[LM_NET] Using Debbie Miller's _Reading w/ Meaning_ in library

[Julie Owen <nolteowen@YAHOO.COM>]

I will be starting a new job as an elementary school
librarian this August, and I have been reading some
professional literature to prepare myself for the task
ahead.  I am devouring Debbie Miller's _Reading with
Meaning_ (Stenhouse, 2002).  

While Miller's book is written from the perspective of
a primary school teacher teaching literacy to first
graders, it strikes me that many of her objectives
cross-over into what librarians also teach in all
grades.  For example, Miller discusses with her
children the characteristics of readers, how to select
appropriate books, how to interact with texts by
questioning and forming mental images and connections,
and how to infer and synthesize. Miller uses different
genres and discusses the differences between fiction
and non fiction.  Aren't these all aspects of
information literacy?  

Most importantly, Miller creates in her classroom an
environment in which reading and the joy of finding
and using information is contagious.  

Librarians are very good at the "what" and the "how." 
What I am taking away from reading Miller's book is
the "why."  I am beginning to think of how I can
incorporate Miller's methods in my libraries (yes, I
will be serving 2 schools).  

Is anyone using Debbie Miller's methods in your
library?  If so, would you be willing to share your
experiences, suggestions, ideas. . . 

Thank you.  

Julie Owen
Librarian, St. Therese and Sister Thea Bowman
Elementary Schools
Jackson, MS







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