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.
-------------------------
At our school, Kindergarten kids check out one book. They return it as soon
as they finish it for another. Our first grade kids check out 2. Also,
they may return them at anytime for new books. One of the reasons our K
kids do not get 2 books is that it is easier for them to read one book a
night and test over it the next day than it is to try and read 2 and test
over them.
Honestly, I feel that the kids that have trouble keeping up with books in K
will be the ones that have trouble keeping up with them all through school.
When I became LMS five years ago, the K kids could not take books home and
1st grade could have only one book. We changed that and there have been no
regrets. If we have a child that is checking out one book and not returning
the other (several weeks overdue), we tell them they have to return it
before checking out another. That usually gets the book back in a day. We
are lucky with the fact that most of our books are AR, so there is no
problem with checking out one that is and one that isn't. However, we do
have the issue of kids wanting to check out books way over their level and
right on their interest level. Similar to your problem, we handle it with
"be sure one is AR."
If I were you, I wouldn't hesitate on letting the first grade have 2 books.
I'm not sure about kindergarten. You might try it with one class and see
how it goes that is what we did when the changes were made. However, I
would wait until at least the 2nd nine weeks or 2nd semester. I wonder how
much trouble they will have keeping up with what is AR and what isn't.
-----------------------------------------------
We allow all AR students to check out 2 books, one is for AR and the other
can be anything they want. We also have open library times all day every
day, so any time students want to exchange a book, they just come in and do
it. Many younger students come in several times a day to exchange picture
books that they have finished. I don't mind limiting students to 2 books at
a time since they can exchange them whenever they want. We only allow
check-outs for one week at a time, but allow students to renew books 2-3
more times if they need to.
--------------------------------------------------
In my school, K doesn't have library with me-- they come in w/their
classroom teacher and I really have nothing to do w/them (not my choice!)
But both K and 1 each take out one book a week. I have to say in the past 2
yrs that K has been coming, we have had them lose a lot of books...so the 1
at a time limit has worked for us. However I set up times 3 days a week
where the kids can come in for book exchanges-- so if they've finished it
and want another before their next library time, that's it.
--------------------------------------------------
Our K-1 students do not check out AR books until the individual child is
ready...we do not force them to start until they demonstrate the necessary
skills otherwise it because too much of a burden for them and too
frustrating for them. When they are ready to participate in AR we then allow
them to check out 2 books so they have the opportunity for a free choice
book in addition to the AR.
It's too bad the teachers are forcing AR on to kids who might not yet be
ready...
-----------------------------------------------------
I have found that first graders are responsible enough to check out two
books. Kindergarten students pose a problem. I found that kindergarten
students often misplace their one book and many, at the beginning, do not
realize they need to bring their books back to school no matter how much I
emphasize how the library works. I think requiring kindergarten students to
check out AR is not a good thing and what is the point at this level?
Encouraging them to love books is the idea and not to achieve an AR goal.
---------------------------------------------------------
Our school doesn't allow K students to check out at all, and 1st graders
only got to check out one book, with no restrictions. I understood why we
had the limits on K--they're only half day, and there's 30 of them in here
at a time. However, I told the first grade teachers I'd like to allow their
students to check out 2 books. Some of them loved it, but several refused
the offer--they don't even allow their students to take school library books
home! The thinking here is that our students have access to a great public
library, and they're likely to use it.
I wouldn't jump in with changes at the beginning of the year. Get a feel
for the teachers, and ask a few for their opinions. After our winter break,
and with the teacher's approval, I offered 2 book check out as an incentive.
When everyone in the class returned books on time for a month, we increased
check out to 2 books. It worked very well, and those students are more
prepared for 2nd grade library time, in my opinion.
--------------------------------------------------
It would depend on a couple of things: how large is your collection and can
you afford to lose books. I personally would start the year off with the
K-1's with one book for a couple of weeks. You will find out immediately
who is or isn't responsible! I only let my K students check out one book,
but they can come back in with mom or dad and check out another! First
grade usually is checking out two books by January. Talk about taking the
fun out of reading though for your kinder kids!
Good luck my friend!
-----------------------------------------------------
At my schools, primary students can check out 2 books. Students can checkout
AR books, but they check out other books by choice. You are on track with
giving the students choice, so if it means upping the number of books they
can check it, go for it. Also, the classroom teachers check out AR books and
keep in the classroom too.
-------------------------------------------------
In our district, K-1 only check out only one book and they stay in the
classroom. The teachers let the students read ALL of the selections during
the week. At the beginning of the school year, they really aren't reading AR
yet so they pick out whatever book they like. Later, as they are tested for
their AR level, they must choose a book on their level, usually during the
second semester. That might be a compromise. Another thing we do is when
they are choosing their AR books, they might see another one they like, but
is not on their level. The teacher may check out a selection to read aloud
to them in the classroom and these can be on a higher level than what the
children can actually read on their own.
-----------------------------------------------------
I'm with you and would not limit students to just 1 book or even just AR
books.
At my school our SLMS does not set limits on student check outs, it's up to
the teacher. I currently teach first grade and I ask my students to check
out 1 AR book that is in their "zone" each week, but beyond that it is up to
them. They may check out up to 7 books each week (1 to read each day :-)).
I think our kindergarten teachers place more restrictions on the kids (maybe
only allowing 2 books each week?). As a SLMS, I would strive to place as
few limits as possible on student check outs.
Just my two cents...
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