Re: Dewey Numbers for Elementary

[Dawne Reed <dwreed@AZSTARNET.COM>]

Barbara,

I agree completely with your thoughts.  I believe we cannot help children
become independent learners/researchers if they are kept from learning the
real skills necessary to function in the real world.

My previous school (15 years) was an elementary school.  My students in
grades 3 through 5 were generally 'insulted' when well intentioned
volunteers offered to help them locate information.  They had been doing
research activities since kindergarten and felt quite competent to locate
materials on their own.  I had several second graders last year doing
small-group research.  I offered to help them begin their research and one
young lady informed me that "You taught us to do that two years ago!"  They
all requested help when they needed it, but enjoyed doing as much for
themselves as possible.  It's amazing what children can do, if we teach them
skills and then get out of the way and let them use them!

Cheers!
Dawne Wheeler Reed
Library Media Specialist
Hohokam Middle School
7400 S. Settler Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85746-9099
520-578-4924 (phone)
520-578-4925 (FAX)
dreed@tusd.k12.az.us (school)
dwreed@azstarnet.com (personal)

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