I want my students to enjoy coming to the library.
Not just because we have books. Not just because they know they have to come to library class. I want them to walk through the door and wonder what we’re going to do today.
Over the years, I’ve found that it doesn’t always take a big activity or hours of planning to make that happen. Sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest difference.
Let them have a voice.
Let students vote, choose between two activities, or tell you what they like to read or play. I like to have reward days where if they get 10 good visits then then as a class they get to pick the activity. Of course, I give them the options so they are still getting learning activities but they love getting to choose.
Have something unexpected.
A mystery book, a quick game, a silly question on the board, or something different waiting for them can make the library feel special. Around every holiday I put out guess the amount jars. This month will be candy corn, Halloween colored M & Ms, and guess how many seeds are in the pumpkin. The winners get to take the candy home and they love trying to guess…even though the younger ones have no clue how to guestimate.
Talk about books without making everything a lesson.
Sometimes just saying, “You have to see this one!” is more effective than a formal book talk. It is so much fun when we get new books because I can pull a few out, show them to students, and share why I think they might love them. Sometimes that little bit of excitement is all it takes to get a student interested in a book.
Use games to build community.
I have lots of board games available in my library that students love to play. Sometimes they just need a chance to sit down, play a game, talk, laugh, and enjoy being together. I also like sneaking a little learning into the fun with games like Library Would You Rather or Shark Bite! to practice genres. They may not even realize they are learning because they are too busy having fun.
Give students something to look forward to.
A weekly question, challenge, favorite-book share, or little library tradition can make students excited for their next visit. Last week I had a couple students asking when I was going to put a new Pumpkin Jack out so they could watch him decompose.
At the end of the day, I want my students to enjoy coming to the library. I want them to feel like the library is a place where they can explore, play, discover something new, and maybe even get a little messy watching a pumpkin decompose!
It doesn’t have to be complicated. A little choice, a little fun, a good book, or something unexpected can be enough to make the library a place students look forward to visiting.
What are some little things you do that make your students excited to come to the library? I’d love to hear your ideas!
