HIT: ELEM BEG. YEAR IDEAS

[Anastasi - Lisa <lisaanas@UMD5.UMD.EDU>]

Thank you to everyone who has responded so far to my questions on
beginning of the year procedures, tips, etc.  I would still love to
receive ideas, but I thought I would go ahead and post a HIT, because
I've had so many requests to do so.  A special thanks to Jennifer Burger
who told me how to post a HIT.  Here it goes!

Date: Wed, 03 Jul 1996 11:37:48 EDT
From: S KATCHER <k1yqc@qcvaxa.acc.qc.edu>
To: lisaanas@UMD5.UMD.EDU
Subject: RE: Target: Elem. Beg. Year Ideas

Dear Lisa,
Even old hands need new ideas.  For my k-1 classes I read the book I
Took My Frog To THe Library.  Silly book but it allows me to get the
classes to produce their own list of library do's and don't's.  The
first few visits I have a selection of books at each table.  Making
selections is one of the "harder" skills for the littler ones.
I have found if I limit their selections they do better.  If there are
4 children at the table I place a selection of 10 titles with varied
appeal or subjects there.  I have never Had a complaint from the kids.
It gives us time to work on the routine of signing cards and checking
outse shelf markers beginning in grade 2. The first few weeks the
students need some practice on the use of the markers so they just take
out 1 book, but then they go to 2.  Grades 3-6 take out 2 books for
recreational reading and additional sources for reports are dealt with
project at a time.

Good luck.  It's a great age to be involved with.
Sharonann Katcher
school e-mail librarian9@aol.com
Oceanside, NY


Date: Wed, 3 Jul 1996 17:09:01 -0400
From: Bev Rovelli <brovelli@relex.com>
To: lisaanas@UMD5.UMD.EDU
Subject: Re: Target: Elem. Beg. Year Ideas

Hi.. are you automated?? If not, I found this to be a great way for classes
to check out books.  Put each student's name on a card, when their class
comes, gather that classes cardss and lay them out on a table.     When they
sign out a book, put their book card on top of their name card.. ( I also
have them put a "date DUe" card in the book pocket (instead of stamping!)
YUK!)   THen when it is time to return to books, next class time, just call
their names out and have them put the book cards back in the pocket.. (Hand
up all the date due tickets)..
If you are automated,when it is time for book return, print out a class list
of books out and just call out their names and see which books are returned
,,, my kids know,,, no books in,,, no books out !!!

Grades K,1  1 book AND  1 video (we have a video library from BOCES)
Grades 2,3   2 or 3 books AND   1 video  ( ALSO<, no books, no video!! always)
Grades 4-5   4 books and 1 video
GRades 6-8  as many books as they can be responsible for

Hope this helps. bev

Bev Rovelli                      brovelli@ns1.relex.com
Lyncourt School
2707 Court Street                phone:315-455-7571
Syracuse, New York  13208        fax 315-455-7573
*******************************************************

LEARNING THE 3'Cs:
     Perceive changes as CHALLENGES to be mastered
     Make COMMITMENTS to self, work, family and personal values
     Develop a sense of personal CONTROL


Date: Wed, 3 Jul 1996 17:56:30 -0700
From: Marilyn McClure <mmcclure@ed.cecil.cc.md.us>
To: lisaanas@umd5.umd.edu
Subject: Beginning of the year ideas

Hi Lisa,
        I'm now in a middle school but spent 8 years in elementary schools.
Hope these ideas help.  First class of the year: call roll and check to make
certain there is a barcode for each student to check out books before the
end of class.  1st grade-read TELL ME SOME MORE. 2nd grade-read TODAY WAS A
TERRIBLE DAY. 3rd grade-start reading JUNIE B. JONES AND THE STUPID SMELLY
BUS. (I love all the Junie B. books.  They make me laugh everytime I read
them.  Students will "hussle" through book exchange to have time for me to
read a few more chapters before the end of class.  I read several JUNIE B.
books during the year). The next class, students would watch a filmstrip on
library manners. Grades 4 & 5 would sit in groups and come up with their own
lists as to what they remembered were the library rules.  We compared these
lists to mine! The next class, the students labeled a map with all the
important parts: fiction, nonfiction, paperback and reference shelves, card
catalog, magazines, sign-out desk, dictionary stand, fire exit, book return
slot, etc.
     Gr. 1 signed out 1 E Fic book at the beginning of the year. I told them
I would keep an eye on how they did returning them on time.  Each week I
would call out overdues and tell them they were getting close to getting 2
books.  It was a big build up for the beginning of Nov. when they finally
started getting 2 books.  2nd grade started the year getting 2 E Fic books.
Later in the fall when we discussed nonfiction books, they were allowed to
get 1 E and 1 nonfic. In the winter we discussed magazines and they were
from then on allowed to sign out one magazine.
Grades 3-5 got 2 items of their choice from anywhere except Ref.  Each
student was allowed to have 2 items signed out at any one time, so if they
brought back one book and had one overdue, they were still allowed to sign
out 1 book. Later in the fall I set up stations for older students to go to
after book exchange.  (They weren't allowed to go to the stations unless
they signed out at least 1 book.  Otherwise, they looked at a magazine while
they waited).  The stations included: a puzzle station, listening station,
as many computers as I could scrounge up--with Arthur's Teacher Trouble CD,
Oregon Trail and Carmen Sandiago, filmstrip previewing station, table with
WALDO books, and a game table.  Computer stations became an extra reward for
whatever and I kept track to make sure each student was in charge of the
computer at least two or three times a year. Stations were limited to 3-4
people.

