Karen and All-
I'll tell about my school and Kindergarten books. We do NOT let them take
out books till January of the school year. Why?
Several reasons:
1. We have many non-English speaking students who don't understand the
concept of "returning" books right away. Some cannot even tell you their
names for automated check-out.
2. We have a full day program that is a bit daunting to some 5 year olds.
3. We previously had a large annual loss of books from Kindergarten kids
early in the school year. Some parents would not bother paying for the book
and the child would be denied books for the rest of the year. Theses were
often the kids who needed books most. Now when this occurs in January or
February, the child only loses book selection privileges for a few months.
For that reason we explain to the kids that after they return from Christmas
we'll talk about books care and they'll take out books. Most are thrilled
about waiting till January. It is almost a rite of passage. Their teachers
usually agree with me wholeheartedly. Classroom teachers often have their
own books that are sent home and find that the also lose some in the early
months before the child is mature enough to understand that they must be
returned. The non-English speakers usually have some knowledge of the
language by January.
Several years ago we had a recent Russian immigrant family who was notorious
for not returning forms to sign or anything else sent home. The classroom
teacher was frustrated and called in the father to complain. The father, who
spoke good
English, explained to the teacher that since he was in America he was
'Free". The teacher agreed but explained that just like his country of
origin, you still had forms to fill out in the US.
Our library is a place that kids love to visit. For that reason, we usually
get many first time Kindergarten parents at Open House. Last year one Mom
told of how her son had told her excitedly that they'd be selecting books
for the first time on December 26th! When she questioned the date he said,
"No, Mrs. Dervan said we'd take out books after Christmas!"
My students may not like waiting till January to select books but they are
always excited when it happens. For the first few months of the year we
listen to stories and then do a follow-up craft or coloring activity. When
we start circulation, we stop the follow-up activities ( I am often alone in
the room when they are in library) to concentrate on book selection and
checking out. Some kids are sad because they miss the crafts.
Jo- who still has a week before school begins
******************************************************
Josephine G. Dervan. Library Media Specialist
Strathmore Elementary School
Aberdeen, NJ 07747
rderva at infionline.net
He who has a garden and a library, wants for nothing- Cicero
----- Original Message -----
From: "Karen DeFrank" <knarfed@COMCAST.NET>
To: <LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU>
Sent: Tuesday, August 29, 2006 4:04 PM
Subject: Re: [LM_NET] Kindergarten in the library
> Okay, I've heard enough reasons why we should have kids take books home on
> the first visit.
> However, I am sure I am not the only one in a situation that does not
> permit this to happen.
> My library is automated. I have to input 200 new patrons and update 400
> others before anyone borrows a book. I do not get the class lists until
> the first day of school.
> And, due to the population of my school, I send home a permission slip
> that must be signed and returned before any books go home. I have found it
> really cuts down on the number of lost/damaged I've had in the past.
> It would be nice to send everyone home with a book. I am all for that if
> the situation permits. But lets's be realistic - sometimes it is
> impossible.
>
> Karen DeFrank, LMS
> Bullock School
> Glassboro NJ
> kdefrank@glassboro.k12.nj.us
>
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