5 Tips for Working With Your Board
There is a common understanding among librarians that working with a library board is VERY difficult. But does it have to be? A library board is integral to a successful library and having a good board - director relationship is key to getting stuff done. Check out these 5 tips you can implement to have a more successful relationship with your board.
1. Recognize you both have important jobs to do.
No matter how your library is organized, whether your board is governing or advisory, big or small, city or district,your board has a job to do. Just like there are specific requirements and duties with your position, your board also has specific responsibilities that come with their position. And whether we like it or not, the board is important to provide balance, feedback, support, perspective, and more. Does that mean your board is always right? No. But neither are you. In years of working with a board and training others to work better with their board, one of the biggest things I’ve noticed is that most problems arise from a sense of offense on the side of the director that they aren’t the end-all, be-all at the library. Whether you feel you know the most and therefore should make the decision or whether you feel that the board prepares in policy for things that you would never let happen or do, many directors feel that the board just doesn’t understand and is thereby making their life harder.
2. Communicate clearly and effectively.
Let me set the scene: Your board is reviewing a policy. This particular policy has been reviewed, thought over, and hashed out many times by your staff and then your board. It really could have been approved at the last meeting but some board members still didn’t like a certain section and tabled it to revisit this month. Your biggest frustration? No matter how many times you tell them that it’s fine the way it is, they won’t just leave it alone, they keep trying to make changes to improve it. Finally, after a heated discussion, someone suggests a change you cannot believe.
Do you:
A. Yell “This is ridiculous! This policy does not need changes and no one on staff is going to do this terrible thing you are preparing against in this policy! Stop wasting our time!”
OR
B. Ask for a couple minute break for everyone to collect themselves and come back to the meeting prepared to civilly discuss the policy and also ask your board chair that you be given the floor for a few minutes after the break to explain your stance and how this policy change would negatively impact your staff day-to-day.
Here's the thing– There is no perfect formula to handle every library board that will miraculously make everyone work well together. BUT! If you can communicate clearly and effectively, as in the second example, then not only do you set a good example for your board of how to conduct themselves in the meeting when there are disagreements, but you also increase your own credibility of being able to handle difficult situations.
The second half to this point is that if you do not communicate clearly with your board, you cannot expect that they automatically know what you are thinking or where you stand. At one point in my career I was having some issues with my board, however, in the midst of that I had struggles with one particular member more than the others. After months of agonizing over the issues I asked the board if I could have a few minutes to address some issues I had. In that meeting I delineated my concerns as well as what boundaries needed to be set and the changes that needed to be made for me to continue in my position. At the end of the meeting we had come to an understanding and I was sure that particular board member HAD to realize that they were a big part of the problem. However, two days later they came to me at the library and asked to discuss the issues I had brought up. I remember sitting in that meeting and the board member saying “I’m so sorry you feel like this is a problem. Who do you feel is causing the biggest problems with points X,Y, and Z that you mentioned?” I sat silent and incredulous. First, I would never have discussed another of the board members behind their back in this meeting, but second, how could this individual not know they were the one I had been talking about?! I gave myself a minute to calm down and then explained to them that they were the one causing those issues and gave them several examples. They apologized and we discussed different ways their concerns or thoughts could be handled appropriately in a meeting. Over time, things improved! I realized that day that I had likely caused myself much more headache than necessary by trying to diplomatically imply my struggles with that board member rather than clearly (but still respectfully!) telling them what issues I was having with their behavior and why it was causing problems.
My new motto? People don’t know what you don’t tell them. Communicating clearly and effectively can save you and your board members sanity.
3. Set appropriate boundaries and stick to them.
Regarding clear communication, it is okay and even important for you to set boundaries with your board members and stick to them. Do you have a board member who wants to come in weekly and vent about their issues? Do you have a board member who checks in regularly to tell you how to do your job? Or do you sit in meetings while your board members silence you as they discuss decisions about the library without your input? Then you need to set some boundaries!
Yes, your board members are important and you should be respectful of their position. However, it is also important that they are respectful of yours. You were hired to do a job and if their interference is making that difficult then you need to speak up.
That board member that comes in weekly to vent? Kindly let them know that if they have issues they should bring it up with the board as a whole so a solution can be reached, but you have a list of tasks to complete and their weekly venting sessions are making it difficult to complete the responsibilities of your position.
The board member who regularly tells you how to do your job? Remind them that, though you value their input, you are the one with the experience, degree, etc. and you are very aware of how to do your job. If they feel you should be making changes then they should bring those concerns to the board because the board acts as a whole in making decisions about your position, they -individually- do not.