My favorite books to read to first grade: TELL ME SOME MORE, MRS. TOGGLE AND
THE DINOSAUR, DANNY AND THE DINOSAUR, TAXI DOG, A DARK DARK TALE, A WITCH'S
HAT, LITTLE BEAR, THE DOORBELL RANG, THE BERENSTAIN BEARS FORGET THEIR
MANNERS, JEROME THE BABYSITTER, IT WASN'T MY FAULT, PERFECT THE PIG, CAN I
KEEP HIM?, ONE ZILLION VALENTINES, HEY AL, MAY I BRING A FRIEND?, YERTLE THE
TURTLE, POOR ESME, DO NOT OPEN, CHICKENS AREN'T THE ONLY ONES, HORTON
HATCHES THE EGG, THE LADY WITH THE ALLIGATOR PURSE, MEANWHILE BACK AT THE
RANCH, MOTHER'S DAY MICE, "FROG AND TOAD" books.

My 2nd grade favorites: any of the "ARTHUR" books, ALEXANDER AND THE
TERRIBLE HORRIBLE NO GOOD VERY BAD DAY, TODAY WAS A TERRIBLE DAY, SYLVESTER
AND THE MAGIC PEBBLE, EVERYBODY NEEDS A ROCK, KING BIDGOOD'S IN THE BATHTUB,
THE NAPPING HOUSE, FARMER GOFF AND HIS TURKEY SAM, any of the "AMELIA
BEDELIA" books, JUMANJI, PINKY AND REX AND THE SPELLING BEE, POLAR EXPRESS,
TROUBLE WITH TROLLS, THE ONE IN THE MIDDLE IS A GREEN KANGAROO, THE STINKY
CHEESE MAN, RUMPELSTILTSKIN (by Paul Galdone), ANATOLE, LEPRECHAUNS NEVER
LIE, FROG PRINCE CONTINUED, SLEEPING UGLY, THE TRUE STORY OF THE THREE
LITTLE PIGS, THREE DAYS ON A RIVER IN A RED CANOE.

Good luck with your job.
Marilyn McClure, Rising Sun, MD

Date: Wed, 3 Jul 1996 18:54:27 PST
From: "Kathryn L. Stirk" <stirkk@juno.com>
To: lisaanas@umd5.umd.edu
Subject: Beg.School Year

I try to meet with every class the first week. Introduce myself, talk
about the rules for the Media Center:
1. Come with a purpose (check out, research, read for pleasure, work on a
puzzle, computers, etc)
2. Work quietly
3. Be considerate of others

We spend 10 minutes or so on these rules. I ask what they mean... Define
purpose (reason for being here). Define quietly...Define considerate of
others. I note that the three build on each other: If you've come for a
reason you'll be so busy doing what you came for that you'll be quiet
and if you're busy doing what you came for you won't bother others....

Then we talk about check out  procedure (whatever it is). How many - for
K-1 it's 1 book, for 2-5 it's 2 books. They can come check out as often
as they like (check out, BRING back, check out some more). We're open
before and after school.

In my public school, I had a parent permission letter outlining the
penalties for late books (no check out) and asking the parents to be
responsible for paying for a lost or damaged book. I had no binding
authority in the letter - just moral persuasion.... It helped at the end
of the year to send the a copy of what they'd signed as I requested
payment. I wouldn't let students check out until the paper came back...
everyone could check out one magazine or one "throwaway" paperback book
if they never brought back the paper. 99% of the students brought the
letter back signed within the first week.

