Reading Engagement Archives - Staying Cool in the Library

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

10 Books to Help Kids Cope with Tragedy and Loss

Tragedy and loss are not reserved for adults. Even our youngest students can walk these paths and be left with the overwhelm of processing their feelings and emotions. From natural disasters to the unexpected loss of a loved one, we can help our students in these unchartered territories. Events like these leave more than just physical damage. They also leave emotional scars, especially for young ones dealing with sudden loss. It can be tough for our kiddos to process these experiences. As educators, we’re always looking for ways to support them. One of my favorite ways to reach them is through books. Stories can be incredibly healing, helping our kiddos find words for their feelings, see that they’re not alone, and inspire hope and resilience. Today, I’m sharing a mix of picture and chapter books to help kids that I’ve found to be incredibly helpful for navigating loss and

12 Amazing Books for Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month is one of my favorite times of the year to celebrate the cultures, histories, and contributions of Hispanic individuals. Whether I’m sharing beautiful picture books with younger students or diving into captivating chapter books with my older kiddos, there’s always something special about these stories that spark curiosity and open the door to meaningful conversations. Today, I’m sharing some of my top picks for Hispanic Heritage read-alouds that will inspire your students. These stories will also help them connect to these vibrant cultures in a fun and engaging way! How I Explain Hispanic Heritage Month to My Students When my students come into the library during Hispanic Heritage Month, I love to start by asking if they’ve heard of it before or if they know anyone who speaks Spanish at home. It’s always fun to see their hands shoot up! I explain that Hispanic Heritage Month

How to Support English Language Learners in the School Library

When it comes to creating an inclusive library, it’s all about making sure each of our students feels welcome and excited about books. For our English Language Learners, we want the library to be a place where they can comfortably explore stories that reflect their experiences and find resources that support their language growth. My goal is to ensure that every reader, regardless of their language background, feels like the library is their space, too. So, today, I’m sharing some practical ways to support English Language Learners in the school library and help them thrive! Support English Language Learners by Building a Diverse Collection One of my favorite ways to support English Language Learners in the school library is by creating a collection that truly speaks to them. When students see books written in their native languages or stories that reflect their cultures, it creates an instant connection. It’s

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

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Teaching Types of Genres to Elementary Students

10 Books to Help Kids Cope with Tragedy and Loss

12 Amazing Books for Hispanic Heritage Month

How to Support English Language Learners in the School Library

Graphic Organizers Spark Clarity and Comprehension for Students

Resources for Special Education Students During Library Time

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