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An Elementary Reflection: Part One

After over 20 years as a secondary-level educator, I decided to transition to primary education as a school librarian.  To me, this was an opportunity to do my own form of backward mapping. I figured I would have the chance to connect with more students and use some engagement practices with young readers before they lose interest.  My hope was also to connect with students who needed a few "wins" in literacy so they would not go into middle school proclaiming proudly, "I hate reading."

Yes, a few colleagues cautioned me before making the switch. Worries about bathroom breaks and germs were two common concerns I heard.  Despite those concerns, I wholeheartedly packed my boxes and made the move. 

After a series of professional development opportunities and a few sessions with impromptu mentors, I entered my new school building a week before the school year began. The week was packed with meetings, planning, and unpacking (including one unexpected fall), and on August 25, 2025, I greeted elementary students for the first time.

That week was busy to say the least. I greeted over 400 students, and with different lessons for each grade level, my mind was a bit scattered.  From tying shoes to first week tears (me included), the students worked to get used to the library program, and I worked to get used to the new schedule and elementary learners.

In the beginning, I struggled. From five-minute breaks to set up the library for different grade levels entering back-to-back, I needed to develop a system that would make transitions easier for me and ensure I was ready for each new class of students every 50 minutes. Thankfully, I had great lesson plans provided by the supportive school library office. I also had a few key pieces of technology that helped me. The Google Slides and Classroom Screen helped me develop a routine for greeting students and unpacking lessons.

I also had the benefit of having a supportive supervisor, Amanda Lanza. When I had questions about strategies or tears because I felt I wasn't doing enough, she was a listening ear and a guide to help me navigate the new setting. Thanks to her support and that of others, I was able to get my sea legs in (what, for me, were) the uncharted seas of elementary.

I'll share in a future post specific lessons I learned from my time in the elementary level in an upcoming post. Just know, there were plenty, and some of them are quite humorous.