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Elementary Librarian

Library lesson plans and ideas for the school librarian. Lessons incorporate Common Core and AASL standards.

Why I Won't Ditch Dewey

A while back, someone asked for advice on switching from the Dewey Decimal Classification System to more of a bookstore layout. Apparently, it was quite a hot-button issue because the original poster got a wide range of responses. Many of those responses were directed toward the entire list, and I have to say it got a little ugly. Needless to say, ... Continue Reading...

Librarian Tip: Improve Communication with Parents

One of the greatest challenges I've faced in my time as a librarian is coming up with creative ways to keep in touch with the parents of my students. Research has proven time and time again that family involvement is essential for school success, but it's often difficult to communicate with parents effectively since I only see my students a couple ... Continue Reading...

Behavior Management in the Library

How do you encourage good behavior in the library? As elementary librarians, we have the added challenge of keeping order in multiple classrooms. I've worked at several different schools during my education career, and I can tell you that this has never been an easy task. It's especially difficult if the librarian before you had different rules and ... Continue Reading...

Confession: My students check out their own books

Yes, it's true. My students check out their own books. It's not a perfect system, but it's one of the little things that makes my life a lot easier. Now before you hit the back button, shuddering in fear at the thought of doing this, let me explain why I do it (and why it's really not so bad). Libraries Way Back When... Years ago, when I was a ... Continue Reading...

Book Fair Ideas (or How to Survive)

I have a love/hate relationship with book fairs. I love how excited the students get, and I love all the shiny, new books. I enjoy the themes (when it's a good one), and I like decorating. Then the book fair opens... If you've new and you haven't experienced book fair week yet, you're in for a rude awakening. It is crazy. I'm not even sure crazy ... Continue Reading...

Worth more than I paid!

"I am so glad I found the Elementary Librarian lesson plans! The fact that these plans were easy to use and were aligned to both the AASL and Common Core ELA standards made them worth far more that what I paid for them!"

All the work is done for me!

"This will be my 7th year and until your plans I have been spinning my wheels trying to come up with solid plans each week. I had planned on spending all summer trying to figure out my “years” plans, but you have done all the work for me."

My students are engaged!

"I was thrilled to discover your treasure trove of resources. After two years of doing it “my way,” I decided to utilize the center approach and do it “your” way. The students are engaged and I see them using the knowledge the lessons give them."

My principal was impressed!

"Your lesson plans with the Common Core and AASL 21st Century Standards were a life saver! My principal looked through my plan binder and was completely floored that EVERY lesson had both sets of standards."