With the K,1,2- I do a follow the leader (me) tour of the library. Hands
behind our backs, touch with our eyes by looking, stopping and talking
about each area, ending up in the story corner and reading a story.

I've taken photos  of the Media Center (each area),hot glued velcro to
the backs of the pictures, made a map of the Media Center on flannel,
left the pictures in each area - picked them up as we went by (showed
the children, pointed to the area), then at the story corner had the map
set up and went over our tour and placed the pictures on the map - took
them down and had the children put the pictures on the map (I showed the
picture and said - who knows where this section of the library is? and
selected one student to place the picture on the map)

 I start our reading time with "Good morning", a finger play to get every
ones hands in their lap for listening, eyes on me, I talk about the
cover, spine, call number as the address -title page with the four
pieces of information one finds on the title page (show me four fingers)
- title, author, illustrator, publisher. We talk about what each of these
folks do. I claim the publisher as my favorite because if it weren't for
the publisher, I wouldn't have the book in my hand.....then on with the
story. I do this each time I read. By the end of Kindergarten most
students KNOW the parts of the book and who does what! Repetition
helps!!!!

Big kids - I use the overhead to do a tour. I make a transparency map of
the Media Center and use those overhead pens to write down the areas. I
ask - who knows where we'd find (sharks, jokes, baseball, etc) and send
one child to that area while marking it on the overhead transparency.

Once you've made your maps - you're set for years to come (unless you
move shelves a lot)!

With the older students I love to read The Wretched Stone by Chris
VanAllsburg. It's a parable about what watching TV can do to you. I'm
amazed at the number of students who don't get it...but we talk about
the stone, what could it be, what happens when you spend all your time
in front of the TV, what happened to the sailors/monkeys when the
Captain read to them.... their eyes light up as it hits them!

Good luck and have FUN! I've been doing this for ten years.

Kate Stirk
stirkk@juno.com

Date: Wed, 3 Jul 1996 19:22:49 -0400
From: "Kathi j. Emitt" <104226.2144@compuserve.com>
To: Anastasi - Lisa <lisaanas@UMD5.UMD.EDU>
Subject: Target: Elem. Beg. Year Ideas

Hi ,

I always read some of the juvenile literature during summer vacation -
usually new things that arrived with my spring book order.  In the fall, I
start the year by displaying my favorite books that I read during the
summer and doing a short synopsis about each during "library time" (we
don't have flex scheduling yet). I include some personal information as I
tell about the books like " How many of you took a book on vacation? Well,
let me share the book that I read while sunning on Myrtle beach..." Sharing
some personal information like this seems to break the ice with the kids.
They share with me in return and a nice teacher/student relationship
develops.

Good luck,

Kathi Emitt
Norwood Elementary
Knoxville, TN.

Date: Wed, 3 Jul 1996 19:44:03 -0400
From: perocon@mint.net
To: Anastasi - Lisa <lisaanas@UMD5.UMD.EDU>
Subject: Re: Target: Elem. Beg. Year Ideas

>Hi LIsa,
I am in a K-8 library (but only part time and no support staff). This was
the first complete school year (I was hired in December the year before) and
I tried a couple of things that the kids really enjoyed. On the first visit
I talk to them about check out procedures and library rules. On subsequent
visits, depending on time, I give the students a floor plan of the library,
with important areas numbered. They need to walk around, find the area in
the library and label it on their map.(i.e. dictionaries, encyclopedias,
biographies, Esay reads, etc.) I also do team relays for finding call
numbers. I place the students in 4 or more groups and each member of the
group gets a "spine" with a call # on it. They go one at a time from each
team and when student finds the book, brings it back to the table and next
team member has a turn. It does tend to turn the library into a zoo, so you
wouldn't want to have much else going on at the same time. I've used that
with 3rd thruough 5th grade and all of them loved it. I limit 1st graders to
one book, and older students can take two. But I've been known to bend the
rules if a student really needs 3-4 books for a project due in tow days and
that student has no study halls and can't stay after school, well, you get
the picture!
Hope this helps and good luck! If you have any furthur questions just email me.
Jane Perry         perocon@mint.net


Date: Wed, 3 Jul 1996 19:38:48 -0500
From: Madeline Buchanan <mlbuchan@scott.net>
To: lisaanas@umd5.umd.edu
Subject: Elementary Beg. Year Ideas

Congratulations on your job as a media specialist.  At the beginning of the
year I let the students know the library rules and usually review the care
of books to each grade level.  We also have a form in which each student
takes home to be signed by parents to let parents know about our check-out
policies (how long a book can be checked out, parent responsibilities, etc.
This way a parent cannot come back to you during the year saying he or she
didn't know the child was checking out books.