Or do you feel silenced in board meetings, watching as a spectator while your library is discussed and decisions made? Reinforce to your board that you were hired to this position for a reason. You have the knowledge and you are capable of doing your job and speaking on behalf of your library, which is your responsibility in a board meeting! Decisions should not be made completely without your input being welcome. Which leads perfectly into our next point:
4. Know and speak your worth and value.
You might have the best board in the world and still sometimes they will forget that they are dealing with someone who works in the library day-in and day-out and likely has experience and knowledge they will never have. Do not be afraid to remind your board that you worked hard to be where you are. That you are the one working with the staff and community, that you know your library, that you have the expertise in the field. Whether you are asking for a raise, defending your performance evaluation, or feel that you are being silenced in meetings, it is your responsibility to stand up for yourself and your library. Your staff do not benefit if you do not have a voice.
5. Give credit where credit is due (to the board AND your staff).
Here’s the thing. Even if your board is not the greatest, they are very likely not completely failing, so give credit where credit is due. Did they pass a policy that is helpful? Let them know how great it is that they made those changes and how useful it will be to the staff now! Did they approve a budget line that is exciting for your library? Thank them for the opportunity to start that new service or renovation or whatever it is! The more you let them know that they are helpful and important and that you appreciate their time, work, and effort, the more they are likely to give more time, work, and effort to be a good board member.
But this point is two-fold! Also make sure you are giving credit where credit is due for your staff! Did someone run a successful program? Let the board know! Was a problem solved because one of your clerks had a great idea? Tell the board! Contrary to the belief of many supervisors, managers, and directors, telling your board that someone else in your organization had a great idea, solved the problem, or succeeded will not lessen your abilities or make you seem incompetent. It will showcase your leadership skills and your involvement with your staff in the day-to-day making sure everyone at the library is successful.
Avoiding Burnout as Librarian
In a job you love it is a slippery slope from just completing your to-do list to championing and trying to do/offer every new program or service or collection you can think of or a patron might want.
Burnout is an enemy of every professional and I would argue it’s an even bigger beast if you work in a job you love and are passionate about—which many librarians do! It can be a slippery slope, from completing your to-do list to championing and offering every new program, service, or collection you think a patron might want, especially in a job you love. After years of 50+ hour weeks, finishing work at home, answering one more email before bed, being on call to solve problems after my shift, and managing social media at all hours I realized that if I really loved my job I would want to give it my very best, but burning myself out by never stopping work was causing me to never give my best—not to my job, my kids, my family, my friends, my hobbies, my house…. you get the picture. When we start to struggle with burnout every aspect of our life begins to suffer in some way, shape, or form.
With that in mind, here are some tried and true tips to avoiding burnout as a librarian!
1. Limit the number of committees, boards, or clubs you are part of.
This can be hard because we get so stuck on how much we can help by being on that committee, or how good being on that board would look on our resume, or even how you could do that job that no one wants to do and it wouldn’t take that much time (ask me about how I ended up on three boards and numerous committees at once!). Yet the more commitments you make outside your library, the more you increase the chances of not fulfilling the duties you have to your library. Yes, those committees and boards might look great on your resume and yes you might do that job better than anyone else, but is it really worth it if at the end of the day you are exhausted from being stretched too many directions, behind on your to-do list, and running on empty?
Take a few minutes today and list out all of the committee, board, community, or other extraneous obligations that you have outside your day-to-day tasks and evaluate whether or not you are participating in a manageable amount of activities or whether it has gotten out of hand. If you need to cut back, think about which obligations are necessary for you or your library and cannot be done by anyone other than you. Once those are identified, look at everything else. If you don’t want to eliminate everything, start by choosing the obligations that really bring you joy in your work and make your job better. If you cannot do more than the necessary, consider which things could be taken on by someone else in your library who would excel with that responsibility and which obligations can be respectfully left for someone else in the community (whether local, global, or library) to fulfill.
2. Delegate, Delegate, Delegate.
I cannot say this enough, but I also understand it can be extremely difficult. I am the queen of “I can do it all!” but that isn’t usually the best route to take. Here’s the thing, there are hundreds of reasons you and I could give as to why we HAVE to be the one to do everything we do, but the reality is that most of those reasons don’t hold up in the face of scrutiny. Those reasons keep us on the path to burnout by allowing us to continue to do too much.
