The issue of whether to check out on the first visit for
kindergardners is definitely thought provoking. Waiting to let them
check out doesn't have to be cruel and unusual punishment or dangling
"forbidden fruit" in front of them. If that's how the library is
presented, no wonder some children feel like the librarian is,
indeed, from the Black Lagoon! In the library I mentioned, the
kindergarden teachers prefer that check-out not occur at the first
few visits. This works for the teachers, the librarian and, yes, for
the students. That first check out is a BIG day for them--cause for
celebration. For myself, I want that first check-out from the
library to be a very special occasion. I like the idea one of our
colleagues mentioned about making the first checkout (in their case,
it was in October) a celebration. The first check-out, like getting
a first library card at the public library, is a really big deal to
the kids--and that can be the case whether check-out is the first day
or later. I don't think either approach is right or wrong (unless
we're talking carrot dangling and being the bad variety of library
dragon)--I think that the decision should be well thought out, and
should include discussion with your kindergarden teachers (and with
your esteemed peers, such as those here at LM_NET). Ultimately, I
think we are there for the kids and I want to make their experiences
with the library world ones that keeps them coming back to the
library-any library-for the rest of their lives. I've had too many
classmates whose library experiences were of the library dragon
variety, only that dragon never lost her scales (if you haven't, take
a look at Carmen Agra Deedy's The Library Dragon). I do not remember
whether we checked out books at all in kindergarden. I DO remember
that my librarian (Mrs. Howell) made the library a fun place to be
and made us feel special and welcome. It was probably one of the
most fun "special" classes I had (and probably part of why I am now
going into this profession).
That said, this whole discussion has made me wonder about a few things.
1. I know that, ideally, school media folk are working in
collaboration with their teachers. Do most of you discuss the issue
of kindergarden checkout with your kindergarden teachers?
2. Re collaboration: What are some of the best ways you've found to
get to know your teachers and for them to get to know the library
policies? Do you ask for teacher input about your library policies?
3. What are tricks of the trade you use to get to know your students
names in the first few weeks, especially when you haven't gotten your
correct roster yet?.
4. Do you use "library cards" for all your elementary students, none,
or maybe just K and 1st? Why?
5. Do any of you use the "identify by photograph" option in Athena or
whatever circ system you're using? Does it work well for you?
6. Do you think maybe getting a name and picture of each new student
would be a good way to start the library experience? Do any of you
do something like that, making a wall available for pictures of all
your new faces? (Then using the photos in your circ system)?
As always, I will be happy to post a "hit" if there is interest.
Ronda Y. Foust
School Media Specialist in Training, UTK
rstansb2@utk.edu
Oak Ridge, TN
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