Engagement Strategies That Work Part 6: Library Lion
One of the most magical things about teaching is discovering new ways to spark joy and create meaningful connections with students. For this next post in my engagement strategies series, I’m excited to introduce a special guest and friend, Meg—a librarian who has found an unexpected way to build excitement and community in her library. 🦁
Her journey began with a simple idea: bringing a beloved story to life with a Library Lion stuffie. What started as a fun nod to a read-aloud has grown into something much bigger—a schoolwide symbol of curiosity, joy, and belonging. From storytimes to Instagram posts, costumes, and even an upcoming election to name him, this lion has transformed her library into a place where students feel seen, engaged, and eager to return.
Read on as she shares the story behind her Library Lion and the joy he’s brought to students of all ages!
Part 6: Library Lion
My journey with a class (school wide) pet started my first week this school year when I read The Library Lion to all of my classes in the library. Early on, my younger students asked where Pete the Cat stuffie was so I made it my own with a library lion.
I decided to order the biggest lion I could find and a smaller version to be with students on the story steps. It’s a bonus that it reminds students of a previous read aloud that taught about library procedures!
Like Noelle mentioned in her previous post, I’m always searching for who is following the expectations in the story steps and even change it up with my prek and kinder students halfway through our read-alouds.
The lion truly has a life of his own – now It has evolved into a weekly Instagram post that promotes the library and shares what has been happening.
During our first author visit on Friday, I had the lion on stage and even took a photo with the author afterwards.
I started dressing the library lion up for events- Zilker tshirts and skeleton for Halloween.
A stuffed animal class pet can be a powerful tool for building community, reinforcing expectations, and motivating students. Whether you use it for behavior rewards, to practice voting, or just to bring some fun into your lessons, your class pet will quickly become a beloved part of the room.
Got a favorite class pet story? I’d love to hear about it—share your experiences!
For the upcoming election, the whole school will be voting on his name, so everyone feels engaged in the process.
The lion promotes joy and a sense of wonder in our school community.
Kiddos of all ages visiting the library look for him when they first come in- Where is he? What is he doing? I’m thankful to have taken a chance on a huge lion that’s won over all of my students!
