ELEM: Advice/Direction for Building a Media Program

[Tracie Lake-Kinnaird <apple00@IBM.NET>]

Greetings!

This is my second year as a media specialist.  There doesn't seem to be
anyone in my district that can help me and I desperately need some direction
and/or advice in building my media program.

Last year I had a fixed schedule and saw K, 3, 4, & 5th grade students for
media skills instruction (book check out was done by my assistant on another
day) for 30 minutes each, once a week.  I saw 1st & 2nd graders for 20
minutes only.  I really felt like I needed more time with these students to
provide them with more meaningful lessons.  Last year, I was assigned to two
buildings so the possibility of lengthening classes was impossible!  This
year, however, with the hiring of an additional media specialist, I will be
assigned to only one building!!!  This brings me to my need for your help.

I'd like to move to a flexible schedule and my principal is supportive of
this, although he doesn't really know much about the specifics of it (nor do
I really!).  My question is, how do you go about making this change?  Do you
do it gradually or otherwise?  How often do you see classes and for how
long?  I know there are some good books out there on this subject and I plan
to read some of these, but I was hoping for some quick thoughts from all of
you.

One last thing...because last year was my first year teaching and being a
media specialist, I was very nervous about having any adults in the room
with me while I was teaching.  I know I probably did myself a disservice,
but I allowed them to drop their students off and I led my classes on my
own.  This let me experiment and explore without feeling like I was being
judged on everything I said or did.  Anyway, I often found myself wishing
that I had another adult in the room with me to assist with the really busy
lessons I had planned!  This year, because I am not a "prep",  I'd like to
ask them all to remain with their students.  This is probably a stupid
question, but what do they do while they are there?  I know that I can have
them assist me where needed, and we can certainly team teach on certain
lessons.  But...without planning time, teaming will be a little more
difficult.  If we're not teaming on a particular day, do they just sit there
and grade papers or something?

Boy, I sure have a lot to learn!  I could really benefit on hearing some of
your thoughts and ideas.  Thank you all in advance!

Tracie Lake-Kinnaird, Media Specialist
Vandenberg Elementary School
Redford, M
apple00@ibm.net

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