Every day people want to know more about my library stations (or library centers). Incorporating them in to your library can help students take ownership over their learning and also free up more time for you to take care of other tasks during a library class.
I gave a brief explanation of my schedule on this page, but I hope this post will help clear up any confusion. If you're looking for more specific training on the topic, consider checking out our Library Centers eCourse. Looking for ideas to use with library stations? We share some here.
Why Do You Use Library Stations?
I primarily used stations the first two years because I worked at a school where I saw each homeroom for an hour each week. The students were not very well-behaved. Standing in front of them the entire class period just didn't work. Working with smaller groups helped keep their behavior in check, so I thought we'd try something new. Surprisingly, it worked really well. The students liked it better. I liked it better. Best of all, they learned much more in a small group than in the whole group. Win-win situation for all involved.
I don't see my students for an hour. Will this still work?
Fast forward two years to my current school. I see these students for only 35 minutes each week, so I wasn't convinced I could make centers work. At my former school, I had 3 groups and switched stations every 15 minutes, leaving about 15 minutes for checkout at the end of class. I discussed this with my husband one day, and he said, "Why can't you just rotate every week instead of spending just 10 minutes per station during a single class?" Brilliant! Sometimes you just need a little kick in the pants to realize you don't have to do things the way they've always been done. Rotating each week means that students get at least 30 minutes in each station.
So, how does this work exactly?
I plan my stations according to how many computers I have in the room, because I always have a computer station. My library has 9 working student computers (most of the time), so my groups have no more than 9 students. On the rare occasion that I have a class with 28 students, I form one group of 10 and I let a trustworthy student use one of my teacher stations. This doesn't happen often, of course, because there's usually at least one person absent. Have your groups established ahead of time. I display mine on the Smartboard each week. Don't change them unless there's a problem.
The other two stations vary depending on what we're working on at the time. I usually set up one station for review. Those students will work on a skill we've already discussed, so it requires minimal teacher involvement. That frees me up to work with the third station. I normally introduce something new in that one.
That sounds pretty good. What are the biggest challenges?
It's not a perfect system. You do have to teach the same library lesson plans three weeks in a row. Plus sometimes things come up in the other stations that you have to deal with. My rule is, "Ask three before me." If you ask three classmates for help and they don't know the answer, then you can ask me.
I don't have many behavior problems in stations. Be sure to keep mischief makers separated as much as possible. I use the Group Maker from the Super Teacher Tools website to randomly create my groups. Sometimes you have to switch a few students around, but it's a real time saver once you get the classes typed in and saved.
If you have to squeeze book checkout into your weekly class time, stations will be even more of a challenge. I think you'll find it's worth it in the long run, though, once you get your procedures in place. Try to automate checkout as much as possible, especially if you don't have an assistant, like me. Make barcode cards for each student. This will help you avoid typing their names in. If you have to, make one station the "checkout station." Then work with those students until they get the hang of it.
The bottom line is this: you can only do the best you can do with the time and resources you have. I always try to keep this in mind when I find myself getting frustrated.
That doesn't sound so bad. What are the benefits?
We don't always have to come up with the latest and greatest innovative activity to convince our students that library class is awesome. The truth is, kids really don't want a dog and pony show every time they walk through the doors. They'll tell you they do, but it's really not true. Kids need rules and structure. The beauty of what we do in the library is that we can change around the activities within the confines of that structure. It still seems like something cool and fun, even though it's really not that groundbreaking to us.
I love library stations because the kids are working, but they're doing it in small groups. They do more group teaching than teacher led activities. It gives them different and exciting activities to do each week, but you won't feel like you always have to put on a show.
If you're following my library lesson plans, I have stations already set up for you. Each month, I do a station overview in Week 1, then Weeks 2, 3, and 4 are the individual stations. I do my plans this way so they'll work if you want to use stations, but they'll also work if you prefer to teach the whole group. I sometimes switch it up a little in November and December, since they're short months because of the holidays.
Are you using library stations? How are they working for you? How do you make library stations work with your schedule? How are you overcoming challenges? Please share with us in the comments!
Marlene says
I'm listening to your station podcast and reading this at the same time. Currently, I am working with SPED students in a private school. How can would you adapt the stations for children who are older but learning at a Kindergarten or First Grade level?
Jocelyn says
I would just use the lower level lesson plans. Maybe the 2nd or 3rd grade lessons, take your time, and do lots of modeling/helping. 🙂
Michelle Shuler says
The stations idea sounds so interesting. However, I have 20 - 28 students per class/ 19 Library classes per week/ 30 minutes per class/ 2 computers set up with the catalog/ and I do it all (lesson planning, teaching, shelving, cataloging, repairing etc) alone in our K-4 building. Also, while I am out doing lunch duty and reading groups, the Library is used as the Staff lunch room. We have no lounge. I will have to think on this.
