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Thanks for all the replies.   Original question:  I am asking for advice on
particular procedures for K-1 students.  This will be my first year as a
media specialist.  In the past, k-1 students had to check out (AR)
books.(teacher requirement), and the media specialist only allowed them to
check out 1 book.   I am concerned with this because making children check
out an AR book seems wrong to me. It doesn't affect 2-5 students because
they can check out 2 or more books, so they can check out 1AR book and 1
other book. So, I am debating whether to let my K-1 students check out 2
books.  Are K-1 responsible enough to check out more than one book/  All my
colleagues in other elementary schools only let k-1 check out 1 book. I am
looking for suggestions on how to accommodate the teacher's wishes of AR
books and my wishes for personal selection. I will post all hits.  Thanks.

-------------------------

I started the Ks with one and then went to two before Christmas vacation.
I did not let them go to the shelves (too many choices- took too long-if
they had a specific request for a book that wasn't on the table I got it for
them). The 1st graders started with two, went to three before Christmas.  It
wasn't any more problem for the K-1s than for the older kids.  In fact most
of them did a better job.
 ------------------------------------
Everyone in our school can check out 3 books.  But, I start slowly with K.
They start by checking out one book to the classroom about Nov.  (depends on
what the teachers and I think).  In Jan. they start checking out one for
home and within the month may check out the same as everyone.  There are
always a few who can do not remember to bring them back the next week, but
most of the do just great.   Oh, I do limit the area of the library that
they can use.  Well, actually, I structure it- for a few weeks we will
checkout in 398.2; then the 500's etc.  You get the idea!
---------------------------------------
Hi. I started in a K-2 building last year and upped the checked out for 1st
to 2 books also.  It worked fine-and the kids felt very special.  My real
problem was when kids would return only 1 book-then it became a nightmare.
At the beginning of the year, I let them still check out a book, but the
longer the original book is missing, the worse the chances of finding it, so
this year I am going back to if you forget any books, no new book check out.
Good luck!  Bettina
--------------------------------------

If you have enough AR books, requiring students to check out AR books is not
a punishment.
---------------------------------------
The policy at our library this year will be that K students will be able to
check out one book - from an assortment I put on the table. (We don't have
AR.)  I found last year that if they were left to choose from the shelves -
they gravitated toward the same old thing - mostly hardbound Zoobooks - and
other non fiction series - so I really want to them to choose picture books
they can enjoy with their parents.

In first grade the kids can choose one book 1st semester and 2 books second
semester.  This year I am going to implement the policy that if they forget
their books they have to wait until the following week to check out another
book (but they can put a book on hold for that week).  I did have lots of
kids forget their books and then come back throughout the week when they
returned the books - often at times when I was busy with other classes.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Let them check out two! Your instinct is right on. They can keep up with
them, and if the K-1 teachers have a problem with your change, (and some
will), use that as a launch point to discuss why you feel they need to
choose from a wider range of books. All of us, after all, want to encourage
lifelong reading habits and contrived environments don't help with that
goal.
---------------------------------------------
I start the year with K only checking out 1 book since not all of our
students have been in a pre-K program or have families using the public
library.  After about 2-3 months (depends on the group and how well they do
returning books) I allow 2 books.  Gr. 1 can take 3 books.
---------------------------------------------
I am no longer an elementary school librarian, but when I was(last year) I
let 1st graders check out 2 books, and Ks only 1. I wanted to make sure that
I had time to go over book care and responsibilities with the Ks before
allowing them to take more than one. I did make the exceptions if a parent
came in with them, that they could check out more books in addition to the
one they chose while visiting the library with their class. I also made
exception in individual cases. For instance, if I knew a child was
responsible and an avid reader then I would make arrangements with the
teacher for them to come back without the class to choose an additional
title.

Also with my Ks I selected a variety of fiction and non-fiction titles, then
set the books out on a table, and when it was time for check out students
would select their own book. Maybe you could do something similar with your
AR titles, select books that you feel may be of interest to your students
and they can choose from there.

I let Grade 1 students check out two books at a time.  We also have the AR
program and I encourage the children to make one of their choices an AR but
I do not tell lthem they have to.  In our school the children have classroom
books to choose from as well, so I figure if the teacher wants a child to
read an AR she can take care of that in the classroom.
    As for Kindergarten kids, our teacher will not let them check out books
until the second half of the school year.  However they come to me every
week for a story.  Kindergarten checks out one book at first just to get a
feel of how they will return, then I let them have two.  I do have a
wonderful K teacher though.  She takes on the responsibility of seeing that
all books are returned.
    For all age levels I generate and overdue list each week for the
teachers.  If the children have books out for a long period of time, they do
not check out books until the returns are made.  Our principal feels that
with the books in the classrooms and the public library, we are not
depriving the students.  It is amazing how this works.  I have very few
overdues.  The kids know they need to bring a book back to get another one.
    I think the AR program has many benefits, but I also feel that children
need some choice in their selections.  Hope this helps some.
----------------------------------------------------
My first grade students check out 2 books with very few problems.  We do not
have AR, but the teachers and I require the students to find 1 book they can
read (self-selection) and then the other can be anything else (fiction or
nonfiction).
I don't have kindergarten, but I know the LMS at the kindergarten center
allows the students to take 2 books also.
--------------------------------------------
You know, I think your are absolutely right about this restriction being
wrong, but you probably can't change it and still be considered cooperative
and friendly.  My K's check out 1 book--it is at the request of the teacher,
and I think we are in a period of training for the parents and children.
They aren't allowed to check out a book again if they already have one
checked out and that really gets their attention! (They are allowed to put a
book in our "save" box to come and get it if and when they remember to bring
back their book. The book can stay in the "save" box for a week.

1st graders check out 3 books each week. With a lot of support from the
teacher they do really well with this. If they forget the routine is the
same as K--"save" box, etc. I think that early readers really need to
read/have read to them all the books we can get into them since they are
forming reading skills and habits that will last them for their whole lives.

When I had a 1st grade teacher who required that they each take home an easy
reader, I had them do that and then they could choose 2 more free choice
books. So, I think your instincts are right on.Library must be a positive
experience for all. After all, we are building our future patrons and
support base.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Kelly Reeder
Master's student at UNCG/school media
Charlotte, NC currently stay-at-home mother
reedertwins@alltel.net

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