The truth of the matter is that there are likely many things on your list that either don’t really have to be done or can be done just as well or ALMOST just as well by someone else on your team. Whether you are the best children’s librarian, director, bookmobile driver, or branch manager there ever was, there are still other people who can do some of those things that take up your time and do it well enough. Additionally, giving those employees the opportunity to do some of those things that you have previously held onto too tightly to will give them the opportunity to improve and become their version of “the best” someday! Not delegating, especially in a management position, will inevitably lead to burnout. And the more you can take off your plate, the more it opens you up for new ideas, new programs, new services, and new parts of your library that you might not be able to curate or experience if you are stuck taking care of every daily, mundane task.
Look at your to-do list today or this week, and see what things that you do that you might not have to do, or what things someone else can do just as well or almost just as well as you can.
3. Schedule regular vacations, and STICK TO THEM!
This can look different for everyone. Some people do best taking one mental health day a month. Some would rather have a few days off at a time every 2-3 months. I know that I need at couple long breaks a year so I always take two weeks at the Christmas holiday and then 3-4 days in the spring and again in the fall. For me that gives me time to detach from work, rest, accomplish things in my personal life, and then gear back up for work again so I can power through until my next vacation. Does that mean I don’t love my work? No! But I am an all-or-nothing worker and giving 110% all the time is exhausting even when you love what you do. Whatever works best for you, your brain, your family, your self-care—do it!
Vacation doesn’t always have to mean going somewhere else, though it can if you want it to! Taking a vacation can also mean a long weekend spending a day catching up on errands or housework and another day in your pajamas reading or binging movies.
Now for the last part of that tip—stick to it! It is so easy, especially when your vacation plan is to stay at home in pajamas, to reason away taking time off. “I’ll just work a half-day and finish up these tasks,” or “I’m feeling okay this week and I could accomplish so much if I just worked instead.” Don’t do it! Having those regular breaks is so helpful to avoiding burnout. Then, even when you have a stressful and overwhelming week, you know that you have time to recuperate coming and it makes it so much easier to push through and accomplish everything you need to, and to do it well.
4. Create a Culture of Leadership-
Now, I have a whole course about how to do this from beginning to end HERE and ideas you can use to create a culture of leadership in your library at every level, but the important thing to understand right now is that leadership and management are not synonymous, they can be very different. So, I am not saying promote everyone in your library to a supervisory position, but what I am saying is create a culture where your employees feel empowered, valued, and invested and they will do their jobs well without you having to watch over their shoulder. They’ll be the ones coming to you with new ideas, incentives, programs, solutions. And when you do that, it inevitably takes a load off of you because you are not the only one trying to come up with all of the ideas, programs, services, and solutions. You will have people in those positions wanting to do that and do it well and it will take a lot off of your plate.
5. Separate your work and home life
This is so important to avoiding burnout and also so difficult for me. Anyone else? If you are working 8 hours a day, coming home and being on-call, taking your kids to every program or service, visiting every branch, whatever it may be, you are spending all of your time in that place that your brain associates with work. So make sure you are separating your work life from your home life and giving yourself, your family, your dog, your friends-whoever is involved in that home life, a break from library talk, and library programs, and library worries….
Does this mean I think you should never go to the library when you’re not working? Absolutely not. But, make sure you are finding time that you can still have separation. Do you have Fridays off? Take your kids to the library on Thursday when you get done working instead. Is there a program you really want to attend on Friday? Great, then Saturday is your day you do not think about work at all. Just like scheduling in vacation time, making sure you have that separation so your brain can have time to rest, recharge, think about what is going on in your life will make it so when you go back to work the next day or the next week you will be that much more ready to go and you have a clear head and can process every problem, idea, and program coming up for that week and you don’t already feel burnt out from never stopping work the week before.
Will there be times when this isn’t possible? When you have to cover a shift or an emergency arises that you have to be the one to handle? Almost certainly. But if you are making this separation a regular practice in your life, then when those weeks inevitably happen it will be okay. You will be rested, recharged, and prepared because you kept that separation the weeks before, and you know that you have that separation coming again in the future once this problem is handled.
6. Knowing what burnout is
This may be late in the blog post for this tip, but if you don’t have a firm definition of what burnout looks like for you and what symptoms you might experience, then you might not even know when you have a problem until it is already too late. While burnout manifests and is experienced differently in everyone, there are a great number of reliable resources out there discussing burnout symptoms such as this one from the Mayo Clinic. And in order for you to be able to self-assess, delegate, rest and recharge, etc. you need to know what burnout looks like for you! Once you know how burnout manifests for you, you can more quickly respond and redirect in order to avoid a huge crash.