Jocelyn says
It can be tough to pull off logistically, especially with large classes, but you can make it work. 🙂 Give it some thought - let me know if I can help in any way.
Christi says
I was thinking of rotating the stations throughout the month..my schedule is similar to yours. It will be a jump for me. I just started as the librarian in November and all we do is coloring pages, puzzles or sometimes a game for an activity while I check out books. We don't even have one computer for the kids, so that station will be in dreamland for awhile.
Karen Combs says
If you use stations for lessons, does that mean you don't do any print materials? What kind of lessons are on the station? If I need to create a vision for how I can connect my four libraries on 3 different campuses, what should be my priority? How do I start getting my facility 21st Century ready. My superintendent wants our libraries to be as fun and exciting as the public library branches.
Elem_Librarian says
Hi Karen! I actually use a variety of technology, printed materials, and hands on materials in my library stations. Your questions are actually quite complex. I'm a little conflicted about the Superintendent's vision and the resources you've been given to work with if you work at 3 different schools! That's a tough pill to swallow, in my opinion.
I'd love to hear some ideas from my brilliant readers, but my recommendation would be to concentrate on what is best for students. That's what I always go back to every time I'm not sure what to do about any situation. I'd love to hear a little more about your schedule and maybe I (or someone else) could help you further.
Karey Killian says
I've been coming up with ideas for stations and maker spaces for the 3 elementary libraries (K-5) in our district. I think I'm going to start by introducing the different stations and allowing students to choose their station. I know it might not work, but all kids have different interests and strengths that I hope they can expand/develop in library class. I plan to make a sign for each station with the Essential Question, CCS, and maybe even a QR code to correlating website. Here are some ideas that I have so far:
1. Science Center - Each school has science kits that are no longer being used. I'd like students to explore, experiment, and discover what they can about the resources in the kits. I'll bring one kit to the center per cycle. Maybe have a half-sheet KWL for them to jot down their ideas in the 40 minute class period.
2. Puzzle Center - display a few books that go along with a puzzle for students to work on (more pieces for older students for a school community group project...easier ones for the younger/less skilled puzzlers).
3. Love to Read Center - bean bags and possibly broken headphones students can use to muffle other noises (the clunky type)
4. Destiny Quest - add to their virtual book club that was introduced at the beginning of the year (4th and 5th grades)
5. iPads - create a book trailer or book review
6. LEGO table/blocks - build, imagine, create (display the ever popular LEGO books)
7. JENGA blocks - build, imagine, create (tape words on the blocks and have students create a "Story Tower" (I purchased JENGA blocks for $5/set at the store called Five Below.)
8. Origami - display how-to books, provide a variety of paper (create and take/display their works of art)
9. Library Scavenger Hunts (find books with this call number...author...title...theme)
10. Mad Libs - students can fill one out or create a new story for the center
These are just some ideas that I've gathered from a variety of sources on the internet and my own teaching experience.
Jocelyn says
Thanks for these great ideas, Karey!
Library Sue says
I have been trying to revamp my library classes this year and thought of stations/centers. I have been trying to figure out how to do it in the limited class time available, when I saw your post. This could work for me ( though depressingly at the moment I only have 3 student use computers.) I just want to say "Thank you!!!"
Elem_Librarian says
I appreciate your comment! There's a way to make it work. You may have to double up on the computer stations, or you could always do 4 stations instead of 3. Keep us updated on how it's going!
Kylie says
I only have four computers for the students. Are the computer stations friendly for doubling up? I know that you said you did that in a pinch, so I wasn't sure whether it would be okay for ALL the time. I guess I'm just not sure what types of things you have them do on the computer. Does that make sense?
Shanon says
Hi,
I just started doing centers in December before vacation. My question is:
Do you time the stations? I have a fixed schedule and see ally classes for 45 min a week (includes checkout). I am struggling with the transitions and fitting everything in!
Lisa Andrews says
Have you tried using a timer for switching centers? It might help keep everything on track.
Bunny says
What library program do you use? I would love to not have to leave my kiddos to their own devices while I check out the other kids!
Elem_Librarian says
My district uses Follett's Destiny. I just click Check Out, then the students scan their own barcode cards and books. It's not perfect, like I said, but it does free me up a little bit so I'm not always tied down to the computer.
Amy Blythe says
Have you tried the Follett app for iPad and iPhone that allows you to do circulation away from your computer? It works great!!
Patty Yocum says
OMG! You just changed my life!! I knew about the Destiny Quest App, and use it all the time, but I had no idea Follett had an app that would allow me to EASILY do circulation from my phone!! Thank you for enlightening me! 🙂