new librarian has many questions!

[Marci Tate <mtate@DOGBERT.IPA.NET>]

I am a new elementary library media specialist.  I am currently working on
my master's.  I was teaching middle and high school Social Studies, so the
library and the elementary age will be an exciting change.

Our elementary is made up of Kindergarten through 4th grade.  The former
librarian retired after 20 plus years and had everything down pat.  I am
going to continue to do many of the same things, but I also see a need for
a few changes.

Currently, each class (4 in each grade) is scheduled for the library twice
a week for 30 minutes.  The teacher rarely comes with them.  That schedule
leaves no time for teachers to bring their class to do other work.  The
library is too small for two classes to be there at the same time.  I would
also like to start integrating the library into the classroom curriculum
(for example, if a teacher is doing a unit on weather, I would like to use
that in instruction during library time).  Library time consists of:
learning to use the library, care for books, check out books, read stories,
etc.

What I want from experienced and knowledgable library media specialists:

I would like to hear from those of you who have schedules that work.  I
would like some ideas before I speak with my principal about making any
changes to the schedule.

I would also like to hear from any of you who have some tried and true
"lessons/units" that are successful.

We also use Accelerated Reader so I would love any information about it.

Thank you,
Marci Tate
mtate@ipa.net (home e-mail for the summer)
Elementary Library Media Specialist
West Fork Elementary (Arkansas)


Marci Tate
home e-mail  mtate@ipa.net
school e-mail  mtate@westfork.k12.ar.us