Do you struggle with engaging kids during Check-In and Check-Out in your library?  Our school enrollment grew by over 200 students this year, and as a result, our class sizes increased as well.  I knew I would need good systems in place to make the Check-In and Check-out process run smoothly!  Here are a couple of ideas that I’ve been using that have worked well, so I thought I’d share!

Computer Stations

My circulation desk is built in a circular shape with two main sections: one slightly bigger than the other. On the larger section, I placed our two circulation computers. One is used for students returning their library books, and the other is used for students checking out new books.  I labeled both computers with signs and instructions so students can self check-in and check-out their books.   On the smaller section of the circulation area I have two Chromebooks that the students use as Look Up Stations. I also have my Wish List Binder and our Barcode Binder there.  (You can read more about my binder organization on my blog here.)  Right now, everything is decorated for January.  Do you decorate your library each month/season?

Check-In Line Activities

As students come into the library, they head to the Check-In Computer to scan their books.  I placed velcro dots around the circulation area for students to stand on while they are waiting.  After scanning their books, students place them on the correct shelf on the cart.  I’ve taught them to look at the call number on the spine of the book to determine if it goes on the Everybody/Easy shelf, Fiction Chapter Book Shelf, Non-Fiction shelf, or the Biography shelf.  This helps streamline getting books back on the shelves.  My assistant or I are usually nearby to help with any issues, but otherwise the students are now able to do this pretty independently.

While they are waiting to scan in their books, I placed several items around the circulation desk to help give them something to “do” while they wait in line.

Storyteller’s Word a Day Book

I found this really cool Vocabulary Word A Day book!  My first thought was to change the word every day and introduce the students to a new word on each library visit.  What actually happened is that kids would look at the word and then start flipping through to find other words.  I challenged them to find a way to use a word that day in class or in their writing. I ended up purchasing both Storyteller’s Word a Day Book 1 and Storyteller’s Word a Day Book 2 and have one in the Check-In Line and another one in the Check-Out Line. (These are affiliate links.  If you purchase the books through my links I will earn a small commission.)

Moving Sand Art Pictures

The next thing I have out for the students is a small Moving Sand Art Picture. (This is an Affiliate Link.)  They love turning it over and watching the sand slowly fall.  I love hearing their discussions as to how they think it works!

I also love displaying Capstone’s Monthly Holiday Calendar. and this fun series of “What’s Happening Monthly Calendars” designed by Katie Hernandez.  (Check out her instagram here!) The kids love reading about things that are being celebrated for the month.  Some students have even gone on to research more about the events listed on these calendars to learn more about it.

Check-Out Line Activities

When students are ready to check out, the line up on the Sit Spots by the Check-Out Computer.  As I said, I have one of the Storyteller’s Word a Day Book.  I also have a different Moving Sand Art Picture. (Affiliate Links).

Liquid Motion Bubble Timers

This year I added these really cool Liquid Motion Bubble Timers.  They were so confused on how they worked!  It led to some very interesting discussions!  I was amazed at how enthralled the students were with them, and how much it settled some students down!  There are many variations that you can find on Amazon.  I loved this assortment of three. (Click here for an affiliate link.)

Zen Sand Garden

However, this year’s biggest hit was the Zen Sand Garden that I found at a store called Five and Below.  They have since sold out, but I was able to find something similar on Amazon.  (Click here for an affiliate link.)  Quite a few students have told me, “This is so satisfying, Mrs. Liptak!” as they quietly raked through the sand! That is now my favorite quote! 🙂

I hope you found these ideas helpful!  If you want to here more ideas, stay tuned for Part 2!  I’ll talk about my new Table Stations that students can use after they check out their new books!