Our school allows 1-3 to check out one book for a week and grades 2-8 can
check out two books.  There is some question about this, but I don't let
kindergarten students check out books until after Christmas.  Before I came
to W. J. Christian a year ago, kindergarten students didn't check out any
books at all.  We lost only one book that was checked out by kindergarten
students so it sh;ows that they can be responsible.

Please post a HIT of what you receive.


     Madeline L. Buchanan            W. J. Christian School
     Library Media Specialist        Birmingham, Alabama  35206
     mlbuchan@scott.net              Voice:  (205) 838-7620 or (205) 838-7666
     dems105@uabdpo.dpo.uab.edu      Fax:  (205) 838-7622
     buchanml@aol.com                http://www.scott.net/~mlbuchan/

     Exercise develops your body.  Reading develops your mind.

Date: Wed, 3 Jul 1996 21:13:14 -0400
From: PBergant@aol.com
To: lisaanas@umd5.umd.edu
Subject: Re: LM_NET Digest - 3 Jul 1996 - Special issue

One of my schools is K-5, very small, 230 students approximately.  My
standard procedure is for First grade students to begin checking out after
Christmas and then just one book for one week.  If no book is returned, they
get no book.  2nd thru 5th grade students may check out two books for one
week.  They may recheck as many times as they like unless someone requests
the book. But, the book(s) must be returned to be rechecked.  They receive
overdue notices  - hand delivered the first two times, then mailed after
about three weeks.  That is if I can keep up with it.  We are not automated.

Sometimes my first grade checks out earlier than Christmas, if the teacher
feels they are ready and responsible.  Everything depends on the individual.
 My kindergarten teachers requested that some students check out books last
year but they made them keep the books at school in their cubby (storage
space.)  I charge no fines.  Reference books may be checked out for school
hours only.  That is sometimes hard to keep up with too as I get busy and
forget to check the clipboard they sign out on.

Good luck.  Write if you have any questions.

Phyllis Bergant pbergant@aol.com

Date: Wed, 3 Jul 1996 20:10:25 -0500 (CDT)
From: Patricia Lee Wassink <wassinpl@uwec.edu>
To: Anastasi - Lisa <lisaanas@UMD5.UMD.EDU>
Subject: Re: Target: Elem. Beg. Year Ideas

Hi--

Would you  share your replies with me?  I could use some new ideas..

What I usually do...
   Week one, gr. 1-6  orientation: review rules, circulation limits,
location of materials, review class lists (there are always last minute
changes), greet new students, and have checkout.

   Week two: Review book care: gr 1. Filmstrip/cassette called _Glad
book, Sad book (old and I would like to replace if anyone has a good
idea; it still does the job but some things look a bit dated); gr. 2 a
video called _The Broken Book Shop_; gr. 3--I think this year I will read
_The Library Dragon_ ( I know it didn't get such hot reviews, but I tried
it last spring with a class and they loved it--and it does make a point);
4, 5, and 6: show examples of chewed, burned, drowned and other damaged
books.  Kids are horrified.

After 2 weeks I go into my standard units.  Kindergarten doesn't start
until the third week and I use _The Very Hungry Caterpillar_, a favorite
because it hits on reality/fantasy (a major theme of our kgn program),
counting, science, etc.

Good luck!

Pat Wassink
Colfax Elementary School
601 University Ave.
Colfax, WI 54730
wassinpl@uwec.edu


Date: Wed, 3 Jul 1996 18:27:49 -0700
From: dayton grade school <daytong@mail.yamhillesd.k12.or.us>
To: Anastasi - Lisa <lisaanas@UMD5.UMD.EDU>
Subject: Re: Target: Elem. Beg. Year Ideas

