Elementary library sample lessons
Standards
When planning instruction, school librarians should use the following standards as a guide:
North Carolina Digital Learning Standards - These are identical to the ISTE Standards for Students and are North Carolina's adopted standards for information and technology skills.
AASL National School Library Standards (Learner Competency) - While North Carolina has not adopted these standards, they are standards from our professional organization and are appropriate for us to refer to when planning.
CMAPP - Information and technology skills should be integrated into the content standards that students are learning in class.
This collection of sample lessons has been curated by a team of elementary library leaders. The purpose of these lessons is to provide support and inspiration for elementary librarians as they plan instruction appropriate to the needs of their students and their schedule. Lessons can be used as-is, or modified to better suit your needs.
Lessons are grouped by quarter, then by grade level. New material added in the 2024-2025 school year is noted with a ⭐.
⭐A book can be great inspiration for a lesson in the elementary library!
This spreadsheet is a work-in-progress resource to support both collection management and library instruction. It is collaboratively developed by librarians participating in the Elementary School Library Instruction PLC and maintained by Library Media Services. Use the tabs to browse ideas by grade level or topic.
⭐Have a lesson you'd like to contribute to the Elementary Library Lesson Plan Bank?
Complete this form to submit your lesson to share.
Posting priority will be given to lessons that integrate information/research skills.
Additional Library Programming/Lesson Ideas and Resources
🌎Global Read Aloud - Usually done in the fall (October/November), Global Read Aloud encourages global connections around a common book (or author/illustrator for picture books).
📙North Carolina Children's Book Award - Students can read and vote for the book they want to win the NC Children's Book Award. The site contains activities to support each title. Voting occurs in March of each year.
NCCBA Hyperdoc Template , contributed by Stephanie Powell, Turner Creek Elementary - Use this template to plan lessons related to the North Carolina Children's Book Award Nominees.
Sample Canvas Module: North Carolina Children's Book Award, contributed by Susan Bock, Library Media Services - Import this module into your own Canvas course. Modify the contents to meet your needs. To view the module, open Canvas Commons, then click on the link. Or, search NCCBA in Canvas Commons (in the filter, uncheck "only Wake County approved resources").
💻🎨👨🏽💻WCPSS Making Across the Curriculum Elementary Lessons - This site, developed by the Digital Learning Coordinator Maker team, includes maker lessons aligned to subject and grade level.
Sample Sub Plans
Long-term Substitute Support for Library Media Centers - Created by Library Media Services, this document is intended to support long-term substitutes in the library. School librarians may find the directions for circulation or sample lesson plans useful to incorporate into their short-term sub plans as well.
Abbotts Creek Elementary Library Sub Plan site - Stacy Darwin at Abbotts Creek Elementary curates her sub plans on a Google site. Theses plans are presonalized for her school, but might serve as inspiration as you develop your own sub plans.