Library Lady’s K-12 Edition

Library Lady’s K-12 Edition is a mostly weekly newsletter for K-12 school librarians.

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Is there a topic you’d like to see me feature on my blog or email? Send me a note and let me know.

Welcome to Poetry Month. Check out my list below of poetry related blog posts and reviews.

Today’s Library Lady’s tips focus on Enhancing Book Selection for Children. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic.

Help Your Students Read More

Harper wanted to encourage more reading among her students, but she wasn’t sure how to do it. During a recent school librarian meetup, a colleague shared valuable insights that she could share with her students. Here’s what she passed along:

Set Daily Reading Goals

One effective way to promote more reading is by setting daily page goals. Start with modest targets, like encouraging students to read five to ten pages daily if they’re not regular readers. This habit helps them integrate reading into their daily routines.

As their reading habits develop, students can gradually increase their goals to twenty, thirty, or even fifty pages a day. These goals must challenge students without overwhelming them, fostering a sustainable reading routine.

You could set up a contest in the library for pages read and post a chart with student progress.

Establish a Reading Routine

Encourage students to establish a consistent reading schedule. For example, instead of browsing social media during idle moments, suggest they utilize that time to read a few pages of a book. Reading before bed is another option, although caution is advised with genres that may disrupt sleep patterns.

Make Use of Wait Times

With electronic readers’ accessibility, students can carry their reading materials wherever they go. Encourage them to use wait times productively, such as when they finish a test or assignment early, during car lines, or waiting for appointments. This approach not only increases reading time but also reduces stress.

Curate a TBR List

Introduce students to the concept of a “TBR” (To Be Read) list. Whether a physical stack on a shelf or a digital folder on a tablet, having a curated list of books they’re eager to read can motivate students to find moments for reading throughout their day. It builds anticipation and encourages frequent reading sessions.

You could have a whiteboard or poster in the library where students list what is on their TBR list. This could encourage others to check out different books.

Encourage Short, Regular Reading Sessions

Emphasize the enjoyment of reading without the pressure of long sessions. Even fifteen minutes of reading can be a delightful escape. Encourage students to explore different formats, including audiobooks, to enrich their reading experiences.

Explore the World of Audiobooks

Invite students to discover the world of audiobooks with a free downloadable book. This interactive resource can enhance their reading journey and introduce them to new literary adventures.

By implementing these practical tips, school librarians can play a pivotal role in fostering a love for reading among their students, helping them discover the joy of books while integrating reading into their daily lives.

Need to do some fundraising for your library? Here are some posts on my blog which describe my fundraising camps. 

Adult Review – The Author’s AI Tool Kit – non fiction

Jake Rogers’ Planet – young adult science fiction

MS Review – Reunion Crossing – middle school dystopian

Kid Review – Kit Kat Camp No Electronics – picture book

Linda Hornberg – middle school non fiction

Book List – Spring Picture Books

Children’s Easter Books

Storytime – Poems

Poetry Month – The Study of Poetry with Elementary Students

Library Lady Products – Poetry Month

Friday Finds for School Librarians – Poetry Month Products

Poem Types – Poetry Month

April is Poetry Month – Book List

April is Poetry Month – more poetry books

Spotlight – America of We the People – Patriotic Poetry

Kid Review – A World Full of Poems – Poetry – Nonfiction

Kid Review – The Moon in the Sky – poetry

Kid Review – Psalms in Rhyme for Little Hearts – poetry picture book

Need some spring bookmarks. Find printable ones here – buy once print as many as you need.

Science! Climate! Environment! Focus on STEM & STEAM Titles

17 Passover Books for Toddlers to Teens

DIY to the Rescue: 10 Librarian-Tested Passive Programs

Wallet Tins and Pressed Flower Bookmarks

30 Ways to Celebrate National Poetry Month in the Classroom

Learning through poetry

April is National Poetry Month!

Children’s Book Week – Children’s Book Week is still a couple of months away, but you can sign up now to get the promotional materials you need.

Childrens Authors Agenda – Unlock the secrets to publishing success with this comprehensive guide designed for aspiring children’s book authors. Discover proven strategies for submitting your manuscript, connecting with publishers, and boosting your chances of getting published. Whether you’re just starting or refining your approach, this resource offers actionable tips, submission opportunities, and expert insights. Start your journey to becoming a published author today and turn your storytelling passion into reality!

I’d like to add a couple of features to my blog in the coming months and I’d like your help. I am looking for school librarians interested in being interviewed on the blog. I am also looking for librarians and children’s or young adult authors to do guest posts on the blog. Click on the links below to fill out a survey.

Is there a way I can help you? Drop a note in the comments or shoot me an email, I’d love to help.

See you next week.

Jane (Library Lady)

Miss an Edition of K-12 Edition – find them here.

Check out my lists on Benable

Do you enjoy these posts? Want to help support this blog? You can leave a tip here. Or make any purchase on Amazon with my link.


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