Hello Lisa,
        Since I am beginning only my second year as a Library Media
specialist, I don't have a lot of advice to give you.  I began the year
with some "getting to know you" things (what book character are you like?
design a picture of the perfect Library Teacher and tell me about it,
etc.), also did some reviewing of the library layout. Students filled in
maps of the library, etc. (Another good lesson--takes several weeks-for
learning the library's resources is to have them, in groups, write a "Magic
School bus visits the library" book.  Each group of kids does a page on a
different section of the library-Reference, Fiction, nonfiction,etc)  With
the younger kids I started with books about names, then lessons on book and
material care.
        One thing that I didn't do, that I wish that I had done, was to
find out what Traditions the library program has had.  My school had a
traditional year-long Newbery reading contest, among other things, that the
kids looked forward to each year.
        We allow book check out: 1 book-first grade; 2 books-second grade;
3 books-3rd and above (with more allowed for research). Kindergarteners get
an in-classroom story hour until Christmas, then they come into the library
and begin check out after that. (I am assuming that you are in an
elementary school-you didn't say) Good luck!  it is a wonderful job! Have
fun!
jann tankersley
daytong@mail.yamhillesd.k12.or.us

Date: Wed, 3 Jul 1996 21:58:39 -0400 (EDT)
From: "Barbara Watkins (LIS)" <watkins@luna.cas.usf.edu>
To: lisaanas@umd5.umd.edu
Subject: Beginning of School

Wow, what a great question.  As an also new hire I have the same
questions.  So please, please, please post a hit of all your replys.  Or
forward your replys to me.  We newly hired need to stick together.

Did you see the e-mail on a first day of school idea?  I read it about a
week ago.  The idea is to take pictures of the faculty and staff during
pre-planning.  Quickly get the film developed and post the pictures in the
media center next to a filled in questionnaire of "How I spent My Summer
Vacation".  It was suggested that one of the questions be "Favorite book
read". My faculty and staff count about 85, so I don't think I can do
everyone, I guess just the classroom teachers and administrators.

Barbara Watkins
Media Specialist
Yates Elementary School
Brandon, Fl


Date: Wed, 3 Jul 1996 22:26:07 -0400
From: TCHRMARCIE@aol.com
To: lisaanas@umd5.umd.edu
Subject: Re: Target: Elem. Beg. Year Ideas

Hi Lisa,
Although I am not a librarian, I do have an activity to share.
One of my favorite activities for using the library at the beginning of the
year is a scavenger hunt.  The students have to find certain books, facts,
etc all over the library.  I even give prizes.
Good luck
Marcie

Date: Thu, 4 Jul 1996 03:18:51 -0400
From: PETACALM@aol.com
To: lisaanas@umd5.umd.edu
Subject: Re: Target: Elem. Beg. Year Ideas

I ask the teachers of each classroom how many books they think their grade
should check out.  Usually they start out at 1 or 2 a week, then judging on
their responsibility level, increase that throughout the year.  When a child
asks me how many books they can check out, I tell them to ask their teacher.
 I really don't have a limit, but 6 is a workable number for older kids who
want a pleasure book, some nonfiction and reference.  I will ask kids to take
only take one or two books on a certain subject if I know others may need for
an assignment.  But they are able to return them the next day and get more if
they want.  In my library, kids come once a week with their class, but also
can come any time individually with teacher's permission to leave the
classroom.

Lorrie Miller

Date: Thu, 4 Jul 1996 10:42:59 -0400
From: perocon@mint.net
To: Anastasi - Lisa <lisaanas@umd5.umd.edu>
Subject: Re: Target: Elem. Beg. Year Ideas

>Hi LIsa,
Me again! I thought of a couple of things that might interest you. If not,
simply hit the delete button. I attended a conference this spring where one
of the presentations was a very creative delivery on the care of books. If
you have a bit of the performer in you, you might like to try this. I'm
going to work it into beginning of the year activities at my school this fall.

The Book Doctor
Dress like a doctor and have a book truck with several books in need of
repair. Attatch a sheet over the truck so kids can't see what you have. Then
work up a script about how you've just come from the book hospital where
you've seen many tragic cases, etc. You can pull out a book from your truck
and explain to the kids what that particular book's "ailment" is, how it
probably happened and how to avoid it, etc. You can use play doctor kits and
pretend to take the books blood pressure, give it a shot, etc. In the skit I
was performed the fellow wore a stethoscope around his neck, wore "gag
glasses with attatched moustache" and he spoke with a British accent. At the
very end of his act, he was working on one very badly damaged book. After
giving it a shot, and trying other medical remedies, he pulled out a black
"shroud" draped it over the book and said " Oh boys and girls I'm afraid
this one didn't make it"
Anyway just an idea-have fun with it!
Jane Perry   perocon@mint.net

Well, that's what I have so far.  But like I said, I would love to
continue to receive ideas, suggestions, tips and I would be happy to post
a HIT now that I know how.  I really appreciate all the responses - what
a GREAT group!

Lisa Anastasi
lisaanas@umd5.umd.edu