In addition, each grade is assigned a project. Mathias cites a few examples -- this semester, 5th graders will be holding "Fairy Tale trials" -- with Mathias as the presiding judge. They will have to learn how the legal system works -- how to argue a case, select jurors, call witnesses. Fourth graders will be creating avatars of their favorite fictional characters and creating a stop-motion film. Kindergarteners will be creating puppets of Mother Goose characters.

"I like to be as creative as possible," she said.

Whenever possible, Mathias uses the computers and iPads in the adjoining resource room to further enhance the story.

"Being able to hop inside stories and bring the kids with me is just great," she explained. "With the technical aspect, we can continue to develop a relationship with our storybook friends in all kinds of ways -- by studying their places, or their time periods, or by looking into what they do."

"I always tell my students that this class is the best class because it will help you no matter what you choose to do in life," she continued. "Technology is everywhere, and I don't think you can be literate in this world unless you include all aspects of literacy, including computer literacy."

However, Mathias doesn't just limit herself engaging students in the virtual or imaginary realm, but her projects urge them to create in the material world, as well.

She has created a "Wisdom Wall," a hands-on project that challenges students to conceptualize, engineer and build. This month's project is a "snowball catapult." Using sticks, students build a catapult and shoot pom-poms into various targets throughout the library.

"There's always something different," she said. "And the students are very good about cleaning up after themselves. They know that when they got here it was cleaned up, so they give that same respect to the next class."

Mathias also has created a Lego Wall -- an area where students can form Lego creations and put them on display.

"I always try to do something new here," she said. "I try to keep it engaging."

After school, Mathias has begun a "Book Buzz," a book club for fourth and fifth graders. In addition to reading a book and discussing it, she also brings in speakers related to the books. She explained that in the current book under discussion, a character has a service dog, so Mathias has invited a person with a service animal to speak to the students about it.

"I have the best job in the world," she said.

In addition to being an educator at Sacred Heart, Mathias is also a former student, attending Sacred Heart until the 7th grade. She is also the parent of a preschooler at the school.

"I have such fond memories of coming to this school," she said. "What the Sisters (of Divine Providence) have done here is something unique and special."

"This is my school. I love, love, love Sacred Heart," she said.