Thanks to everyone for their suggestions to get make fixed scheduling work along
with flexible scheduling. Here’s the ideas that I got!
Stacey Johnson, library media specialist
Rockfish River Elementary School
Afton, VA 22920
staceyjohnson@nelson.k12.va.us
*****************
I would probably grab a first year, newbie teacher and latch onto her. Draw her in
with ways you can help her and her classes.
I am in a middle school with flexible scheduling and found that I had to get in
their faces with stuff. Not in a rude way but by talking to students to see what
was going on in the class and then finding resources for the teachers. I would
find web sites and magazine articles. Anything and everything that pertained to
what they were doing.
You will find that as this is your 2nd year you have a better understanding of
which teachers do what projects at what times. I found great holes in my
collection and starting filling in that way. The health teachers think I am great
for massively expanding that section. I did it mainly because they were willing
to use the materials. Did another area not get the attention it deserved (like
planet books)? Sure but until the teachers seek those books out, I help out the
ones who let me.
I also started with a newsletter and enticements. I even added "the first 3 people
to read this line and come to the media center could claim a candy bar". Teachers
will follow you to the ends of the earth for chocolate! I would bury that line
somewhere in the newsletter. My newsletters have info about new books, web sites,
videos, interesting facts, etc. I also email about stuff I find or tv shows that
pertain.
Basically, I forced my way in. Now, I am so busy, I wonder how to go back!!
*****************
Key in on a couple of receptive teachers. Let them
promote the library for you. The kids will also do
this. "When is our class going to do that neat animal
project that Mrs. Martin's class did in the library?"
*****************
In my experience one of your most compelling "draws" to the library media
center is your interest in what the teacher is teaching. Go around to
several of the more likely candidates (to begin with) and ask them what's
going on in their classroom? What are the projects kids are working on.
Don't wait for the mountain to move!
****************
I'm also in my second year and my first at this school, and we also have a
fixed schedule. I've been approaching specific people with a lesson or unit
idea, such as a poetry contest with 3rd grade. These teachers were very
interested, and since it directly relates to their curriculum as well as ours,
they are more receptive. I've found that approaching them with a specific
idea really helps. Also, involving them in grant-writing might also be an
idea. Three of the teachers are working with me on a genres unit so that we
can apply for a large grant.
*******************8
I have the same schedule scenario, fixed and flexible. This, too, works at my
site, preK-6. I am very comfortable with it, as are students and staff. It took
some time for me to get teachers to view me as an “equal” worthy of
collaboration (which I realized they aren’t trained to do). I began with
booktalks related to curriculum, prodding (translated: bugging) teachers for clues
as to what they were studying in class. Next, I asked if I could pull a few kids
at a time for some web research, which they (teachers) were pleased with, feeling
they didn’t have the time/skills to do it. It just snowballed from there. I
don’t know if this helpful, but this is the abbreviated version I have time for
now! Please post a hit if you get some great ideas.
**************
If they have a book report topic, ask to give a booktalk about science fiction,
fantasy, humorous books, realistic/historical fiction....
or a lesson on finding biographies.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-
All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law.
To change your LM_NET status, e-mail to: listserv@listserv.syr.edu
In the message write EITHER: 1) SIGNOFF LM_NET 2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL
3) SET LM_NET MAIL 4) SET LM_NET DIGEST * Allow for confirmation.
LM_NET Help & Information: http://ericir.syr.edu/lm_net/
Archive: http://askeric.org/Virtual/Listserv_Archives/LM_NET.shtml
LM_NET Select/EL-Announce: http://www.cuenet.com/archive/el-announce/
LM_NET Supporters: http://ericir.syr.edu/lm_net/ven.html
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-
LM_NET
Mailing List Home