Library Lady’s K-12 Edition is a mostly weekly newsletter for K-12 school librarians.
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April is Poetry Month and School Library Month. I’m sharing some resources with you below.
Today’s Library Lady’s tips focus on fostering a joy of learning. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic.
Tips from Library Lady
Beading as a Maker Space Option
If you’ve ever stepped into a bead store, you know the excitement of shelves filled with hundreds of different beads. From metal and shell beads to colorful glass varieties, there’s a bead for every imaginable taste, personality, and jewelry type.
Whether you have a collection of beads waiting for inspiration or are intrigued by the idea of crafting custom jewelry, here are two projects perfect for your maker space:
1. Beaded Bracelet
Materials Needed:
- Wire or nylon thread (wire for durability, nylon for flexibility)
- Crimp beads (to secure the ends)
- Crimp pliers
- Beads of your choice
- Clasp
Steps:
- Plan Your Design: Lay out your beads in the desired pattern for your bracelet.
- Cut Your Wire or Thread: Leave extra inches on each end for maneuverability.
- Attach the Clasp: Slide a crimp bead onto one end of the wire, pass it through one part of the clasp, then thread the wire back through the crimp bead to create a loop. Crimp the bead to secure.
- String Your Beads: Arrange your beads as planned.
- Attach the Clasp End: Add another crimp bead and the opposite end of the clasp. Crimp it to secure, and your custom bracelet is complete!
2. Caribbean Foot Jewelry
Try making foot jewelry if you have smaller beads and are ready for a more intricate project.
Materials Needed:
- Elastic cord (about 2.5 feet)
- White glue
- Small glass beads (approximately 50-75)
- Four 4mm silver or gold beads
Steps:
- Prepare the Elastic: Harden the ends of the elastic with white glue and allow them to dry.
- Create the Toe Loop: String 12 glass beads onto the elastic, centering them for a loop around your toe.
- Add Accent Beads: Pass both ends of the elastic through a 4mm bead to secure the loop around your toe. Adjust the fit as needed.
- Build the Design: String about an inch of beads on each end of the elastic, ensuring they mirror each other in length and design.
- Complete the Jewelry: Add beads in a pattern until you reach the back of your ankle. Tie off the elastic with a double knot and trim any excess.
Beading offers a fun and creative outlet with the right tools and a clear plan. Visit your local bead store to explore the possibilities and unleash your creativity in your school’s maker space!
Want more Maker Space ideas? Check out these posts.
| Need to do some fundraising for your library? Here are some posts on my blog which describe my fundraising camps. |
Recent Adult Book Reviews
Adult Review – Fingerprints in Frost – anthology
Recent YA Book Reviews
Jake Rogers’ Planet – young adult science fiction
Recent MS Book Reviews
MS Review – Reunion Crossing – middle school dystopian
Recent Kid Book Reviews
Kid Review – A Wonderful Surprise – picture book
Author Interview
Linda Hornberg – middle school non fiction
Library Lady Blog Posts
Book List – Spring Picture Books
Poetry Month Posts
Poetry Month – The Study of Poetry with Elementary Students
Library Lady Products – Poetry Month
Friday Finds for School Librarians – Poetry Month Products
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
Items in my Shop
Cute animals with books – stickers, shirts and more in my Redbubble Shop – more will be added soon
Need some spring bookmarks. Find printable ones here – buy once print as many as you need.
What I’m Checking Out
Smart Financial Literacy for Kids Activities and Resources
The Pony Express only lasted a year and a half.
Growth Mindset Activities to Build Confidence in Students
Poetry Month Activities
30 Ways to Celebrate National Poetry Month in the Classroom
April is National Poetry Month!
Products You May Find Useful
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!
Authors and librarians, would you like to have a post on this blog?
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)
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