7. Periodically assess yourself
Recognizing the early symptoms of burnout is key to being able to avoid a huge crash. If you know that you are getting to a point where you are overwhelmed and unable to manage your workload, your mental health, or your family life, then take some time to figure out what aspects of work are causing that burnout and what you can do to change those or relieve yourself of doing those things. And let me be clear, I understand that sometimes there are things that cause burnout that you cannot change or relieve yourself of. However, if you are avoiding burnout in other areas of your work and life then you will have more ability to deal with those unpleasant aspects of your job and still not experience burnout.
Periodically assessing yourself, your goals, your work quality, and your mental-health can help you regularly realign your priorities so that you are spending your energy and focus on the parts of your job that really need your specific attention and are crucial to the success of your library. And then, once that assessment is done, use the other tips in this post to put yourself back in a place where you are set for success and not on the fast path to burning out.
When you don’t feel like your job is taking everything you have you will be able to give more to it. And more invested, happy, healthy, librarians makes better for a better library which supports a better community!
Teen STEAM Manipulatives
Let’s be honest. Teens can be HARD to program for and engage.
*This post may contain affiliate links and I may earn money from qualifying purchases as an Amazon Associate. This does not change or affect the price you pay for the items.
Let’s be honest, teens are HARD to program for and engage. You likely have a few tried-and-true programs or manipulatives that you can pull out at a moments notice and use with your teens. However, if you are anything like me and many other programming librarians I know, you are always in search of new ideas!
Cue a list of engaging manipulatives for teens!
First, what is STEAM? STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. STEAM education is a method of teaching that engages students in critical thinking using a variety of topics together. For instance, if I wanted to teach about gear ratios I could walk students through an engineering activity designing and building their own car. In this activity we could discuss engineering, physics, math, and they create art through designing their car. This is the great thing about STEAM — with one activity kids are engaging in learning about at least 4 different areas of study, not to mention the problem solving and design thinking they will use.
After years and years of programming for tweens and teens, here are just a few of the manipulatives I think you might find use for in your library! This list is by no means exhaustive and you may have several you could add to this list! But hopefully you can leave this post with a few more ideas to add to your tried-and-true arsenal.
A pink bucket holding a variety of slime making supplies in bottles and baggies.
Slime Kits
There are SO many options for slime kits and there are just a few included in this post. You can also purchase all of the elements separately and combine different materials into a kit if you feel so inclined. Slime is great because it can be so individually creative and I have not met any teens (or kids or tweens) who don’t enjoy playing with slime!
Slime is also a great start to a conversation about chemistry. Why do the reactions happen? How do different materials change the reactions? For instance, if you add shaving cream to the slime how does that change the texture? There is so much experimenting that can be done with slime and it is relatively inexpensive! Here are a few more kit options if you choose to buy it all in one:
A variety of wood burning tools and wood burning examples.
Wood Burning Kit
This wood burning kit has all of the basics to get started in this creative hobby and the supplies are relatively inexpensive to replace. Wood burning is such a creative hobby and it is unique enough that it will pique the curiosity of even the most stubborn teens.
This would be a great manipulative to use for an in-house program as the liability concerns would likely make it difficult to send home for use. However, if you do choose to go that route just make sure you consult your library’s lawyer to ensure the library is covered.
K’NEX Blocks built into a ferris wheel and other carnival rides.
K’NEX Thrill Rides
K’NEX sets are an oldie but a goodie. The great thing about K’NEX is they work for a variety of ages. Many of their sets are geared toward older tweens and teens. This Thrill Rides set is perfect to teach many concepts such as engineering, math, and physics and it is complex and challenging enough to make it appealing for teens.
And if this set is a hit, there are a variety of more complex kits to build everything from The Empire State Building to mini models of sharks and helicopters.
Picture of Lilypad circuits, conductive thread, misc. electronic parts, and an instruction book.
Lilypad Starter Set
If you haven’t seen any projects with conductive thread, take a minute to Google conductive thread projects. The creativity of this activity astounds me and I have seen everything from blinking stars to a custom bike riding jacket. This is a more time intensive and complex project so it may be better suited for a circulating kit, replacing some of the components each time. I have also used these in multi-week programs or classes with the same attendees each time.
Though this is a complete starter set, you can easily purchase all of the components separately for a larger group or for kit replacements.
As with many great manipulatives, this activity is multi-faceted. Not only is it creative and artistic, but kids are required to gain a basic understanding of circuitry (sometimes even without realizing it) in order to complete their projects. Win-Win!
CLICK HERE to get started with Lilypad and Conductive Thread
Copper tape and multi-colored small LED lights.
Copper Tape and LED’s
Continuing with the theme of circuitry is Copper Tape and LED lights! These are SO EASY to use and so fun. You can teach your teens to make light-up greeting cards, bookmarks, car-window signs, and so much more! The creativity is endless and, again, they will inevitably learn at least a little bit about completing a circuit and the flow of electricity.
