Hi Karen
It makes me so sad to read that people think that library rules and so forth are
more important than
borrowing a book on the first day.
For years I have run a storytelling program with our attached pre school so their
weekly visits make
them familiar with the library environment and there is a real anticipation that
they will be able
to borrow on their first day. We have a couple of days before school starts and
during that time,
no matter what it takes, we put the new kinders into the system so that when they
do the usual "tour
of the school" on their first day, they can leave with a library book.
We insist on all students having their books protected by a plastic bag (we
encourage the recycling
of supermarket bags) and I purchased a large supply of sturdy white bags from a
supplier ages ago.
We write each child's name on a bag as we enter their names on the computer so that
each child walks
out of here on their first day with their personalised bag and a book they have
chosen. I have the
fairy tales and family favourites like Elmer and Arthur in permanent outward-facing
displays and I
also scatter suitable titles on the tables for perusal. The children love to see
those familiar
titles and it doesn't matter if they borrow something they know well or even have
at home, the issue
is borrowing something. The only rule at that stage is that they keep the book
safe and bring it
back on their library day. (We have our Dr Booklove sessions which I explained
earlier this week on
their regular scheduled visit.)
This is a lot of work for Jenny and I, particularly as we have to attend mandatory
PD sessions on
these days, but the delight on the children's faces and the feeling of the
empowerment they show is
worth every minute of our time that we invest. It sets up a great habit for a
lifetime.
Barbara
Barbara Braxton
Teacher Librarian
PALMERSTON ACT 2913
AUSTRALIA
E. barbara@iimetro.com.au
"Together we learn from each other."
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Please note: All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law.
You can prevent most e-mail filters from deleting LM_NET postings
by adding LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU to your e-mail address book.
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://www.eduref.org/lm_net/
* LM_NET Archive: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/archive/
* EL-Announce with LM_NET Select: http://elann.biglist.com/sub/
* LM_NET Supporters: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ven.html
--------------------------------------------------------------------
LM_NET
Mailing List Home