Dr. Seuss Poster for Read Across America Day
February 20, 2019
National Poetry Month
March 29, 2019
Reading is vitally important for student success. When students become lifelong readers they also become lifelong learners. Well-known scientists, entrepreneurs, and mathematicians learned most of their knowledge from reading books. Elon Musk, for example, taught himself rocket science because he challenged himself to read every day.
Librarians are the ones who help to facilitate and inspire students to become lifelong readers. Not only are librarians working alongside teachers, but they are teaching students critical skills. Research has shown that it is more likely for students to score higher on standardized testing in schools where librarians spend more than 20 hours per week teaching. It's not a coincidence that students perform better when a certified librarian holds a position in the school.
With that being said, here's why every school needs a librarian.
Librarians are the ones who help to facilitate and inspire students to become lifelong readers. Not only are librarians working alongside teachers, but they are teaching students critical skills. Research has shown that it is more likely for students to score higher on standardized testing in schools where librarians spend more than 20 hours per week teaching. It's not a coincidence that students perform better when a certified librarian holds a position in the school.
With that being said, here's why every school needs a librarian.
Why You Need a School Librarian
Developing the Library Collection
A library's collection is a work in progress. School librarians are continuously improving their collection to fit the needs and wants of the school community. They are specially trained to build collections by sorting out damaged, outdated, or no longer relevant books to make room for new materials. They are also taught to meet the content requirements of children's and young adult books for academic standards—an entire process that requires expertise and time.Engaging Students in Academic Programs
Well-curated library programs are the result of librarians working to create library events, lesson plans, and activities to engage students in learning. Librarians are moving into new positions, where they are creating lesson plans to instruct and educate children in technology, research, and literacy.One example is the rise of the makerspace culture. Librarians create programs like STEAM by making spaces for students to explore science, technology, arts, and math. These programs give students the opportunity to apply what they've learned in the classroom for hands-on learning.
Learn why makerspaces are essential for student education!
Supporting Academic Success
School libraries managed by qualified librarians help to foster 21st-century skills in students. It is also proven that students’ academic achievement increased on standardized tests in schools where a strong library program is implemented.As mentioned above, librarians are moving into more of a teacher’s role. You can often hear school librarians using the title Teacher Librarians. Today’s teacher librarians are contributing to the development of skills like reading, information, and technology literacy. But, they are also supporting classroom instruction by coordinating with teachers to support unit topics and discussions.