A picture on a box of a variety of green, red, and black pieces built into a marble track.
Fischertechnik
I love Fischertechnik engineering blocks. You can purchase them in a set such as this to complete specific projects — these would be ideal for circulating kits — or in kits of a variety of pieces with instructions for several different builds. Fischertechnik are more complex than many other engineering blocks which is what makes them well-suited to teens. They are best done with the guided builds, however, once kids are familiar with them they will enjoy branching out and exploring their own builds.
These sets would also be a great gift for a giveaway as part of a summer reading program or other library challenge.
Two vehicle type toys built out of colorful connecting blocks.
LEGO® Education BricQ Motion Prime Set
These sets are specifically designed with education in mind and therefore come with 7-lessons complete with videos and worksheets. It is hard to go wrong with LEGO® manipulatives, and these are specifically directed at engaging tweens and teens to teach concepts of forces and motion. Another bonus to these sets is they are actually quite affordable in comparison to some of the other manipulatives offered by LEGO®.
CLICK HERE to get started with LEGO® Education BricQ Motion Prime Set!
A Makey Makey board as well as a variety of colorful cords and instructions.
Makey Makey
If you haven’t heard of Makey Makey boards I would be surprised, however, I would also be remiss not to mention them as a fantastic teen manipulative! One of my favorite teen projects I ever did for a program used several Makey Makey bords along with various other supplies to make a life-size video game course from a popular family video game.
But don’t feel like you have to go crazy with ideas! The Makey Makey website has some great intro programs the board can be used with and the only thing users will need is something conductive such as bananas. Makey Makey boards are also popular enough that if you or your teens aren’t sure what to do, you can find a plethora of ideas on the internet.
Makey Makey needs to be connected to a computer so keep that in mind for planning purposes. Makey Makey boards teach circuitry and also can be used to teach basic coding. Versatile and fun!
A small spherical robot with components visible through the plastic casing.
Sphero Bolt
The Sphero Bolt is an advanced programmable robot. With a variety of sensors and a Bluetooth connection, teens can experiment and learn programming using the approachable app. It is becoming ever more necessary for people to have some understanding of computer programming and the Sphero Bolt is a great way to introduce more advanced programming skills in a fun and approachable way.
Sphero really has some great products for a variety of ages and skill levels, so if this one doesn’t fit your needs, take a look at their other products!
A hand holding a cylindrical disc with a connecting rod attached.
Chaos Machine
Don’t let the title description on Amazon fool you in regards to this manipulative. Though it states “construction for babies” this project is far from babyish and is ideally for kids 12 and older. The Chaos Machine can be built and rebuilt into several different configurations on any magnetic surface and this conglomeration of swinging pendulums teaches everything from increased fine motor skills, problem solving, spatial reasoning, physics, to concepts such as chaos theory. This set also comes with an insert to help kids learn all about the basics of chaos theory and what they will be doing with the myriad of provided pieces.
The creativity and experimentation that happens when using this set would also make it an ideal gift for any science minded kids in your life!
A box with 5 colored blotches, each blotch containing an electronic build such as an automatic hand sanitizer dispenser.
Electronics and Robotics Science Kit
If you have ever used Snap Circuits, this set is similar in its concept. There are over 100 pieces in this with the instructions to build over 40 projects for home automation. This set works with a variety of sensors and electronic parts and can be used without any prior knowledge of coding. The included instruction book gives detailed descriptions of the different part functions and the projects are great to teach the basics of circuitry.
Additionally, kids can move on and build their own inventions when they understand how the pieces and parts work. That is one reason this kit is so great for teens, because it will cater to a variety of skill levels as they learn and grow. AND, in addition to learning circuitry and electronics, kids will practice design thinking and great problem solving skills as they work through any complications that arise when working to build their own inventions.
CLICK HERE to get started with this Electronics and Robotics Science Kit.
A Celestron Telescope pictured with different lenses and a carrying case.
Celestron Telescope
A telescope is such an underrated manipulative for older kids and teens and it is so versatile! Telescopes are great for a variety of astronomy programs, can be included in a kit with some astronomy books, or set up semi-permanently in the library for a passive activity.
Through using a telescope not only can you teach astronomy but also math. Astronomers use math frequently and if you are in search of good teen math activities to fulfill the ‘M’ in STEAM, then a telescope is a great option.
This particular telescope is an entry level telescope and, from experience, very user friendly. It also comes with a nice carrying case that makes it very easy to pack up, transport, and store without taking up a ton of space.
