Make your library the center of your school
There has been a renewed focus on social and emotional learning (SEL), and with good reason. Long term research shows that social-emotional learning has a positive impact on academic achievement, classroom management, overall health, and the prevention of problematic behaviors. We are wise to place on emphasis on social and emotional learning in the school library. The Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL)
Most students and educators have just completed the most challenging year in their educational lives. The Covid-19 pandemic has turned our regular school routines upside down, backwards, and on their heads! This has brought stress and anxiety to a myriad of students and the adults who care for them. So, now more than ever it is important to address SEL in the school library. What
Strong characters inspire us! Andrea Beaty’s picture book series, The Questioneers, gives our students strong characters to study and to emulate. By diving deep into examining the character traits of Rosie Revere, Iggy Peck, Ada Twist, and Sofia Valdez, we can help our kids make connections to their own lives. This can lead to perseverance, following passions, taking risks (good ones!), and higher self-esteem. All
The Questioneers Books by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts, are inspirational picture books that can encourage growth mindset in your students. Each book centers on a different second grader from Miss Lila Greer’s class at Blue River Creek School. Each of the characters has a different passion: engineering, architecture, science experiments, and community activism. And because of this, each book can be an effective
How many times have you found yourself sitting in the middle of a school professional development aimed at classroom teachers? I know I’ve been there. We doodle in our notebooks and daydream of school librarian professional development just for us. We need PD that addresses the many facets of our roles within our schools. Our professional development must prepare us to meet the needs of
I don’t know if there’s ever been a time in my life that I’ve seen so many people ready to kick the current year out the door and welcome a new beginning! The new year brings new goals in our professional lives as well as our personal lives. Are you as eager as I am to reimagine your school library in the new year? I’ve
There has been a lot of emphasis lately on diverse books for kids. I believe it is important for our students to have access to books that provide mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors (Rudine Sims Bishop). Here’s a collection of diverse chapter books to add to your library for middle grade readers. This post contains Amazon affiliate links for your convenience. If you click
In my opinion, the key to a great first week of school library lesson is a fun picture book to read aloud. You really need a selection of a few engaging back to school books to read aloud to your students! I’m here to help with some titles from my local public library – all opinions are my own. This post contains Amazon affiliate links
A couple of weeks ago I shared some ideas for school librarians as they get ready to go back to school. As more and more librarians find out what their unique back-to-school situations may be, whether face-to-face teaching, blended learning, or distance learning, they are scrambling to make back to school plans. So I’ve got a few more back to school library ideas for you!
As school librarians, we are constantly working to collaborate with the other educators within our schools. We know that these efforts result in stronger and deeper learning experiences for our students. School specialist collaboration takes traditional collaboration up a notch by uniting the entire school community around an engaging learning theme. If you need more convincing, read my previous post: Energize Your School Community With
