What is community? Why is it important? Many of us, including our children, don’t necessarily think about this question very often. This is a question I asked our young scholars this past Monday morning. We talked about how our community includes police officers, teachers, restaurant workers, as well as our school and classmates. We talked about how we can play an important role in our community and how we can contribute to making it better for all. Then I asked students if they loved reading. Every hand shot up eagerly. I asked, “how many of you know how to go to our school library and check out a book?” Hands wavered, some went down. We discussed their prior experiences at public libraries and how to respectfully interact with books. We also developed a driving question for our classroom: How can we make the PNA library better for our school community?

Because libraries can be the hub of a school community; they are a place to gather, share ideas, grow thoughts, and get lost in stories. As we race forward in this digital age, we have somehow forgotten the wonder and joy of actual pages turning before us. Beyond the simple joy of reading, reading and regular exposure to books has a wealth of benefits for children (and adults!). By exposing our students regularly to a functional library, we are teaching them taxonomy, inquiry and research skills, how to broaden their genres interest and teaching them how to respectfully interact with an actual text. Give a 21st century child a phone or tablet, and they will navigate it like a pro. Give them an actual book or free reign in a library, and they may look like a deer in the headlights.

Although our young scholars are in the early years of their education, it is still so important that they feel their voices are heard. Just this past week, we welcomed older students from student council into our classroom to educate and discuss earthquake safety. It was awesome to see these young students speak with confidence to see our first graders so engaged! I thought about what a great example it was to our younger students to see that their peers were able to educate not only other students, but teachers as well. And this all goes back to community; to opening our minds and ears to create a space that encourages movement and change.

First graders are in the very beginning of their brainstorm regarding the PNA library. They love learning and I cannot wait to see them share their ideas with the student body and teachers. If our youngest learners can instigate change, think about what they will be capable of in the years to come!

Read about how to create a culture where students want to be included because their voice matters
Also, check out some these awesome links to the benefits of a school library and reading!
http://www.ilovelibraries.org/school-libraries/lifelong-learners
http://www.ilovelibraries.org/sites/default/files/AASL19_MaketheCase_IlovelibrariesV2_0.pdf​​