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Tips and Advice for a New School Librarian

When I first stepped into the role of an elementary librarian, I was brimming with excitement and a hint of nervousness. The previous librarian had left without offering any transition guidance, so I found myself figuring things out on my own. Luckily, I had a wonderful assistant who helped me navigate those early challenges. Today, I’m sharing some tips and advice to help you thrive in your first year as a school librarian. Top Ten Tips and Advice for a School Librarian Looking back on my journey, I realized how invaluable certain strategies were in helping me succeed. With that in mind, I’m excited to share some tips and advice that will hopefully make your transition smoother and your first year as a librarian a fantastic experience. Let’s dive into the essential tips and advice every new school librarian should know! 1. Do Not Make Big Changes A saying

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,

Resources for Special Education Students During Library Time

We chat a lot about how we want our students to find the best book for them to ignite a passion for reading. We also gather ideas to add to our toolbox of engaging hands-on activities that help our students become excited to visit us in the library. Think about that toolbox for a minute. Are the activities accessible to all? Could your special education students learn alongside their peers or do a similar activity to access the skill or story being worked with? We want our school libraries to be an inclusive space for all students to explore and work on their reading skills. Today, we will explore some resources that can be brought into your library to help! Making School Libraries Inclusive for Special Education Students is Important Let’s take a minute to think about why our school libraries should be a welcoming space for everyone, including

5 Ways to Use Nursery Rhymes During Library Time

Nursery rhymes – the beloved lyrical stories of childhood. But there is so much more to these rhyming stories and songs than just entertaining children. These timeless rhymes and melodies are instrumental in laying the groundwork for literacy by introducing young learners to language patterns, rhythms, and rhyming structures. But the fun with nursery rhymes doesn’t stop there! We can continue to use nursery rhymes as the starting place for a variety of reading, language, and creative activities with students of all ages. Today, I’m thrilled to share with you how you can infuse the magic of nursery rhymes into your library sessions! Benefits of Using Nursery Rhymes Including nursery rhymes in our school libraries gives us a wealth of educational benefits that span early childhood development. There are the obvious benefits connected to pre-writing skills like learning to rhyme and developing an understanding of language structures. But the

Educational Learning Apps Bring Reading Adventures to Life

I’m always on the lookout for ways to sprinkle engaging learning activities into our library space. When our little learners stroll through the doors, it’s not just about finding the right book. We are also crafting an experience that enhances what they’re soaking up in their classrooms. If you’re looking for something new to add to your days in the library, you’re in the right place. Let’s chat about educational learning apps and how they’ll be a total game-changer in the library! Educational Learning Apps in the Library We have to admit that screen time gets a bit of a bad rap. But, what if those digital adventures could actually complement and extend student learning? The educational learning app lineup I’m sharing with you today is the answer to that question! These apps turn screen time into valuable learning time that supports what students are doing in the classroom.

Festive Chinese New Year Books for Your Elementary Readers

As a school librarian, I enjoy witnessing the impact that cultural exploration can have on students of all ages at my school. Today, we are going to go on a literary journey into the vibrant traditions of the Chinese New Year. It is a celebration brimming with significance and rich details. Diving into the details of this festive occasion might seem daunting for some of our readers! Through the magic of picture books and chapter books, we unlock the gateway to a captivating learning experience. These literary treasures weave compelling storylines but also enchant with vivid illustrations. Let’s jump into the Chinese New Year books full of pages of enchanting tales that foster an appreciation for diversity and cultural awareness among our eager learners. Why Should You Use Chinese New Year Books? Diving into the spirit of Chinese New Year is more than just adding festive decorations. It’s about

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Tips and Advice for a New School Librarian

Graphic Organizers Spark Clarity and Comprehension for Students

Resources for Special Education Students During Library Time

5 Ways to Use Nursery Rhymes During Library Time

Educational Learning Apps Bring Reading Adventures to Life

Festive Chinese New Year Books for Your Elementary Readers

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