Blog

Graphic Novels for Elementary Readers – Picture Perfect Picks

Growing up, it seemed like the only reading materials that had pictures with captions were superhero comics. My brother loved reading them, so as the younger sister, I despised them. Sibling love, right? As I grew older and began helping other kiddos find their love of reading, I stumbled upon something in children’s literature: graphic novels! But here’s the deal my friend, not all graphic novels are created equal, especially for our younger readers. After combing through lots and lots of graphic novels I have some definite favorites! These are my “picture perfect picks” of graphic novels for elementary students. When choosing graphic novels for our libraries we want to make sure we’re picking the ones that entertain, educate, and inspire little minds. Look for graphic novels that introduce young readers to diverse characters, ignite their imagination, and spark a real love for reading while also supporting new readers!

Benefits of Graphic Novels: Explore the Power of Visual Storytelling

Why do you read? The other day in a conversation I was asked why I read so much. I personally read because I can travel the world and meet impactful people (real and make-believe). Bonus: being able to do this from the comfort of my home and all for a fraction of the cost! The story jumps off the pages turning into a movie. One of my goals is to help my readers experience the same joys of reading. One way I do this is by introducing them to graphic novels. Graphic novels aren’t just a visual form of storytelling; they also come with many benefits for reading. These books combine eye-catching artwork and entrancing narratives to create an unforgettable reading experience. From enhancing literacy skills to fostering a love for reading, graphic novels have something to offer all readers. Let’s explore the benefits of the colorful and captivating

Reading Games Ignite Love for Reading Among Students

As much as I wish my students were all obsessed with reading, I recognize that many of them come with fears or walls built up. I owe thanks to many of my classroom teachers and school librarians for helping me become the bookworm I am today. It was their unique and engaging reading games that helped me form a positive friendship with reading. I hope, like we all do, that we can play a part in igniting a love of reading in our students! One way to help develop a positive foundation between your students and reading is through presenting reading lessons in a fun, game-like manner! I incorporate reading games as much as possible to create a relaxed learning environment for my kids. Whether you are a classroom teacher or a school librarian, I hope you find a new reading game, or two, that will help you to

Inspiring a Love of Reading: 5 Alternatives to Accelerated Reader

One of the many tasks I am given as a school librarian is to help foster a love of reading in our students. Reading is such a passion of mine because of the adventures I can go on and the lessons I can learn. All students should have access to positive reading experiences, whether it be in partners, small groups, or independently. For many years now, the Accelerated Reader program has been a popular program to add some accountability to independent reading. But it can cause stress for some students, and for others the requirement of hitting a goal takes all the fun out of reading. So let’s talk about five accelerated reader alternatives that are fun and effective. 1. An Epic! Alternative to Accelerated Reader Epic! is one of the first alternatives for the Accelerated Reader program I recommend due to the eye-catching and easy-to-navigate site. Students receive

Avoid the Summer Slide: The Best Summer Reading Programs for Kids

As the school year winds down, we want to empower our students to continue learning through the summer. Summer reading programs are a great incentive for students to read during the summer months. And while this is a wonderful way to help avoid the summer slide, I also believe that summer reading is a great way to help kids fall in love with reading. Here are 9 free summer reading programs that will have your students staying on top of their reading all summer long! 1. Local Libraries’ Summer Reading Programs Discover the amazing wonders that your local library has to offer! Many libraries will have summer reading programs for different age ranges. You may even remember participating in one when you were growing up! The summer reading programs at your libraries are free to sign up for. The milestones of the program may vary from library to library.

Supporting Teachers and Students During Testing Season

Like it or not, standardized testing is a part of our education system. This article is not to debate whether standardized testing is good or bad – but instead to focus on what we, as librarians, can do to support the teachers and students during this stressful time of the year. Although we aren’t teaching a tested subject area, that doesn’t mean we can’t have a positive impact during testing season. Here are 6 practical ways you can help your campus in the days and weeks leading up to standardized testing. 1. Help with Review In the weeks leading up to the testing season, teachers everywhere are building in lots of review to their already busy class schedules. Offer to help with that process. If you see these classes for a set time each week or month, play a review game during your library time. As a reader and

Library
Management

Lesson
Plans

Reading
Motivation

Library
Skills

Research

Reading & Literacy

Graphic Novels for Elementary Readers – Picture Perfect Picks

Benefits of Graphic Novels: Explore the Power of Visual Storytelling

Reading Games Ignite Love for Reading Among Students

Inspiring a Love of Reading: 5 Alternatives to Accelerated Reader

Avoid the Summer Slide: The Best Summer Reading Programs for Kids

Supporting Teachers and Students During Testing Season

QUICK LINKS

BESTSELLING PRODUCTS

LEGAL STUFF