Exploring the Love of Reading: An Interview with Mrs. Deborah Daniels at Lucy T. Davis Elementary

Encouraging students to explore books and develop a love of reading is at the heart of any school library. I had the opportunity to interview Mrs. Deborah Daniels, the school librarian at Lucy T. Davis Elementary, a mid-sized K-5 school with approximately 500 students. The library is a vibrant, welcoming space filled with seasonal displays, interactive reading challenges, and opportunities for creative exploration. We focused on the shared foundation of Explore.

Guiding Interview Questions:

  1. How do you encourage students to explore books and develop a love of reading?

  2. What role do play-based learning or hands-on activities (such as makerspaces) play in your library?

  3. How do you support students in exploring their creative ideas and storytelling?

  4. Can you share an example of a reading challenge, library program, or activity that sparked student excitement?

Encouraging Exploration Through Displays and Reading Challenges

One of the strategies Mrs. Daniels uses to engage students in reading is displaying interactive books monthly. These displays feature seasonal books and thematic collections, such as pairings of nonfiction and fiction. For example, spring-themed books are currently prominently featured. Additionally, books are highlighted on the school's morning show, with special themes such as Black History Month authors in February and Poetry in April.

Mrs. Daniels also encourages student participation through reading bingo boards, where students complete different reading tasks such as finding a specific type of book, reading about a new topic, or discovering a nonfiction book. Completing the bingo board earns students “Owl Loot,” a fun incentive in the school. She also conducts the First Grade Chapter Book Challenge, where students have a fun competition as they discover chapter books for the first time. These initiatives keep students engaged and excited about exploring books beyond their comfort zones.

Hands-on Learning and Makerspaces

Beyond traditional reading, Mrs. Daniels incorporates hands-on, play-based learning into library time. The STEM section of the library is particularly popular, especially this year during Women’s History Month, when students explore books about inventors and participate in related activities. Every week, students in her kindergarten and first-grade classes engage in manipulatives and hands-on projects that align with read-aloud books.

Older students also benefit from a Makerspace Lab that they visit weekly, which provides creative materials and tools for students to build, experiment, and create. This space encourages students to think critically and innovate, reinforcing concepts learned through literature.

Supporting Creativity and Storytelling

To nurture student creativity, Mrs. Daniels provides various opportunities for students to showcase their ideas. Student artwork is displayed throughout the library, including photographs of students interacting with books, which makes the space feel personal and inviting. Buddy reading programs pair older students with younger ones, fostering both literacy and mentorship.

Special events like Flashlight Fridays and Tent Time allow students to read in cozy, fun environments, making the experience more immersive and enjoyable.

Sparking Excitement Through Challenges and Programs

One particularly inspiring story involved a first-grade student with an IEP who was initially intimidated by chapter books. Mrs. Daniels introduced the First-Grade Chapter Book Challenge, encouraging students to take on books beyond their usual reading level. The student, though hesitant, gained confidence and later asked to participate in the challenge again in second grade. This experience played a key role in her literacy growth, and she is now reading on grade level and performing well on assessments.

Other successful reading challenges include:

  • The South Carolina Book Nominee Award Reading Challenge, where students read a selection of books and vote for their favorite.

  • A 5th-grade chapter book challenge, encouraging older students to tackle more complex texts.

  • A Story Walk featuring "The Old Lady Who Swallowed a Shell," where students physically move through different parts of the story, making it an interactive literary experience.

Reflection and Professional Insights

This interview reinforced the importance of creating an engaging student-centered library where reading is not just encouraged but celebrated. I was particularly inspired by Mrs. Daniels’ approach to integrating hands-on learning with literature, making the library an interactive space rather than just a place for checking out books.

Additionally, I plan to incorporate the intentional use of challenges, incentives, and recognition (such as featuring students on the morning show) into my future practice. Mrs. Daniels’ ability to differentiate and support students with varying literacy levels was also an important takeaway—every child’s reading journey is unique, and finding ways to nurture their confidence is crucial.

In my future library practice, I will implement similar reading challenges, interactive book displays, and student-led initiatives that encourage exploration and foster a lifelong love of reading. The sense of community felt while visiting the library is evident and a direct result of the relationships Mrs. Daniels has built as she guides students in exploring reading. This interview highlighted the power of engagement, creativity, and accessibility, all essential elements in making a school library the heart of student learning.

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