Today's Member of the Month is Beth Belcher. Beth works at South Todd Elementary in Guthrie, KY. She has been a school librarian for 11 years.
We asked Beth some questions about her experience as a school librarian and we would like to share them with you.
What's your favorite thing about your job as a school librarian?
My favorite thing about being a school librarian is the variety that it brings. Each class' dynamic is entirely different and I try to allow for students to have as much input as possible. I love the physical books in their hands, but I love technology to enhance their learning just as much. What keeps me going, is the excitement that learning something new brings to them.
Name one children's book that you couldn't live without in your library.
All the Places to Love by Patricia MacLachlan
Tell us why you decided to join the Elementary Librarian Community. What's your favorite thing about it?
I decided to join the Elementary Librarian Community because I had been in an Elementary Library with PreK-K for ten years. This is my first year as K-5 Librarian and I needed to have age appropriate content for my older students. My favorite thing is that the Common Core Standards are listed as well as the AASL Standards for each lesson. I also love the graphic organizers and links provided.
What's the biggest challenge you're currently facing when it comes to your school library?
If you could give one piece of advice to a brand new school librarian (or someone considering becoming a school librarian), what would it be?
Work in as many independent choices as possible. Create interest and the students will be more willing to participate in the learning process.
The amount of books to file back each week. I could really use an assistant, at least part-time.