Learning Centers for School Libraries

by Maura Madigan

Overview

This book offers

• Step-by-step directions for both the educator and learner and all necessary handouts, including directions and worksheets. The reader can use the book to quickly and easily set up centers. Some centers require only photocopies and basic materials to get started.
• Guidance on how to create cross-curricular centers that target the AASL Standards and other content-area standards. A table is provided to enable educators to create centers that address specific standards or content areas. Centers for distance learning are also identified.
• Suggested modifications for both struggling and advanced learners, plus ideas for collaborating with other educators. These features broaden the potential audience beyond elementary school learners. 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780838949733
Publisher:	American Library Association
Publication date:	03/10/2021
Series:	AASL Standards-Based Learning
Pages:	280
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Maura Madigan is a school librarian in Fairfax County, Virginia, and the author of the books Learning Centers for School Libraries and Project-Based Learning for Elementary Grades. She’s worked in education for more than 25 years in the United States, South Korea, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments ix

Preface: Creating Capable and Critical Minds xi

Introduction: How to Use This Book xiii

Part I

Chapter 1 Learning Centers 3

Chapter 2 Logistics 9

Part II

Chapter 3 Maker Centers 19

Maker Challenge 21

Innovation Station 27

Simple Machines 37

Matcnbox Car Engineering 49

Construction 56

Fairy-Tale Challenge 60

Chapter 4 Technology Centers 67

Mini Green Screen 69

Video Book Review 79

Book Trailer 84

LEGO Story 90

Chapter 5 Literacy Centers 95

Mini-Anagram 96

Blackout Poetry 102

Word Drawing 106

Photo-Book 119

Book Spine Poetry 122

Grammar Hunt 127

Chapter 6 Library and Research Skills Centers 137

Endangered Books 138

Book Cart 142

Database Exploration 148

Resource Investigation 154

Geography 162

Chapter 7 Interdisciplinary Centers 171

Abstract Collage 172

Mystery Box 183

Breakout Box 189

Book Sort Geometry 216

Conclusion: Some Final Advice 221

Appendix A Other Center Suggestions 223

Appendix B Learning Center Labels 225

Index 229

Editorial Reviews

"Madigan's advice is unfailingly practical, and her enthusiasm shines through on every page. This should spark all sorts of ideas to help make school libraries welcoming, creative spaces."
— Booklist

"Whether school librarians are overextended and rushing through classes or have more breathing room, they will appreciate this excellent guide to setting up learning centers, stations in the classroom or library where students can engage in self-directed activities ... An incredibly thorough and clear guide to implementing or extending learning centers in school libraries."
— School Library Journal (starred review)

"The author’s discussions about each center are particularly helpful, with advice on what worked and what she would change doing it again. This gives readers the experience of 'seeing' the centers in practice before trying the centers themselves. Other center suggestion ideas are also included ... A recommended addition for school libraries."
— VAASL Voice

From the Publisher