Educator's Corner
Educator's Corner
Here you'll find all the resources for Educators: From Preschool to High School, Homeschool to University, the Defiance Public Library System is here to help you engage and enlighten future generations.
Print Resources
Educators are eligible to receive special permissions on their Defiance Public Library System card to support their unique needs. Educator cards have an extended check-out time of 6 weeks for all items (excluding the Browsing Collection) and late fees are waived. Please mention that you are an Educator on your next visit and your card will be changed accordingly.
Our online databases can be accessed from any Internet computer which means they can be used inside and outside the classroom. All databases are thoroughly reviewed by professional staff to ensure they offer the best and most up-to-date information for you and your students.
Tours of Defiance Public Library System Services, Departments and Amenities are offered by trained, professional Library staff for all ages and needs. We can accomodate classes, groups, and individuals. Please call 3 weeks in advance to schedule.
If you have a large class project in one subject area, submit this form to ensure that there are plenty of resources available at the library for your students! Our Associates will reserve extra and/or multiple copies of materials to have on hand for students. Please give a minimum of 3 weeks notice for assignment notifications to have ample time to make and receive reserves.
Print Resources
For a full listing of all Print Resources available for check out, please visit our Check It Out! page. Below are resources of special interest to Educators.
- Adult Educators' Resources
Adult Educational Resources are available in print. These include Lesson Plan Guides, Classroom Ideas, and Homeschool Guides and Resources. Please ask at your local library.
- Educational DVDs
Videos and DVDs are available on a range of educational subjects including Holidays, Historical Events, Instructional, and Drama. Ask our library staff to help you find the perfect visual supplement to your next lesson.
- Multiple Copies
If you are looking for multiple copies of a resource for use in the classroom, please contact your local branch. Multiple copies can be obtained and checked out free of charge.
- Homeschool Guides
Looking for some guidance for your next Homeschool Lesson Plan or starting a Homeschooling plan from scratch? The Defiance Public Library System offers resources to assist Homeschool Educators.
- Spanish Collection
The Defiance Public Library System offers a collection of titles en español and with side-by-side translation. Titles en español are available in both Fiction and Non-Fiction.
Online Resources
Statewide Databases:
To access the following databases, click the title link and scroll down to the Students & Homework heading and select the database of your choice.
Kid Search: A Kid-Friendly searchable database powered by EBSCOhost. Searchers can type in a specific keyword or question or explore one of the many topic pages. Also offers a Teacher Resource page for detailed searches, current topic searches for the latest age-appropriate news stories, and a separate image search engine.
Age/Grade Level: Grades 3-8
Skills: Online Researching, Citation
Searchasaurus: A searchable database designed specifically for younger learners powered by EBSCOhost. Resources include Magazine Articles, Photographs, Biographies, and recent News Coverage.
Age/Grade Level: K-3
Skills: Online Researching, Citation
Student Resource Center: A searchable information database designed for Junior High and High School Students containing age appropriate materials, photos and topics for protected and verified searches.
Age/Grade Level: 7-12
Skills: Online Researching, Citation
World Book Kids: A multi-media online encyclopedia from the creators of the World Book Encyclopedia made just for kids. Encyclopedia entries include full color photographs, external links, and full citations. Learning is made fun and easy on this interactive database. Watch the online tour video
Age/Grade Level: K-8
Skills: Encyclopedic Research, Online Research, Citation
Locally Purchased Databases:
Access the following databases by typing in 'Defiance Public Library' and clicking the Defiance Public Library link. Select the database of your choice from the list. Enter in your DPLS Library Card number and click submit.
Novelist Plus: Consider Novelist your personal shopper for your favorite reads. This database of author and title information is unparalleled and designed by the librarians who started the Reader's Advisory Revolution. Search books by author, title, subject, keyword, or series; find up to date and comprehensive booklists for your favorite genre; and match your reading tastes with new titles to ensure you find the perfect read every time. There are separate pages for specific age ranges as well which quickly become an educator's best friend.
Age/Grade Level: All
Skills: Database and Keyword Search, Reading Comprehension
CultureGrams: CultureGrams is your link to the world. This database was specifically designed to introduce geographic locations and ethnicities of different cultures. Each country's page offers a glimpse into language, food, clothing, and customs that can be used for reports or just general interest.
Age/Grade Level: K-Adult
Skills: Database and Keywrod Search, Online Research
Other Resources:
Stories from the Sandbox Early Literacy Newsletter: A monthly newsletter presented by the Defiance Public Library System created specifically to inform parents/caregivers and educators about Early Literacy. See our past issues by clicking this link. If you would like to receive future e-issues of Stories from the Sandbox in your email, please contact Early Literacy Specialist Renee Tipton at tiptonre@oplin.org.
Tumblebooks: Offers FREE fully interactive downloadable E-books for kids, students and teachers. Books are read by professional readers while the storybook pictures are animated and displayed. Students can read along or choose to listen to audiobooks. Some titles are available in both English and Spanish. This site also has games to enhance reading comprehension as well as a language learning component. Teachers and parents/caregivers will be happy to learn that books can be searched by reading level, title, or subject.
Age/Grade Level: Newborn - Grade 6
Skills: Early Literacy, Phonological Awareness, Letter Recognition
Kids Click!: A Google-like search engine designed by librarians just for kids! This expansive search site only retrives information from sites verified by professional librarians and educators, making sure the information your students find is of the best quality and appropriate for classroom use.
Age/Grade Level: K-12
Skills: Online researching
Tours & Visits
Library staff are available to conduct tours and share stories for classroom visitations. Staff will also visit classrooms and present stories and skits for special occasions. Additionally, our staff also present programs about the Library or children's literature for teacher and parent groups. For more information on tours or visits please visit our Youth Tours page.
