Transform your library into a think tank by helping teachers create an active learning environment in which students question, investigate, synthesize, conclude, and present information based on Common Core standards.

The rigors of today’s mandated academic standards can repurpose your library’s role as a steward of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) at your school. This guide will help you help teachers present exciting, field-tested lessons for elementary grades K through 5, addressing developmental steps and individual differences in key competencies in the CCSS. Authors and educators Mary Ratzer and Paige Jaeger illustrate how brain-based learning helps students become deep, critical thinkers and provide the lesson plans to coax the best thinking out of each child.

This tool book presents strategies to help learners progress from novice to expert thinker; challenge younger students with questions that lead to inquiry; incorporate rigor into lessons; and use model lesson plans to change instruction. Beginning chapters introduce the basics of instruction and provide ideas for expert cognitive growth of the brain. Sample lessons are aligned with key curriculum areas, including science, social studies, music, art, and physical education.

Includes relevant, rigorous, fun, and field-tested lesson plans for multiple disciplines

Provides reproducible pages to allow librarians and teachers to easily use a lesson

Offers a K-5 scaffolding approach to teaching information literacy skills

Features graphical illustrations and practical schemas that explain, illustrate, and model how brain-based learning works