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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

Graphic Organizers Spark Clarity and Comprehension for Students

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

Free Resource Library Elevates Library Experience for Students!

When I became a librarian, I scoured every nook and cranny for resources that would not only impact but also add a dash of excitement to the reading experience for my readers. The goal? To make our library a place of anticipation and joy with each visit. I also wanted to support my fellow classroom teachers by providing resources, that aligned with the skills they practiced in their classrooms. However, I had a hard time finding tools that fit my needs. That’s how my free resource library came to be! As I navigated the ropes of being a school librarian, I started creating special resources to fill the gaps. These resources can all be found in one convenient place – my Free Resource Library! Join me by signing up for my free resource library, where you can discover a treasure trove of materials that have enriched my journey. You’ll

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Reading & Literacy

Improve Library Efficiency with Student Library Helpers

Teaching Types of Genres to Elementary Students

Graphic Organizers Spark Clarity and Comprehension for Students

The Ultimate School Librarian Survival Kit

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

Free Resource Library Elevates Library Experience for Students!

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