A box with a picture of a model machine on the front and that same model machine built off to the side.
Engino - Physics Laws
I love a good engineering manipulative and this is a good one! The great thing with engineering blocks is you can teach so many different subjects in combination (math, physics, problem solving, art, design thinking, etc.) and as I have oft heard, repetition is the key to success. In my opinion and experience, there is nothing wrong with having several different types of engineering manipulatives for kids to use and learn engineering and physics concepts in a variety of ways.
This Engino set comes with an instruction book to teach users about the basic laws of physics while walking them through 6 different builds. Additionally, the kit comes with several pages of quizzes and experimental activities to use with the builds, so this set would convert nicely for classroom or after-school program use.
I am a big fan of versatility in the manipulatives I purchase and recommend because I believe in stretching your budget as much as you can! This set is versatile and would work great in a circulating kit, a makerspace, a classroom, for a program, for a gift, and more!
10 different shaped wooden puzzle balls.
Puzzle Balls
Puzzle balls: seems too simple, right? But hear me out! Puzzle balls are so great for teaching problem solving and improving fine motor skills. They are also a very individual activity that require little to no interaction-which is ideal for some teens!
You can also branch out and plan a program where you talk about mathematical concepts with puzzle balls. Trust me, I’ve done so! And it doesn’t have to be just simple wooden puzzle balls, though these specific ones offer enough of a challenge to keep teens interested without being too complex. Puzzle cubes, such as a Rubik's Cube, are also great for teaching mathematical and computer science concepts such as algorithms.
While you can plan a program around puzzle balls, I think these are ideal for a circulating kit or passive program with simple info sheet included for learning purposes.
Whichever way you do it, puzzle balls and cubes are an easy and cost effective way to jump into STEAM programming.
Tangram pieces in a hexagon-shaped wooden board.
Tangram Puzzle
Tangram puzzles are another simple but great way to incorporate STEAM into teen programs and activities without making it overwhelming. Tangram puzzles teach problem solving skills and are ideal for an activity about geometry.
You can also get tangram blocks in a variety of sets, containers, colors, etc. They are inexpensive, quick to use, and versatile for large group programs as well as individual learning. These are a staple in programming supplies for me!
UV Resin Jewelry Set and Flower Press
This activity definitely fits firmly within the Art section of STEAM, however, it is also perfect to talk about subjects such as botany and chemistry. This UV resin jewelry set is less messy than traditional resin and is a great manipulative to have for your more artistic teens that may not be interested in traditional science and engineering activities.
Though I have linked a beginner set here, you can definitely purchase supplies separately to mix and match the elements you need for your specific program. And if you are in need of inspiration, simply Google “resin jewelry” and you will find a myriad of ideas.
CLICK HERE to get started with this UV Resin Jewelry Set and this Flower Press
A variety of colorful towers built with tegu building blocks.
Tegu Blocks
Tegu blocks are another great-for-all-ages activity that is easy to pull out and use for a variety of events. This set linked here is a 340 piece set which is fantastic for free play or for structured engineering challenges. I still maintain (especially after building an entire block hospital with my kids this week) that no one is too old to enjoy building blocks.
If you have ever used Tegu blocks before you are likely used to them being magnetic like THIS SET. The set I have linked in this post is actually one of their first non-magnetic sets and is great for inciting creativity. While both types of blocks are great, these are intriguing due to their honeycomb pattern which allows their use with a variety of other materials (string, hooks, straws, etc.) and enhances the creativity aspect.
Offer up these blocks with a building challenge and a great prize and see what creativity abounds!
There are countless manipulatives out there you could use for programming or circulation in your library and these are just a few favorites of mine. Too often educators of all types overcomplicate STEAM education and I think we as librarians feel that we have to have elaborate programs with all sorts of science experiments and giant engineering challenges in order for it to count as a STEAM program, but that is not the case!!
STEAM programming can be as simple as a tangram puzzle and talking about geometric angles or as complicated as building your own video game course. Whichever way you choose to take your programming, my hope is that you just START! Good Luck!
K-5th STEM Kits
It all begins with an idea.
*This post may contain affiliate links and I may earn money from qualifying purchases as an Amazon Associate. This does not change or affect the price you pay for the items.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to partner with some after-school groups. Maybe you want to offer robotics classes to your community. Or maybe you are just ready for your library to offer more than books. Whatever it is, keep on reading to see my top 10 go to manipulatives for kids STEM kits.
