Elementary Library Lessons & Activities by Grade Level
Figuring out what to teach each week can seem overwhelming and stressful.
When I was a new teacher-librarian, it felt like I had a year-long case of writer’s block when it came to writing lesson plans and curriculum.
After 15+ years of creating and refining my library curriculum, this page outlines the actual lessons and activities I use each school year.
Click on the grade level, or keep scrolling for more library lesson ideas.
Disclaimer: This page contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase an item after clicking the link, I will receive a small commission. See Disclosures & Disclaimers for more information.
Kindergarten Library Lessons & Activities
I begin the year by teaching kindergarten about how the library works and how to take care of books. Then we move onto our state’s book voting contest (Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice), and finish the year with 2 more read-aloud units.
1st Grade Library Lessons and Activities
After introducing and reviewing how the library works and book care through the orientation read-alouds, we move on to our state’s book voting contest (Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice).
Then, I read aloud narrative nonfiction books while introducing students to browsing the nonfiction section, and I finish the year by introducing students to age-appropriate graphic novels.
2nd Grade Library Lessons & Activities
After the orientation unit, I spend several weeks teaching students how to search the online library catalog and find materials independently.
Then, we start our state’s book voting contest (Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice), followed by reading aloud “The World According to Humphrey” by Betty Birney (affiliate link). At the end of the year (if we have time left), students do 1 or 2 rotations of library centers.
3rd Grade Library Lessons and Activities
After orientation and reviewing the online catalog, I teach keyword searching using the library’s research databases.
Then, I begin offering library centers for students to practice and apply what they learned.
4th & 5th Grade Library Lessons and Activities
I use the same lessons for 4th and 5th grade classes, except that 5th grade has more center choices and I use differentiated citation requirements for research assignments.
After orientation and reviewing the online catalog, I teach using library centers.
Library Centers
First, I only offer research library center choices to 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade classes. After students complete a designated amount of research centers, they earn “free-choice” of any library center available that day.
For 2nd grade classes, students rotate around several center choices at the end of the school year. They stay at their assigned center for 1 class period, and they can choose to read at that table/center if they finish early.
Recent articles about library centers:
Research Library Centers
Reading Library Centers
Makerspace / STEAM Library Centers
Library Centers Management
Need a done-for-you elementary library curriculum?
If you just want an all-in-one solution for your library curriculum, check out the Elementary Library Lesson Plan Bundles from my sister company, Librarians Teach. When used together, they are an excellent, high-quality “starter curriculum” for kindergarten through 5th grade library classes. You can add to or modify specific lessons or units later as you gain more experience.
Year 1 Library Lessons Bundle for Kindergarten through 5th Grade
- 36 weeks of elementary library lessons
- Teaching the same lessons to 2 grade levels: Kindergarten & 1st Grades, 2nd & 3rd Grades, and 4th & 5th Grades
- 36 weeks of lessons for 1st, 3rd, and 5th Grades
- MUST be used together with the Year 1 Bundle so that students have different lessons the following year
Extra Support and Mentoring
Building or revising your library curriculum can be tough, no matter if you’re a first year teacher-librarian, or if you’re an experienced teacher who is new to the library. If you want a partner to help you create a customized curriculum, or improve and update the lessons you already have, check out my school librarian mentoring and coaching.
The “back to school” package of 5 hours could be perfect for updating what you currently have (and it doesn’t have to be the start of school to use this package). I offer free consults to see if we’re a good fit, and if not, I can point you in the direction of other solutions that might work better for you. No pressure at all!
Purchase orders are accepted (and encouraged) for mentoring and coaching.
And if you prefer more in-depth support throughout the school year, ask your administrator or school district to work 1-on-1 with a certified elementary teacher-librarian with 15+ years of teaching experience (that’s me, Collette).
- All Year Long Once Monthly School Librarian Mentoring Package$1,500.00
- Walk Along Twice Monthly School Librarian Mentoring Package$2,500.00
- Product on saleStart Strong Back-to-School Librarian Mentoring PackageOriginal price was: $475.00.$375.00Current price is: $375.00.