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Improve Library Efficiency with Student Library Helpers

As school librarians, we juggle so much – circulation, shelving, displays, and helping our students find the perfect book to spark their curiosity. It’s a lot to handle and, some days, it can feel like you need an extra set of hands (or five). That’s where library helpers come in! They’re the secret to keeping your library running smoothly while giving students a sense of ownership and responsibility. Whether it’s shelving books or organizing supplies, library helpers can transform your space into a more efficient and welcoming environment. Today, I’m sharing some tips and guidance for how to get library helpers started in your library! Why Library Helpers Are a Game-Changer Having library helpers has completely changed how I manage my library. They don’t just take a load off my plate. They also make the library feel like a shared space where everyone contributes. These student volunteers bring so

Teaching Types of Genres to Elementary Students

If you’ve ever watched your kiddos light up when they connect with a story, you know how powerful books can be. When I introduce different types of genres in the school library, it’s a chance to open the door to new worlds, big ideas, and unforgettable adventures. Picture and chapter books are great for lessons because they’re perfect for breaking down genre elements while keeping children engaged. Whether you’re working with primary students or upper elementary readers, there’s something magical about finding just the right book to bring a genre to life. Today, I’m sharing some favorites that I use when teaching the different types of genres to my students. Breaking Down the Types of Genres Before diving into book recommendations, let’s take a moment to break down what makes up each genre. Understanding the key features of each genre helps our students recognize patterns and appreciate the storytelling

Graphic Organizers Spark Clarity and Comprehension for Students

Navigating the writing process can be a common challenge, both for me personally and for my students. From deciding where to start to organizing thoughts, the struggle is real. Whether assisting my students in their writing journeys or diving deep into reading comprehension, helping students work through all the thoughts and ideas can be challenging. That’s where the magic of graphic organizers comes in! Today, I’ll walk you through why graphic organizers are a must-have in your toolbox, what exactly they are, and throw in a few examples that you can use with your students! What Are Graphic Organizers? Have you ever been lost? Maybe you’ve been lost literally in a new place, or maybe you have felt lost in a school subject. Both scenarios create an icky feeling of being overwhelmed and hopeless. When students feel like this they have racing thoughts overpowering each other in their heads,

The Ultimate School Librarian Survival Kit

While sometimes it feels like there aren’t enough hours in the day to tackle everything on our to-do list, being an elementary or middle school librarian is such a rewarding gig! From cataloging new books to organizing reading programs and helping students find their next favorite read, there’s a lot of variety in this job! If you love what you do, but need some systems to help make it more efficient, I’ve got your back! Let’s talk about my school librarian survival kit and how it will be a total game-changer for you. What’s Included in This School Librarian Survival Kit My school librarian survival kit has EVERYTHING you need to rock the new school year. It includes lesson plans, activity ideas, library management tips, and even some fun decorations to brighten up your space. With these resources, you’ll have all the tools to keep your library running smoothly

Using Kahoot! in the Library

I admit it. There have been so many new tech tools in the last several years that it’s hard to keep up. Online learning platforms, Zooms and Meets, and even games are everywhere. It’s definitely a good time for edtech! However, one that has stood the test of time for me is Kahoot! This tool is an online quiz platform that allows students to compete, take independent individualized quizzes, or simply review for assessments. Teachers love using Kahoot! in the classroom for formative assessments and review, but Kahoot! also has a place in the library classroom. Using Kahoot! in the library is transformative for your elementary students’ learning experience. Here are a few ways you can start using Kahoot! in your library. Preview New Books Kahoot! is a great way to help students get a little bit of background on new titles in the library or featured titles. Creating

How to Use Flipgrid in the Library

Perhaps, you’ve already started using Flipgrid You’ve signed up, set up your grids, and made topics. Now that you have your Flipgrid account set up, it’s time to figure out how to best utilize Flipgrid as a librarian. Flipgrid has so many uses for your own Library classroom. Check out how to use Flipgrid in the library. Book Talks First, one way to use Flipgrid in your library classroom is for book talks. Start by creating a grid or topic for Book Talks. Model your own Book Talk by sharing your own video review. Book Talks are less about opinions, however, and more of a teaser for a book. For example, give your review of Katherine Applegate’s latest book, The One and Only Bob, the sequel to The One and Only Ivan. Your students will see your teaser of the New York Times’ Best Seller and create their own

Getting Started with Seesaw in the Library

Have you jumped on the Seesaw train yet? If not, there is probably a good reason! If you are a librarian and find yourself thinking “That is great for classroom teachers, but how would I use it?”, get ready for a surprise. Why not make use of a tool that students, teachers, and families already use with their grade level classrooms? Keep reading get started with Seesaw in the Library. Create your own classes First, create your own classes to allow more personalization and customization, and work around the two teacher limit in the free Seesaw. This is an especially useful activity. However, it is time consuming depending on the size of your school. If you have more than 500 students, ask to be a teacher in an already-created classroom. On the other hand, you can create your own classes to give you the chance to communicate with students

Tips and Ideas for Using SeeSaw in the School Library

Have you heard of the latest app to take over the schools? Seesaw is an interactive app that allows students to post the things they work on in school. Next, their families can see their work! Because it’s based mostly on pictures and video, Seesaw also allows students to post links, text notes, drawings, and other media to share with their families. In addition, there are so many possibilities with Seesaw. Classroom teachers love Seesaw, but teacher librarians can get in on the act, too! Check out how to use Seesaw in the library! Journal posts First, the original intention of Seesaw was an online journal for students and families. As students post their entries to the journal, families get alerts. Next, parents and guardians see what students have been working on during the school day. In addition, you can also make use of this school-to-home connection! Have students

Why You Should Use Choice Boards in Your Library Classroom

Elementary library and classrooms should be a space where students can explore a variety of genres, get lost in a favorite book series, and dive into the world of nonfiction. Giving students the freedom to choose what and how they learn fosters engagement and a lifelong love of reading. That’s where choice boards come in! Want to know why choice boards are a game-changer for your library classroom? Here are a few key reasons to start using them today! K-2 Choice Boards in Your Library Classroom Choice boards are a collection of activities that are formatted in a grid. Students can pick and choose which of Choice boards are a grid of activities that allow students to select and complete tasks in any order they prefer. Giving students the opportunity to choose their activities can significantly enhance their reading enjoyment and comprehension. During COVID, I started creating digital picture

Five Chapter Books about Anxiety and Mental Health

If you haven’t already, it’s time to add some chapter books about anxiety and mental health to your library. Readers will find allies in the young characters whose friends and family members (or themselves) struggle with some aspect of mental health. In addition, these titles will help students that do not struggle with mental health issues develop understanding and empathy both for themselves and for others. Check out these five chapter books about anxiety and mental health! Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt There are many ways to distract a teacher. Ally knows this, and she uses every trick in the book to keep her teacher from realizing she cannot read. In Mr. Daniels, however, she’s met her match. He’s determined to figure out the real Ally. In the process, Ally finds that she is actually very intelligent, and her dyslexia doesn’t have to define her. The

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