When I started my first programming librarian job I had no idea about the variety of resources out there for kids of all ages to learn in different ways through PLAYING! I had always known that play was a form of learning and fully supported programs that taught our attendees a new skill. But if you had asked that baby librarian if she ever thought you could teach circuits or engineering or robotics to 6 year old children with toys-she would have laughed.
When I was introduced to my very first set of snap circuits I was hooked and there was no looking back! I went on a deep dive looking for every toy/tool I could use to teach STEM to kids in fun and comprehendible ways. After a more than a decade of curating non-traditional collections, programming in fun and unique ways, and trying out each and every STEM manipulative I can, I still come back to these items as my top ten go-to’s for kids STEM kits. While I would say these items are ideal for kids in the Kindergarten through 5th grade range, they honestly are still so much fun and exploration for kids both younger and older than that range. One of my favorite things to do is pull out manipulatives such as these for a kids or family program and watch how the parents get intrigued and involved often staying to play and build their creations long after their children have lost interest!
But without further ado…
A tree build from multi-colored, interconnecting blocks.
Brain Flakes
Brain Flakes are one of those manipulatives that I loved using in libraries enough that I bought a set for my own children. These interconnecting discs are great for building anything you want from rainbows and trees, to crowns and baseball bats. Last night my son built a rainbow colored corn cob and started on a pair of brain flakes pants…when I say ‘anything’, I mean it!
Brain Flakes are great for projects both in the library and for patrons to check-out and take home. The one drawback I would mention is that these pieces can be easily lost under couches or bookcases, however, on the flip side of that, you do not need every single piece in the jar to be able to play and have fun with these. So a couple pieces missing will not make the whole kit unusable.
Even with the risk of pieces being lost (and let’s be honest, what in a library doesn’t have the potential of getting lost once taken to somebody’s home?) Brain Flakes will always be at the top of my list for the creativity aspect and ability to apply to so many different disciplines while still being .
Engineering - Build a bridge that will hold a book.
Math - Build something that has double the number of reds as greens and triple the number of yellows as blues.
Science (mass and buoyancy)- Will the pieces float in water? What about if you build something bigger with them? Try building a creation with 25 brain flakes that will float in water.
Multi colored, interconnecting bristle blocks in the shape of a building.
Bristle Blocks
PicassoTiles really make some fantastic manipulatives. You may have seen or played with their magnet building blocks (which are also at the top of my STEM manipulatives list for engineering programs!) But these blocks are something I hadn’t really seen talked about before my daughter’s teacher showed me a set in her classroom. These are a great manipulative for building gross motor skills. The blocks easily interconnect and don’t require a lot of strength to hold together so even little explorers can have fun with these. These are also much more afordable than many of PicassoTiles other popular manipulatives, so if money is a big concern for your library these could be a great choice!
The possibilities for these blocks are vast but my favorite way I have seen them used is for imaginative play when a group of kids decided to use them to play sandwich and pizza shop. These blocks come in the perfect colors to make your favorite - albeit pretend - treats!
Multi-colored gear shaped blocks fit together in a design.
Gears! Gears! Gears!
I also cannot say enough good about Learning Resources sets. These sets are great affordable way to explore different STEM topics with little learners. These interconnecting gears are durable and teach kids a myriad of tasks from problem solving to cause and effect. Playing with these gears will allow kids to experiment with simple mechanics and for older children it is easy to incorporate math as well. These gear sets are something that, in my opinion, work much better as a circulating kit rather than for a large program as they really are geared (pun intended) towards individual or very small group play.
Each time kids build with these gears they can build a different gear system and I have seen kids use it for everything from building a moving rainbow to delivering a small toy to a friend. Kids creativity always astounds me!
Picture of a box of snap circuits.
Snap Circuits
Snap circuits have evolved so much since they were first released and they are just getting better and better. There are a variety of sets available now from snap circuits arcade to snap circuits light to a snap circuits bric expansion. If you are just starting out with snap circuits, however, these are a good set for beginners.
My favorite thing about Snap Circuits, honestly, is the instructions. The instructions are so clear showing step by step how to create each design with each layer numbered to show users what components to snap on the board 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc. It makes it very easy to explain to a group and let them play individually as well as makes them ideal to send home in a circulating kit since the already included instructions are easy for borrowers to follow.
They are also completely safe. If kids snap something on in the wrong direction-it just won’t complete the circuit and work. No shocks. These kits are one that can work if some of the pieces are lost, but work ideally if all of the pieces are present. Take that as you will based on your community and circulation patterns.
