Is it time for you to gear up for a new school year in the library? I thought I’d compile some of my must-do library tips for the start of the year.
BACK TO SCHOOL BOOKS
I love to welcome students to the library at the start of the school year by setting up a book display near the entrance with a range of back to school themed books. I attach my ‘back to school’ display poster (which you can grab from my FREE Resource Library)to attract interested readers.
Some of my favourites books are:
Pete the Cat- Rocking in my School Shoes by Eric Litwin
This book is really helpful as an introduction to school, especially for your Kindergarten/Prep students. Students are familiarized with the different places in the school and reassured that school isn’t so scary. I know a lot of teachers at my school like to do the Pete the Cat Scavenger Hunt where you take a tour around the school after reading the book. There are quite a few free ones out there on the Internet if it’s something you’re interested in recreating.
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
The Kissing Hand is a classic picture book that has the power to help ease the fears of children at the beginning of the school year. Chester Racoon is our protagonist, who is worried about starting school (at night, may I add! A nice touch for a nocturnal animal.) To help remind Chester of her love any time he feels scared Mrs Raccoon teaches Chester a special secret called ‘the kissing hand’.
This is a great read to help reassure children who may have separation anxiety about starting school.
First Day by Andrew DaddoAn adorable book about getting excited about the lead up to first day of school. Special breakfasts, new shoes, fancy hair and being brave.
You can read my full list of Back to School Themed Books HERE.
BACK TO SCHOOL LIBRARY ACTIVITIES
A fun way to start the school year is with a range of back to school themed activities.
- My Back to School Library Bingo is an interactive way to help students get to know one another, while also getting an insight into what your students like to read. This free resource is available HERE
- One of my newest resources is my Back to School in the Library Flip Book. This is such a fun way to learn about your students while also introducing library rules, expectations and procedures.
- My Back to School Themed Library Skills No Prep Printables are an easy, no fuss way to provide your students with fun back to school lessons with minimal prep. It includes handouts relating to library rules and procedures, getting to know you activities as well as bookmarks.
- Library Skills- Orientation and Routines– this pack is a fun one whether you want hands on matching cards, hand outs or posters to teach your rules and procedures. I particularly love the library do’s and don’t matching cards. Students love to work with these hands on materials.
DECORATING THE LIBRARY
It’s always important to start with a welcoming and inspiring environment for students to come back to. There are a number of fun and creative ways that you can motivate students to visit the library while creating a positive learning atmosphere.
Bulletin Boards
Decorating and creating bulletin boards to welcome students back are a simple and effective way to create a little interest in your library. I have compiled some of my very favourite back to school displays, below:
Posters and Displays
I love to make my library as inviting as possible by having a range of fun book displays with corresponding signage. I like to print & laminate corresponding signs with my book displays as well as clearly sign areas of the library. This way students can easily find what they are looking for. My Library Decor Bundle may help you to get started!
I’d love to hear any library related activities that you have found work for you.
Don’t forget if you haven’t already signed up to be a Library Library Learners VIP you can do so here.
I have a range of fun FREE library related activities that you can instantly download to help get you started this school year.
