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I want to add to Gail's post about incentives. I think it's most important with elementary age, (probably any age) children to be positive and encouraging when possible. I'm not one of those who thinks all problems can be solved with a hug, but my point is this. It is so, so easy to get caught up in rules, my rules, in our schools and particularly our libraries. And of course our rules are mostly about what you aren't supposed to do. You can't do this. This negative approach is insidious. It begins to shape your interaction with the kids, even though that is the last thing you want or intended. Look, I often have a kid sit away from the group for inappropriate behavior during instruction. The last six weeks of school, I don't let kids with overdues get books. I do insist on safe and respectful behavior. But I try, and this is my goal this year, to create a positive culture in my library. I want my patrons to do the right thing, because it's the right thing to do. I'm working on monitoring my own interaction with the kids to make sure I'm setting the right example. I'm too quick with the sarcastic remark, meant in fun but still too much for what I'm after. I was visiting a classroom this year when I heard a first grader pop off to his teacher. She calmly said, "I don't talk to you that way, I don't like it when you talk to me that way. I don't think that's how we treat each other." The kid was obviously affected by her approach and quickly assumed the proper classroom demeanor. Her whole class enjoys a culture of acceptance and kindness that really bolsters learning. That's what I want! I really like the idea of a book table that kids can sit at and read while their classmates check out books. I use my magazine collection for this purpose. I think our goal has to be for the kids to want to read more, so they will want to bring back their books. Good luck with this one, getting kids to return books and participate in new selection. It's a worthy project for all of us. Herb Wilburn NBCT Library Media http://www.user.shentel.net/hwilburn/herb/herb.htm http://letsjustsuppose.blogspot.com hwilburn@shentel.net hdwilburn@shenandoah.k12.va.us -------------------------------------------------------------------- Please note: All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law. You can prevent most e-mail filters from deleting LM_NET postings by adding LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU to your e-mail address book. To change your LM_NET status, e-mail to: listserv@listserv.syr.edu In the message write EITHER: 1) SIGNOFF LM_NET 2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL 3) SET LM_NET MAIL 4) SET LM_NET DIGEST * Allow for confirmation. * LM_NET Help & Information: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ * LM_NET Archive: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/archive/ * EL-Announce with LM_NET Select: http://elann.biglist.com/sub/ * LM_NET Supporters: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ven.html * LM_NET Wiki: http://lmnet.wikispaces.com/ --------------------------------------------------------------------