The last thing I will say about snap circuits is that I appreciate how much room they leave for exploration. Yes, users can follow the schematics in the instructions and do lots of great things. But it is a set that grows with kids because as they grow to understand how circuits work they can use the pieces to build their own imaginings separate from the included schematics. My favorite to date was a kid who created a door alarm so he could know if his little sister tried to sneak in his room!
CLICK HERE to get started with Snap Circuits!
An individual holding two pieces of little bit technology and putting them together.
I will be completely honest. Little Bits can run on the spendy side depending on which kit you choose to purchase. This starter kit is one of the more affordable ones and is also a great place to start teaching the basics of electronics. Little Bits are a little bit of a graduation from snap circuits with an intro to the basic concepts of coding.
Little Bits are the complex of the resources in this post and will be best for older kids/teens. I include them because while they are a little more complex they are also very doable for older kids and are a fantastic way to teach design thinking. The instructions lay out the basic outline of how to use the set and pieces are color coded so that kids can experiment with how different pieces will work together (i.e. blue pieces are power, pink pieces are input, green are output, etc.).
Depending on which set you choose to get there are different modules you are able to complete. In addition to individual sets, you can also purchase classroom sets such as this one for up to 32 kids to work with their own sets inventing and learning. Make sure to check out their website for some of their more extensive kits if you are ready to jump beyond the intro kit linked here.
The Botley Robot with remote, coding cards, puzzle pieces, flags, and assorted pieces.
Botley
Botley is a MUST for kids robotics and coding! This cute little robot is a great way to introduce kids as young as pre-k to the basic concepts of coding and robotics while also enabling kids to use design thinking. I could not believe how fun this little robot was when I tried it out with kids for the first time but it is easy to use, ready to go as soon as batteries are added, and requires NO SCREENS!
The various components are easy to understand and kids can pick it up and begin using it on their own with very little instruction. I really cannot emphasize enough how much I love this little robot and what a great addition it is to any non-traditional collection, kids makerspace, or classroom.
A box of Makedo Invent pieces.
Makedo Cardboard Construction Tools
These tools are so much fun and safe for young children (I do recommend supervision with the cardboard saw) with very little learning curve. Kids can use these tools and some cardboard to create rocketships, cardboard games, houses, and so much more.
If you have ever seen Caine’s Arcade you know the amount of creativity that can be used with a little bit of cardboard and these makedo tools are the perfect addition to that. These are one of my favorite tools to use in a large program and the set linked here is a large set, however, you can also purchase these in individual sets starting at around $10!
These are another one of those manipulatives that I loved using in my library work so much that I also purchased several sets for my kids to use at home. I have been blown away at the things I have watched kids of all ages create with makedo tools over the years!
A variety of magnetic pieces of different shapes and sizes.
Magnet Movers
I am sure you have seen and used a variety of magnet manipulatives over the years, and there are plenty good ones to choose from! My two favorite things about this set are that it is affordable and has variety. It also comes with an activity guide for parents or caretakers to use if they need ideas for guided learning with the set.
This set is great to put out and just let kids explore with as they see how magnets function in different shapes, sizes, and strengths. Whether you put it in a kit for check-out or in a dedicated play and exploration space you can’t go wrong. The only warning I will issue is that there can be danger in swallowing magnets and the small colored discs are small enough to be swallowed so if this is left out for free-play make sure it is only accessible to kids old enough not to swallow pieces are kids with supervision.
A variety of colored pieces around a peg board box with a child drilling a plastic screw into the holes to hold pieces on the board.
Play Drill Set
I really don’t think you can go wrong with a play tool set, and this one is great because it goes above and beyond just putting screws in a board and allows kids to be creative with the variety of colored pieces and shapes.
The list of things that can be taught with this manipulative are varied from fine motor skills, to engineering, to design thinking, and more depending on how complex you want to make it! This is a set that moves easily between ages from young children working to just put the screw in through the holes in each piece, to older children who want to design complex ideas such as animals, plants, and houses.
This is another set that would be great for a kit in a non-traditional collection, but would also work for a program in the library as well.
Child microscope with carrying case and accessories.
Beginner Microscope
Last but not least is one of my favorite kids microscopes. This is another set that would be best for older kids but can also be used with younger kids as long as they have appropriate supervision.
The great thing about this kit is that while it comes with some prepared slides, it also comes with several blank slides that kids can use to look at things they have collected such as leaves, hair follicles, blades of grass, and more.
A set of these microscopes would be fantastic for in house programs at your library, or this kit could be circulated to families for use in their own homes exploring the microscopic world around them.
There are countless manipulatives out there you could use for programming or circulation in your library and these are just a few favorites of mine. But whichever ones you choose, lets work on getting kids learning through play and exploration at the library just as much as they learn through books!