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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

Virtual Professional Development for School Librarians

Summer is always a chance for educators to relax and re-charge after a long school year. It also is a time to attend professional development conferences and trainings. However most of these have been canceled due to coronavirus (just like everything else in our lives.) So, how do we grow our skills during this summer? Virtual professional development. Just because we can’t have these trainings in-person doesn’t mean you have to miss out. There are so many opportunities you can take advantage of not only this summer but all year long. I know many librarians are worried about losing their positions due to budget cuts and the false perception that we are not needed during distance learning. Attending workshops and learning how to use different educational apps is one way to show your administration how valuable you are. And when we go back to school you may be asked

Best Picture Books to Read in May

My favorite May picture books does not have any type of theme. This list is more of a mish-mash of some of my favorite read alouds. Usually by this time in the school year my library is closed for testing and I am going to classrooms for library time. This is also the time for field trips. The books I end up using for read alouds go along with their field trips (usually the zoo) as well as high-interest books. These include books that are funny or silly as well as some engaging nonfiction. It’s tough to keep students on task as the end of the year approaches. Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I receive a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through one of my links, at no cost to you. Please read my disclosure policy for more information. HOW TO CATCH A UNICORN

10 Virtual Field Trips Your Students Will Love

Going on a field trip is a day that your students will always remember. As librarians, we usually do not get to participate in field trips. I always wanted to join in when second grade goes to Mt. Vernon or third grade visits Monticello. However, it just never worked out. There are many advantages of taking a virtual field trip. They are much easier to plan. You do not need to collect permission slips and money, book buses, arrange for lunch and organize the 600 parents to want to chaperone. Plus, you are not limited to visiting places within driving distance of your school. And there are numerous ways to connect a field trip to what you are teaching in the library. For example, you can easily tie almost any field trip into a research unit (if there is time left in the school year). There are so many

Funny Chapter Books Read-Alouds

Are you looking for some hilarious picture books to share with your students? This list is sure to have your students laughing out loud! From silly characters to outrageous situations, these books are perfect for engaging young readers and encouraging a love of reading. Whether you’re looking for a book to read aloud or a fun addition to your classroom library, our list includes a variety of titles that are sure to entertain. So, grab a copy of one of these funny picture books and get ready to laugh your way through storytime with your students! This is a collection of 15 of my favorite funny chapter books to read with your third, fourth and fifth grade students. Some of the books would be appropriate for younger grades as well, especially as a read aloud. Most of the books are newer (although I did have to include a few

Best Picture Books to Read in April

Spring is finally here! The birds are chirping and my tulips are blooming. The books on my April read-aloud list are guaranteed to put a spring in your step! They celebrate Earth Day and Easter. There are also books about gardening and birds and flowers. KENYA’S ART BY LINDA TRICE Kenya’s class is on spring vacation and their teacher asked them to write a report about how they spent their time. But vacation is almost over and Kenya hasn’t done anything worth noting. A late visit to a museum’s recycling exhibit and a walk through her neighborhood with her daddy inspire Kenya to use her old, broken toys and other items to make art with her family. Now she’s prepared to teach her whole class how to Recycle! Reuse! Make Art! DIG IN! Explore all of the creepy, crawly, dirty, muddy, green, and growing things that can be found

Teaching Primary Students to be Internet Safety Superheroes

We are teaching in unprecedented times when it comes to technology and internet safety. Never before have we seen a generation using technology at such young ages. A few years ago I only taught internet safety lessons to my fifth graders. I was shocked to hear how many of them had Facebook accounts and used YouTube without supervision. Then it was Snapchat and my third graders getting into trouble for posting inappropriate photos on Instagram. Now I have kindergarten students with smartphones who text during recess. This made me realize just how important it is to teach ALL students! I’ve also realized the importance of teaching not only how to stay safe online but also how to be responsible digital citizens. I wanted to teach these skills in a meaningful way that my youngest students would understand. After doing some searching I put together a variety of resources that

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