The Monthly Library Challenge is a fun way for School Librarians to make their libraries even better! The Challenges started in 2019, and they have changed a lot over the
Truly, library school doesn’t teach you about 95% of what you need to know as a school librarian. So, I’ve decided to dedicate a section of this blog to all the new librarians out there. Please know that the struggle is real. It isn’t you; it’s all of us. We’ve all been there, and we’re here to help.
I’ve included tons of information for school librarians–both newbies and pros–below. But before you read any of that, I recommend new librarians start with this post first. It’s my original new school librarian post, and though I wrote it in 2016, it still rings true for Back-to-School 2020, even with all the COVID-19 mess.
The Monthly Library Challenge is a fun way for School Librarians to make their libraries even better! The Challenges started in 2019, and they have changed a lot over the
Who needs more money for the library? We do! We do! Book-A-Thon fundraisers are a great way to celebrate World Book Day, Book Week, Literacy Month, author birthdays, Read Across
Are library book challenges scary? I think so! But they are much less scary when you have a strong plan. When you know exactly what to do and say. Please,
For librarians and elementary schools, Reading Bingo isn’t a new idea. I’ve seen countless printable Reading Bingo cards online, both free and for sale. When
New Year’s Resolutions? No way! New Year’s Reading Goals? YES! I gave up on New Year’s Resolutions many years ago. Like most people I know,
Today, I am going to share what we did for the Lone Star Celebration, as well as some ideas I haven’t tried yet. These ideas
Here’s a crazy idea: Library books should be in the hands of students and not collecting dust on the shelves. Here are some tips for
Do you use reading interest surveys with your students? They can be so enlightening! It really helps me get to know my students’ reading interests,
For librarians and elementary schools, Reading Bingo isn’t a new idea. I’ve seen countless printable Reading Bingo cards online, both free and for sale. When
Our school is on a six-day rotating schedule. Every day–1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6–is a different schedule. On Day 4, I have been
This post about Digital Library Bulletin Boards was originally published in 2015. Back then, I called them “Scrolling PowerPoints.” I now call them Digital Bulletin
My year as an elementary Specials Rotation Librarian nearly ended my library career. I was a Specials librarian for only one year. It was all
I’ve talked a lot in this series about my eighth graders and how they came roaring down the hall and into the library like a
The January Library Challenge continues in Week Two! This week, we’re looking at our posted library rules versus our procedures. We’ll start with rules. Do
My third difficult class was eighth grade. This was not every eighth grade class, and it seemed to have a lot to do with the
The second difficult class I had came in the same school year and school as Difficult Class #1 (third grade). While Difficult Class #1 was
So what were my three most difficult classes? I’ll describe each class in three different posts (see links below). I’m going to be totally honest
WHY DO YOU NEED A SCHOOL LIBRARY HANDBOOK? With so much to communicate with teachers during back-to-school, a school library handbook is a MUST. From
Do you purchase library books based on written professional book reviews? I sure hope you are as this is widely-accepted best practice for school and
“Every night I lie in bed The brightest colors fill my head A million dreams are keeping me awake” —The Greatest Showman, “A Million Dreams”
I am so excited for today’s post because it truly applies to all of us, even if you aren’t into the minimalism stuff. For the
The question of the day: Some schools are withholding report cards due to nonpayment of fines. Is this legal? When I lived in Texas (up
Wait…what? Did I miss something? Why is Mrs. ReaderPants posting an article about the first days of school…in the middle of December? As we approach
Over my entire library career, I have maintained that overdue library fines suck. This feeling has only grown over my career of working with students
Why does every librarian need fresh ideas for library centers? Let’s see if this sounds familiar… It’s nearly Christmas break, and you are on your
How do you use current events in the classroom or library? I’ve got some great ideas for you today! Please note that I originally wrote
How does my family know it’s a Wednesday? Because I’m wearing the Wednesday Dress. Yep, I wear the same dress every Wednesday. I’m not really
Do you allow your students to read off library fines? I started doing this and haven’t looked back! My middle schoolers were notorious for having
Ah, the bane of my existence. Computer lab and trolley booking. I’ve been in charge of these in my last two schools, and while both
Do you have Pokemon in the school library? I’m here today, as a school librarian and a boy mom, that I really think you should
What? Am I really blaming poor college research skills on the way we teach middle school research? You bet I am! In my recent series
Looking to up-your booktalking game? Here are 31 tips and 10 Don’ts that will help make your booktalks fabulous! I don’t recommend trying to implement a lot of them at once. Pick one or two and give them a try this week!
Do your booktalks excite, with sizzle and pop? Or are they tired and dry, with fizzle and flop? Do students think your talks are cool?
Last Thursday, I discussed the first 10 of my 31 ways to jazz up your booktalks. Today, we will explore the next ten tips. This
It seems my Thursday posts have morphed into a sort of “how-to” section for newer school librarians. Last week’s post was about how to speed-up
When I was working on my MLIS, I heard over and over that librarians should not booktalk a book they haven’t read. After all, why
Most of the librarians I know specialize in one aspect of library that they are especially good at. In my district, we have librarians who
Because sometimes, I just get annoyed with things.
This first part of my School Librarian Interview Questions and Red Flags series deals with school librarian contract hours and work days. It is based
Dear publishers…we need to talk about your children’s book marketing techniques. First of all, I love you. You help put the words and ideas of
DO YOU NEED A CHANGE IN SCENERY? For many of you, this will be a last resort. I know it is not easy to change
IS YOUR SITUATION TEMPORARY? Is the problem you have identified temporary? For example, in my previous school situation, if I knew certain administrators were leaving
OTHER PEOPLE DON’T FEEL THIS WAY Does everyone around you seem happy in your workplace? Do you think you are the only one who feels
BURNOUT Burnout happens when we do the same thing repeatedly for years. When our jobs are new, everything is an exciting challenge! But over years
It’s 9pm on Sunday night. Are you ready for school tomorrow? Excited for your lesson? Looking forward to seeing those sweet smiling faces? Or… Does