Just a small point that might be helpful...
I do a book-care unit with KG the first month of school during which
the students get a letter from me to take home EACH WEEK...
The first describes the new "Library experience" their child will be
experiencing...and that they will not be checking out a book until XXX
date (book care unit is three weeks long).
Week 1: I took a FABULOUS idea from someone on LM net and formatted it
for book care. I got a box and put things in it that had things to do
with taking care of library books such as the following:
*backpack to keep them in
*crayons to NEVER color in them
*rag to wash their hands
*stamps to not STAMP in the books
*plastic glass reminding them not to drink around their book
*****The list goes on and the kids draw out of the box keeping them
excited about the library, but not SAD about not getting a book.
I end with drawing out stickers that NEVER go in a book, but they can
put on their shirts for being GOOD library listeners...
I have other lessons and letters that go home for the other 2 weeks to
educate the parents about finding a special place for the library books
and returning them on XXXX day...
The last letter the parents receive is the one that says "Today is a
special day in the life of your child... He/she is bringing home their
very first library book. Please ......................
(I guess I am in the middle. I want them to have books early, but
after a unit on care of books and educating parents as well as best as
can be done. But nothing we do will be full-proof.)
As media specialists we must remember that we are charged with the
never-ending task of caring for the books and teaching responsibility
without sacrificing the love of them--
A wise librarian once told me that a book stolen off the shelf is
better than one not read at all...
Kelly Kelsoe
Elementary Library Media Specialist
Clements High School
Athens, AL 35611
Phone:(256) 729-6564 Ext. 329
Fax:(256) 729-1029
kelly.kelsoe@lcsk12.org
"What a school thinks about its library, is a measure of what it
thinks
about education." Harold Howe, former U.S. Commissioner of Education
>>> Josephine Dervan <rderva@INFIONLINE.NET> 8/30/2006 5:10 AM >>>
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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