@image /content/dam/pebblegodev/blog/rayanne-spotlight.png PebbleGo Community member spotlight graphic. The image shows the PebbleGo homepage on an iPad, paper airplane, and a book. When [b]Rayanne Polm, a Library Media Specialist in Killeen ISD[/b], first fell in love with books, it wasn’t inside a library, it was outside, standing by a bookmobile that rolled through her neighborhood every few weeks. “It was the greatest thing,” she recalls. “I told my mom that one day, when I was a grown-up, I was going to drive the bookmobile.” That spark never faded. Years later, Rayanne now helps her students experience that same sense of discovery and excitement every time they open a book or explore PebbleGo. With 11 years in education, including four years teaching first grade and seven years as a librarian, she’s built a career around turning curiosity into confidence and helping students see themselves as lifelong learners. [b] A Passion Born from a Bookmobile [/b] Rayanne’s journey to becoming an educator wasn’t straightforward, but it was always intentional. “I took some detours,” she says with a smile. After having children young, she chose to work in her school’s kitchen so she could stay on the same schedule as them while finishing her degree. “I’d work until two, they got out at three, and after they went to bed, I’d continue with my coursework. They were long days, but I had a goal in mind. Plus, I wanted to inspire them — to show them that you can make it happen.” After earning her teaching certification, Rayanne taught first grade for several years before earning her [b]master’s in library science[/b]. In Texas, librarians must first teach for at least three years before stepping into the library, something Rayanne believes makes a difference. “We’re certified teachers and librarians,” she explains. “That helps a lot when you’re collaborating with classroom teachers because you’ve been in their shoes.” For Rayanne, the library represents everything she’s always loved about learning: freedom, imagination, and connection. “It’s the best of both worlds,” she says. “I get to see the excitement and collaboration. I like to think of myself as the fun auntie of the school.” [b] Building Wonder Through Everyday Moments [/b] Rayanne’s library hums with activity — sometimes literally. She encourages loud, joyful collaboration that turns ordinary days into opportunities for teamwork. “We had a third-grade class come in, and I told them to make something from their book out of Legos,” she says. “It was loud, but it was a good loud. They were all talking, helping each other, figuring things out together. Nobody was fighting, it was chaos...but the best kind.” It’s that kind of engagement that makes her students excited to learn. One of Rayanne’s favorite traditions is her [b]district-wide book club[/b], where 20 schools read and compete in trivia challenges based on 20 selected titles. “I keep getting fourth place,” she laughs. “We’re determined to make the podium next year!” What started as a small after-school program now includes [b]26 students[/b] sprawled across beanbags, shoes kicked off, deeply engaged in their books. “It’s total comfort,” she says. “They love it.” Moments like these remind Rayanne why she loves her work. “I had one student who stopped me after a long day and said, ‘Thank you for the book club — I love it.’ That’s the kind of thing that keeps you going.” @image /content/dam/pebblegodev/blog/rayanne-spotlight-mid.png An image of a student and teacher reading on a computer. [b] Exploration Meets Literacy with PebbleGo [/b] For Rayanne, PebbleGo fits naturally into her philosophy of letting kids explore. “Teachers often use PebbleGo more for focused lessons,” she explains, “but in the library, I let students explore freely. One of them typed in ‘mathematics’ and somehow ended up learning about black holes — and that’s exactly what I want to see.” Her favorite feature is the [b]Random Article[/b] button. “It’s perfect for the kids who don’t know what they want to look up,” she says. “They hit that spinner and suddenly they’re learning about something completely new. It’s great for discovery and building background knowledge.” PebbleGo also supports Rayanne’s youngest learners and English Language Learners through its [b]read-aloud audio and videos[/b]. “It allows everyone to participate,” she says. “Even my littles who are just learning to read can follow along. They’re learning vocabulary and comprehension through hearing and seeing the words together.” And of course, there’s plenty of fun mixed in. “We sometimes have to limit how many times they can listen to animal sounds,” she laughs. “They love those.” [b] Connecting Print and Digital Worlds [/b] As a longtime Capstone reader, Rayanne knows the power of combining PebbleGo with print books. “They’re all high interest, so the kids stay engaged,” she explains. “When they can connect what they’re reading in PebbleGo to the pictures in the print books, [b]they start making connections without even realizing it[/b].” She’s also noticed an increase in nonfiction circulation, a category that can sometimes be tough to get kids excited about. “Nonfiction gets a bad rap for being boring,” she admits. “But PebbleGo changes that. It’s interactive, visual, and interesting. Kids come back and say, ‘Hey, I read about this in PebbleGo,’ and now they’re checking out related books. That’s what we want — curiosity feeding curiosity.” [b] Bringing It All Together: A Community of Curiosity [/b] Rayanne’s love for learning extends beyond her library walls. As part of the PebbleGo Educator Community, she connects with teachers and librarians nationwide to share ideas and inspiration. “I love hearing how others are using PebbleGo,” she says. “It gives me new ideas and keeps me excited to try new things.” Her approach to education perfectly captures what makes PebbleGo so powerful, meeting kids where they are and giving them space to explore without pressure. “It’s a no-pressure zone,” she says. “They share their ideas, they collaborate, they explore — and that’s when the best learning happens.” From her bookmobile dreams to her bustling library, Rayanne Polm has never stopped chasing the magic that first drew her to reading. Through her creativity, care, and love of PebbleGo, she’s helping her students see that learning can be as exciting as it is meaningful. One curious click at a time. @image /content/dam/pebblegodev/blog/rayanne-footer.png An image of Rayanne Polm with a blue and yellow background. [b] Inspired by Rayanne’s story? [/b] Explore how [url=https://pebblego.com/us/pebble-go-premier.html]PebbleGo Premier[/url] connects digital learning and literacy across your school and join the PebbleGo Community to exchange ideas with educators nationwide. @button #8DF1FF https://www.pebblego.com/resources/community Join the Community