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The Caldecott Medal award winner will be announced on January 22, 2024, which means it’s time for my predictions on which book will take home the top prize and who will be runner-up. The ALA awards are given out sometime in mid-January. Members of the Caldecott committee work hard all year to choose the book they think is deserving of this distinguished award. Members of the committee read thousands of picture books throughout the year. Then they must narrow their choices down to 7 titles each. Once they have this much smaller list, they spend hours debating about which book should receive the top honor. Every year I always come up with my own list of titles that I believe will be contenders. This year I have come up with 15 books that I believe should be on the list (although I have not read nearly as many as
There’s nothing quite like getting caught up in a good book. It’s a magical experience that truly helps develop a lifelong love of reading. Knowing this, I am always on the lookout for stories that will grip my readers’ attention! If you are hoping to do the same, look no further than the wondrous world of children’s fantasy books! In this realm dragons take flight, wizards cast their spells, and extraordinary adventures unfold on every page. As elementary school teachers and librarians, we all play a pivotal role in nurturing young minds and sparking their imaginations. We all know the value of cultivating a deep love for reading, and fantasy books are a great way to do so. If you’re in need of some ideas, this post is designed just for you! Come along to see my recommendations for top fantasy books suitable for Kindergarten through 5th grade. Let’s
Let’s have a heart-to-heart about something that’s near and dear to our hearts. Many of us who are connected to libraries are aware of budget struggles. Tight budgets can really put a damper on our beloved book havens. But fear not because this is where library fundraisers step in. And since everyone already does a book fair, we are going to jump right into new ideas you can try. Library fundraisers aren’t just about collecting much-needed funds. They’re all about uniting school communities and local communities with the common goal of promoting literacy and learning. These fundraisers light up the path to a brighter future, where opportunities for everyone to dive into the world of books are endless. Why Are Library Fundraisers Important? 1. Empowering Future Generations Library fundraisers are fantastic events that are all about setting the stage for a brighter future. They’re not just about raising money.
As a librarian, I love teaching informational literacy to students of all ages. This is such an important skill for our students to learn and practice. And. . . there’s so much more than just the final project. In fact, most of the learning happens before the final project as students learn to find, analyze, and organize information. Keep reading to find out how I facilitate the completion of a research project during library time. We are going to dive right into completing a research project in this post. If you don’t feel you are there yet, check out my post on teaching the research process. That blog post details the skills I teach leading up to the project and how we prepare to dive into a research project. Planning the Research Project Before you begin the research project there are some things you will want to have already
Are you eager to spark your child’s interest in the world, help them explore its geography, and set them on the thrilling path of map reading? Well, map books are the secret tool here! They’re like the treasure hunt leading young adventurers into the exciting world of maps. So, whether your learner is enchanted by far-off places, dreams of epic explorations, or wants to decode the secrets of maps, I’ve got you covered with a fantastic mix of fiction and nonfiction map books. The Power of Map Books Through Visualization Maps are visual tools that help children understand and remember geographic information. Map books provide a tangible way to introduce abstract concepts like distance, direction, and spatial relationships. Through the illustrations and graphics in these books, young readers can see the world in a way that makes sense to them. This visual learning not only aids in comprehension but
In a world where screens compete for our attention at every turn, there’s something truly magical happening in schools across the nation. It’s called the “One School, One Book” initiative, a breath of fresh air for teachers and families. This program isn’t just about reading, it’s about igniting a passion for stories. Community reading creates a strong sense of togetherness among students, parents, and teachers. So, grab a comfy chair, because in this blog post, we’re diving into the world of “One School, One Book.” We’ll uncover what it’s all about, the benefits, and how you can host one at your school. I’ve even got some fantastic book suggestions for your K-5 community! What’s the Buzz About “One School, One Book”? So, what’s this whole “One School, One Book” thing all about? At its core, it’s about building a vibrant sense of community through the sheer wonder of a