This is a Guest Post from Carmen Tubbs, Principal at Northwinds Elementary.

The grant the Northwinds Elementary School received from Central Minnesota Library Exchange was beneficial to our school community in several ways.

The books purchased through the grant were based on feedback from our students and educators. The grant gave financial support in order for us to provide materials and increased learning opportunities for both students and educators as well as expand our connections to families. 

The books support teachers in making connections to their lessons and the real world. Teachers use the books in the library, including the new ones purchased, to supplement their lessons, add to their classroom libraries and supplement instruction.

Many teachers use the books to read aloud to students as well as lead literature circles or small reading groups as sometimes we are able to provide more than one copy of a specific book. 

The grant also supports students in offering more choices for them, increasing their reading abilities as well as nurturing excitement and enjoyment in reading. We know that research shows that reading not only increases academic achievement overall but also helps students enjoyment of school and learning.

Students use books to learn about the world and gain a greater sense of self. We have observed students being highly engaged during library time, excited to check out books, sharing what books they enjoy and have read or want to read with library staff as well. 

Finally, the grant allowed for increased connections between home and school. Our Kindergarten through 5th grade students check out their library books at school. They can then read them at school but also bring them home.

When students can share their learning with their families at home, this strengthens the collaboration and connection between the home and school and adds value to a child’s education. 

This grant expanded our library with additional books but it also added positive value to the learning environment at Northwinds in many ways that will continue to grow in the future. Thank you for this gift to the Northwinds library, our students and our educators.