The Library Is Your Classroom's Best Partner
The Library Media Center is far more than a place to check out books. It's a teaching and learning hub with curated databases, research tools, digital resources, and a librarian ready to co-teach, collaborate, and customize support for your specific units. Here's how to make the most of it — whether you're planning a short research activity or a multi-week inquiry project.
Start with a Conversation
The single most effective step is also the simplest: reach out to Mrs. Bond before your unit begins. A brief conversation or email about your learning objectives allows the library to:
- Pull a curated book collection relevant to your topic and place it on reserve for your class
- Create a pathfinder (a focused resource guide) listing the best databases, websites, and books for your unit
- Schedule a library instruction session where students learn database skills tied directly to your assignment
- Suggest nonfiction text pairings to complement your core reading
Research Projects: A Collaborative Framework
Here's a simple structure for building a research unit with library support at every stage:
- Wonder & Question (Week 1): Students browse books, articles, and curated websites to develop their research questions. The library provides browsing sets and background resources.
- Search & Gather (Week 2): Library instruction session on database searching (EBSCO, Britannica, etc.). Students practice finding and evaluating sources with guidance.
- Read & Note (Week 2–3): Students read sources, take notes, and track citations. The library provides note-taking templates and citation guides.
- Synthesize & Create (Week 3–4): Students build their product (essay, presentation, video, etc.). Library open for research support during this phase.
- Share & Reflect: Finished products can be displayed or shared in the library. Celebrate student work!
Digital Tools Available to Your Class
| Tool | Best Use in the Classroom |
|---|---|
| EBSCO Explora | Research projects, current events, science topics |
| Britannica School | Background research, leveled reading, social studies & science |
| Sora (OverDrive) | eBook and audiobook access for independent reading |
| PebbleGo | Elementary-level research across science, social studies, biography |
| Library Catalog | Finding and reserving physical books by topic or call number |
Ideas for Specific Subject Areas
English Language Arts
Pair a class novel with nonfiction articles about the historical period or social issue it addresses. The library can suggest mentor texts, poetry collections, and author study resources.
Social Studies & History
Use the library's primary source databases and historical newspaper archives to bring history to life. Students can compare perspectives from different accounts of the same event.
Science
Database articles and science magazines (available through EBSCO) offer current research appropriate for student reading levels. Great for supporting STEM projects and science fair research.
Schedule a Collaboration
Ready to bring your class to the library or have Mrs. Bond visit yours? Reach out via email or sign up on the library collaboration calendar in the main office. Collaboration slots fill up quickly — especially in April and May — so plan ahead!
Together, we can build research skills and a love of learning that students carry well beyond your classroom.