Student Engagement Archives - Staying Cool in the Library

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

Library Book Display Ideas for Every Month of the Year

As librarians, we always look for new ways and opportunities to get students reading and enjoying it! Having a monthly book display is a great way to bring awareness to each month’s different topics, seasons, and celebrations. Plus, you can get students interested in brand-new books that might have been hidden on the shelves and out of sight. I know that creating library book displays can take some time, especially when you start running out of creativity mid-year. I put together a list of library book display ideas for the entire year. You can use one of these ideas or use this list to get your creative juices flowing. Materials To Use For a Library Book Display Creating an eye-catching library book display doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. I’m all for saving the extra dollar! A few key items can make the process of creating a display

Christmas Around the World Activities for Kids of All Ages

As Christmas approaches, we all know our students are buzzing with excitement for vacations, presents, and a break from the usual routine. This time of year can bring a lot of distractions! But instead of letting the holiday energy pull them away, why not bring the celebration into the classroom? That’s why I absolutely love using Christmas around the world activities. These engaging lessons help our students explore how different cultures celebrate holidays around the world. This keeps them curious and connected while they countdown to the break. Plus, it’s fun to dive into geography, traditions, and diversity, all wrapped up in the season’s magic! Today, I’m sharing some of my favorite resources to use to teach about Christmas around the world! What is Christmas Around the World? When we talk about Christmas around the world, we’re diving into the unique and diverse ways people celebrate this holiday across

Digital Rewards for the School Library

Classroom management can be quite an adventure for librarians and other “specials” teachers. We’ve all been there trying to keep things on track when we only see our students once a week for a brief session. Kids often see their specials time as a chance to chat with friends and take a break from the regular school grind. Plus, knowing they won’t get a grade for our activities can make them think they don’t need to put in the effort. With so much to cover in such a short time, it’s easy to miss some of the mischief. That’s why today, I’m excited to share a fantastic system that uses digital rewards to keep students motivated and focused on the task at hand! How Did the Digital Rewards System Get Its Start? Over the years, I’ve tried all sorts of systems to encourage positive behavior. I’ve done sticker charts,

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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

Library Book Display Ideas for Every Month of the Year

Christmas Around the World Activities for Kids of All Ages

Digital Rewards for the School Library

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