Crayons to Caps- A Journey from Kindergarten to 12th Grade Research Strategies

This session is a comprehensive presentation of a vertically aligned K–12 framework designed to teach and reinforce essential research skills across all grade levels. Attendees will explore age-appropriate strategies to cultivate strong research habits, critical thinking, and digital literacy at every stage of a student's academic journey.Through this structured framework, we will demonstrate how to build a solid foundation in inquiry-based learning, ethical use of information, and digital citizenship. The progression begins with simple questioning techniques in the early grades and gradually develops into a deeper understanding of the research process, ultimately supporting students as they become critical thinkers and take on complex, independent research projects in high school.Attendees will walk away with practical tools, adaptable lesson ideas, and a clear vision for vertically aligning research instruction across grade levels within their schools or clusters. The framework presented will include AASL, ISTE, POG and NCSLM standards, ensuring a well-rounded approach. Our goal is to equip you with a ready-to-use model that fosters collaboration with fellow librarians and educators, strengthen continuity, foster fluency and empower students to become confident, ethical researchers that can be implemented to strengthen student inquiry and digital literacy from start to finish.Attendees will have access to our Powerpoint presentation and the framework we have implemented.