Author Archives

I have been in education for the past 15 years. Currently, I am the K-5 Library Media Specialist at Thalberg Elementary School in Southington, Connecticut. Prior to that, I taught kindergarten, first grade, and third grade. I am also a picture book author. My first book, PIXIE'S ADVENTURE, is coming out in early 2017 from eTreasures Publishing. More than anything, I LOVE to read! I also love skiing and cheering for the best team in baseball, the Boston Red Sox!

• Help Students Discover Hidden Gems in the Library

  By Jenna Grodzicki on 05/19/2017 • ( 1 )

  

  Walk into any school library and what do you see? Students reading, working, and making. Hopefully, some beautiful displays highlighting books by certain authors or about certain topics. But you’ll also see rows and rows of books. Hidden on these… Read More ›

• Create Exciting Presentations with Pixton

  By Jenna Grodzicki on 04/25/2017 • ( 1 )

  

  My students love research. Give them an exciting topic, and they’re off! But what they love even more is creating presentations to share what they’ve learned. Of all the programs we’ve used this year, their favorite, by far, has been… Read More ›

• The Importance of “Issue” Books

  By Jenna Grodzicki on 03/09/2017 • ( 0 )

  

         We are living in a golden age of children’s literature. It is a wonderful time to be a reader. Some of these books provide much needed entertainment and laughs; some let your imagination soar; still others will… Read More ›

• World Read Aloud Day Is Coming

  By Jenna Grodzicki on 02/02/2017 • ( 0 )

  

  On Thursday, February 16, 2017, something special is happening.  Something that has the potential to make a real difference in a child’s life.  That something is World Read Aloud Day. What Is World Read Aloud Day? World Read Aloud Day… Read More ›

• “But that’s not a real book!” – Why Your Collections Should Include Graphic Novels

  By Jenna Grodzicki on 01/03/2017 • ( 7 )

  In recent years, graphic novels have exploded in popularity. They are everywhere. And kids are excited about reading them. When I look at the circulation statistics in my K-5 library, graphic novels are some of the most checked out titles…. Read More ›

• We Need Diverse Books Now More Than Ever

  By Jenna Grodzicki on 11/16/2016 • ( 2 )

  

  As I reflect on the presidential campaign and the hateful comments that have filled my Facebook and Twitter feeds recently, I find myself thinking more and more about my children and my students. They are listening to their parents and teachers…. Read More ›

• Engaging Readers with Bookopolis

  By Jenna Grodzicki on 10/21/2016 • ( 1 )

  

  What Is Bookopolis? I’m always on the lookout for new ways to get my students excited about reading. This summer, I came across a website from AASL’s 2015 List of Best Websites for Teaching and Learning that does exactly that…. Read More ›

• Help Your Students Become Tech-Sperts

  By Jenna Grodzicki on 09/20/2016 • ( 0 )

  

  When I reflect on my role as a library media specialist, I think about the many 21st-century skills I try to foster in my students. My district’s Information and Technology Literacy Curriculum mirrors these same skills and was written to ensure… Read More ›

• The Value of the Library Media Specialist

  By Jenna Grodzicki on 08/17/2016 • ( 7 )

  

  Recently, I was having a discussion with my brother, a sixth-grade social studies teacher. He mentioned that his school’s library media specialist left, and his principal wasn’t planning on replacing her. This principal believes that the position is unnecessary. I… Read More ›

• The Power of Connecting Students with Authors

  By Jenna Grodzicki on 07/21/2016 • ( 4 )

  

  In my world of libraries, books, and writing, authors are superstars.  I’ve had the amazing opportunity to meet VIPs such as Jane Yolen, Kwame Alexander, Dan Santat, and many more. These are moments I’ll remember forever. Giving students an experience like… Read More ›