill toy has players using the back of their hands to throw and catch - a slight change that requires a shift in mindset and the player to pay attention in a new way. During the process, Flow Circus will provide strategies to help empower teens to get out of their own way and ask for help when they need it.

Participants get a set of six flop balls as a reminder of lessons learned and to use for programming with teens. It also serves as a "pause button" that they can keep on their desk or in their pocket as a signal to pay attention to the process of the task in front of them.

Instructor: Paul Miller and Dawn Daria of Flow Cirucs. Paul is a performer with credits including off-Broadway, Disney Cruise Lines, and TEDx Creative Coast, and Dawn is an award-winning educator with degrees in psychology and education.

Webinar link will be emailed to registered attendees the day before the event.

This project is made possible by grant funds from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) administered by the State of Michigan through the Library of Michigan.