Re: Rewards for what?

[Sharon Flesher <SLFlesher@AOL.COM>]

I liked Diane's comments about using rewards for bringing back books on time.
While I like to see the books back, I really like to know they are being
read. I love to hear the enthusiasm in a kid's voice when they relate
something they have read, tell me a neat "new to them" fact or tell me an
awfull joke that they have read. I make sure that the students are gently
reminded if they have overdues, but I tread carefully and keep my greater
goal in mind.

At the beginning of the year I talk to each class about the importance of
returning books on time and how that impacts other students. The first
graders make a book care book that they take home that covers such issues as
cleanliness in handling books, renewals, booksmarks...  For the second
graders, I dress up in my rescue squad clothes (from a prior life) and do a
lesson that I refer to as "Dr. Flesher, Book Mender" and the kids all call me
Dr. for a while. It is great for my self esteem and the kids get a real kick
out of. More importantly, we cover what taxes do, why it is important to
return books and what to do if something is broken and needs help.

Using rewards in the library is a whole different issue. I am a warey reward
giver. I try to keep things inherently exciting and am improving each year. I
especially am careful about food rewards as I have a daughter with food
issues and I feel that there is an overemphasis on food in our society. One
reward I give to kids who are good about returning books is allowing them to
take an extra book home to read. Our students are allowed to take two, and I
extend that for trustworthy enthusiastic readers.

Well, too much babble and opinion.

Sharon
Fisk Elementary
NH
Library Lady
SLFlesher@aol.com

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=
All postings to LM_NET are protected under copyright law.
 To quit LM_NET (or set-reset NOMAIL or DIGEST), send email to:
   listserv@listserv.syr.edu          In the message write EITHER:
    1) SIGNOFF LM_NET 2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL or 3) SET LM_NET DIGEST
 4) SET LM_NET MAIL  * Please allow for confirmation from Listserv
 For LM_NET Help & Archives see:  http://ericir.syr.edu/lm_net/
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=