Last Updated on January 11, 2024 by Laura
February library lessons can be engaging and fun for both you and your elementary students because there are so many lively topics to choose from. If you want to make your library the center of your school, paying attention to events throughout the year and tying library activities to them can really help. The month is full of opportunities for you to embrace as you plan your February lessons.
I Love to Read Month
February is “I Love to Read Month,” so it’s the perfect time for you to celebrate reading in your school! You can start by creating a book recommendation center with colorful sticky notes and a “We Love to Read” bulletin board. Your students can also create fun book recommendation bookmarks. Have them tell the name of a book they love and why they liked it, and even include a small illustration. We participated in several bookmark exchanges – it’s such a fun way to celebrate the love of reading! You can exchange bookmarks with other schools, or within classes in your own school. I’ve got more I Love to Read Month ideas for your February library lessons here: Celebrate I Love to Read Month.
Winter Sports
Even on years when the Winter Olympics aren’t in session, kids love to learn about winter sports! Olympic years are the perfect time to capitalize on this universal excitement by collaborating with the other specialists in your building on some fun Winter Olympics activities in your school! Not an Olympic year? Winter sports activities can still liven up a cold and dreary month…
In my school, students were broken into country teams in physical education classes, trying their skills at some simulated events. Then, in music class they listened to and learned about the national anthems of these countries. And in the library we did mini-research projects, creating posters to share with some information on each of the countries. (I had my younger classes learn about the sporting events instead.) You can read more about this here: Fun Winter Olympics Activities for Your Library.
Media Literacy: Advertising Techniques
The Super Bowl is usually in early February. This is a great time to focus on advertising techniques with your upper elementary students. Show some commercials and you’ll be sure to have some lively discussions about the techniques used to persuade us. Remember to guide your students into thinking about who made the ad and what they want us to do after watching it. I always include this in my February library lessons because my students are so engaged, and they definitely carry over the learning at home! To read more about my advertising lessons, take a look here: Why You Should Teach About Advertising Techniques.
President’s Day Research
President’s Day falls on the third Monday of the month, so February the perfect time for some president research. I usually focus on George Washington and Abraham Lincoln in Kindergarten and first grade. But I like to allow older students to choose which president they want to learn more about. Gather your print biographies and use your electronic databases for this – it’s a great time for your students to become more familiar with these important library resources.
I’ve found that teaching research skills works best when we build upon prior learning year after year. So, it’s perfectly fine to repeat this project every year, since you can easily have students choose a different president the next time. In fact, I’ve developed scaffolded lessons for president research that help students build important research skills year to year. For more research tips: Strengthen Research Skills in 2nd and 3rd Grades and Research Skills for Primary Grades
February Library Lessons Can Be Fun!
With so many timely topics to choose from, your February library lessons are sure to be engaging and fun. And not just for your students, but for you too! Enjoy the hustle and bustle these lessons will bring to your school community. Have a great month!
Be the light!
