Make your library the center of your school
December is hitting my school library with the usual excitement of winter programs, parties, ski days, assemblies, gift making, and the unpredictability of schedules that can change at a moment’s notice! It can be a challenge to make sure your December library lessons are meaningful and engaging. I do love this time of year, especially now that I make sure I have extra Christmas picture
Each year I promote the nominated books for the Pacific Northwest Library Association’s Young Reader’s Choice Award in my 4th and 5th grade classes. My students are eligible to vote for their favorite book in the Junior Division, which covers grades 4-6. I use book trailers and a library catalog review activity in my library classes to get the kids familiar with the books and
Fire Prevention Week is the first full week of October. It’s a great time to review fire safety education concepts with our young children and to help them learn about firefighters. I’ve been collecting the following books to read with my Kindergarten, first, and second grade classes. This post contains affiliate links. If you click through one of them and make a purchase I may
This year is the 10 year anniversary of International Dot Day and the 15th anniversary of the publication of The Dot. People all around the world celebrate creative expression, inspired by Peter H. Reynolds’ picture book, The Dot. Every year, Dot Day falls on or near September 15. I’d like to share how I helped my K-2 students explore their own creativity this year for
I don’t read picture books to my upper elementary students very often, but I’ve found a pair of books that hold their attention and teach some valuable lessons about friendship and the role of technology in our lives and friendships. This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. I
Earth Day is a day to take action. Children in schools across the country will be setting up recycling stations and picking up garbage. They’ll be making posters and remembering to turn off the lights when they leave a room. Earth Day is a great time for a fun school wide event, special library storytime, or some engaging lessons. Here are seven books to motivate
Mo Willems’ Elephant and Piggie series for early readers is popular with young children for a reason. They are fun, exciting, surprising, and full of genuine emotions! Although the final book in the series was just published in 2016, these engaging stories have already become a classic staple in elementary school libraries and kindergarten and first grade classrooms across the country! At my school, older
Wonder is still a wildly popular book at my school! The themes of friendship, respect, and kindness are timeless. The following project is a great way to reinforce some technology skills with your students while spreading kindness and inspiration throughout your school community! If you give it a try, be sure to comment and let us know! A friend shared a great idea with me
Do your students ever seem extra wiggly or restless during storytime or lessons? You’re not alone! One simple way to channel that energy in a positive direction is through yoga for kids. Just like yoga helps adults with focus, mindfulness, and overall well-being, it can do the same for children. Adding short yoga activities to your classroom or library time can give kids a chance
As a school librarian, I am constantly looking for great new books for kids, but this past year I have had extra opportunities to be exposed exciting new titles in children’s literature. In July I became a reviewer for Kid Lit Exchange (you can read more about that fun group and even sign up to be a reviewer yourself here), in October I had the
