Re: Gen/elem: K - 1 taking books from shelves

[Linda Greengrass <LINDAG@BNK1.BNKST.EDU>]

Judy,
What about a combination of both? I generally put a number of books
out on the tables (I choose fiction and non-fiction) for the younger
children (3 - 6 year olds), but they are also told that if they do
not see something that appeals to them or if they want something
else, they are welcome to go to the shelves (and/or ask for help).
About half of the group tends to pick from the table books (which I
usually cull in part from the recently returned unshelved books),
while the other half goes to the shelves. For some children the
shelves, especially in our library, are overwhelming, for others, it
is the whole point of coming to the library. Some children do go
after the thickest book they can find. If, after I have suggested
that they might not understand/enjoy it, they persist in wanting it,
they are welcome to take it out. The only time I really limit is if
a 3 wants Goosebumps or some totally inappropriate YA novel. I tell
the children that if they come back after school with their
grown-up, they make take the book then. Very few (but some) do. I
would _never_ limit any child's choices to just what I have
preselected. Even the threes, on their very first visit to the
library, are welcome to go to the shelves if they choose to.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Linda

>Date:          Mon, 5 Aug 1996 15:37:08 -0400
>Reply-to:      Judy Seck <jseck@LSD.K12.MI.US>
>From:          Judy Seck <jseck@LSD.K12.MI.US>
>Subject:       Gen/elem: K - 1 taking books from shelves
>To:            Multiple recipients of list LM_NET
><LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU>
>
>Hi, I am an elementary media specialist, fixed schedule, inter-city
>school (about 400 kids).  The last two years, I have let the
>kindergarteners go to the shelves and choose books themselves.  I
>questioning the desirability of this.  Often, they make poor
>choices, get in each others way, and leave they section looking
>like its been hit by a tornado.  I'm thinking of selecting books
>and putting some on each table that they can choose from.  Any
>suggestions?
>
> Also what about first grade and non-fiction.  It had been a
>precedent in the school I'm in that k, 1, and 2 only choose books
>from easy fiction.  I feel they are missing many good non-fiction
>books geared for them (1 & 2).  Print may be difficult, but great
>pictures.  Opinions?  Please reply directly to my e-mail address.
>
> Thanks, Judy Seck Teacher/Media Specialist 1012 West Willow
>Lansing, MI  48915 Voice & FAX (517)325-7348 jseck@lsd.k12.mi.us Linda Greengrass
Bank Street College Library
610 West 112th Street
New York, NY 10025
(212) 875-4452
lindag@bnk1.bnkst.edu