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Elementary Librarian

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

Member of the Month Kristen Cook

Our Member of the Month for March is Kristen Cook. Kristen works at Southeast Elementary School in Kinston, NC. She has been a school librarian for one year.

We asked Kristen 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 absolute favorite thing about my job is getting to know the kids at my school. They are so varied when it comes to their interests, so getting to know them helps me fill our library with books about their favorite things. Nothing makes me happier than finding the perfect book for each student and seeing their eyes light up about it. I have only been here this school year, and while there have been tough days, that moment more than makes up for it.

Name one children's book that you couldn't live without in your library.

Pete the Cat: I Love my White Shoes

Tell us why you decided to join the Elementary Librarian Community. What's your favorite thing about it?

As a new librarian, and new to the world of education, I was overwhelmed when it came to lesson planning. While I understood the basics of what to do from my studies, I had no idea when to teach what. This community and the resources it provides has be invaluable when it comes to planning.

What's the biggest challenge you're currently facing when it comes to your school library?

The biggest challenge for me has been classroom management, especially when it comes to 5th grade. I am not a loud or intimidating person, so I have struggled keeping them on track when it comes to teaching.

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?

Seeing as how I am a brand new librarian, I will share something I have slowly learned. You will not accomplish everything you want to every day. There are only so many hours in your day. I like to make big to-do lists, and then break them down so that I am at least working towards my overall goals every day. Do not get into the habit of doing your work at home. You'll get around to it eventually during your work hours.

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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."