Make your library the center of your school
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
December is not the time for a full-blown research project. But if you want to teach or review research skills with your students, a mini-unit for holiday research is just what you need. Students will still get practice on important research skills. But if a lesson is missed, it isn’t a problem (unlike when you’re doing those long, multi-week research projects). Stay Flexible in December
December is a challenging time to keep our students actively learning. I’ve shared several ways to keep the fun in our libraries this month. There is so much excitement about upcoming holidays in the air that it’s difficult to maintain a focus on academics. Time to pull out your tricks! I’ve found that my lessons are always more engaging if I make a game out
The month of December in elementary schools brings changing schedules and lots of fun activities for our students. School librarians are always working at being flexible and maintaining that happy place in our libraries. How can we plan fun December school library activities while maintaining a healthy and safe space for our students? Hour of Code Computer Science in Education Week is the first full
Plan engaging library lessons for your K-2 classes by creating a routine, adding variety, including music and movement, and have fun!
National Fire Prevention Week is usually the first full week in October. I’ve been teaching about fire safety and fire prevention since my early days as a first grade teacher. My husband, a retired fire marshal, would help and encourage me as I planned my lessons. I continued the fire safety lessons in my school library because I believe it is important for us to
Seasonal book displays are a great way to brighten up your school library. Eye-catching book arrangements will draw the interest of your students and might just hook your readers on a new book. I’ve got some school library book display ideas for you! Create Monthly Displays The easiest way to get started with book displays in your school library is to start with a monthly
You’ve seen it before. A reluctant reader finds a book series they connect with and they won’t stop until they’ve read them all! It’s like magic – one day a non reader, the next day they’re hooked. The challenge is always to help our elementary students find those kids’ book series they will connect with. I’ve got some ideas for you! First Chapter Fun I’ve
Every year I start out my library lessons with a review and some instruction on how my students can manage their library accounts. With all of the changes this year is bringing to our circulation routines, library catalog instruction is more important now than ever. Because of health and safety concerns from the Covid19 pandemic, some schools are not allowing students to browse for books,
