The Sora Spotlight series profiles educators who’ve become Sora champions at their school, impressing us with their creative strategies to get more students reading digitally. To inspire us all to find new ways to reach learners across our communities, we’ve asked them to share their stories of reading success.

Today, we’ll talk to Helen Robbins, District Librarian at St. Vrain Valley School District in Colorado.

Educator Stats:

Name:

Helen Robbins

Describe your position and your school. 

I am the district librarian in St. Vrain Valley School District (CO). The seventh largest school district in the state, St. Vrain Valley operates 60 schools and programs spread over 411 square miles. We have over 30,000 students.

How many years have you been active with OverDrive?

Ten years, since 2014 when our district started the district digital library by using OverDrive, which then became Sora.

What are you currently reading?

I just finished reading Bye Forever, I Guess on Sora.  It is a fun middle school novel about girl who is shy in real life but very popular online.

Helen’s Sora story

Why do you love Sora?

I love Sora because it can be so responsive to the need of the reader.  When I see high holds, I can get more copies.  I just started using content bundles and I am so excited for the ways these bundles can promote student choice and lit circles rather than whole class title assignment.

What unique things have you done to help increase student engagement with Sora? 

This year, I have been presenting at staff meetings and PTO meetings.  Building a culture of reading is a team effort and we need all hands-on deck including parents, administrators, teachers and librarians.

This month we are doing a fun Readers Are Leaders reading challenge at one of our elementary schools.  The principal and librarian chose 12 titles for K-2 and 12 titles for 3-5.  These titles were chosen because the librarian or the principal love them.  There are various prizes ranging from a pizza lunch with the principal for students who read all the titles and chances to spin a prize wheel.

I have also created a lot of curated lists that connect to the curriculum to make it easier for teachers to find books that supplement the themes.

Reading challenge, grades K-2

 

Reading challenge, grades 3-5

In what ways has this been successful?

Our usage in the elementary schools has increased drastically.  Increasing awareness has brought in a lot of new users, both teachers and students.  We are hoping that by investing time to get elementary students using Sora it will carry through to the middle and high schools.

Do you have any exciting ideas that you’re looking forward to with Sora? 

Our next step is trying to someday do an “Everyone Reads” title that is either grade-wide across schools or building- or district-wide.

Have you worked with anyone in your building to use Sora for curriculum? 

Yes – I work very closely with both the K-5 LA coordinator and the 6-12 ELA coordinator.  The two most important things are:  1.) curation is key and 2.) trying out the content bundles.

Is there anything else you want readers to know about your implementation of Sora or your library?

The Content Access Levels (CALs) really help get the right book to the right students.  We have also been using the Staff CAL as a great place for preview titles before we determine the correct access level.

Get to know Helen

In your opinion, why is reading digitally important, especially to student readers?

As cliché as it sounds, it really is like having a library in your pocket.  You just never know when you will get inspired to read or want to find a book and the Sora library never closes.  I also love the audio books and magazines.  There are so many topics- something for every reader.  I try to buy the popular titles before they release so students can place holds and get excited about the new arrivals.

What is your favorite “reading” moment with a student?

Early in my career I taught first grade.  It is amazing to start with a roomful of nonreaders and see the growth that occurs in those few months.  I feel honored to have been part of the process for the students I had in class.  See the look of pride the first time a student chooses a book and reads it independently is priceless.

What is the most important thing you hope your students take away from reading?

Reading is a lifelong habit that will serve you in so many ways.  It is not just learning but also escaping into a good story, relaxing and connecting with groups you may not meet in the real world.

What advice do you have for new educators/librarians with a digital collection?

CURATE!  That is the best way to get books noticed.  One of my favorite curations is called Family Reading Fun and it is where I put any title I come across that would be fun to read at bedtime.

Become our next Sora Spotlight!

It’s easy to get featured – simply contact us and briefly explain how you’re making an impact with Sora in your school.

About the Author

Kristen Hein is an Account Manager working with schools to integrate digital into their libraries and classrooms. She herself has experience as a history teacher working with students grades 8-12 focusing on U.S. history and government. She generally spends most of her free time chasing around her hyper-active pup Romeo, hiking, practicing yoga and trying out the best Cleveland restaurants.

Check out how other educators are using Sora as a tool for student literacy: