WOW.. I can'tbelieve how many responses I got! Thank you to all who responded I
got some great ideas.
Here they are...
I had a problem with this at one of my schools this year, which seemed to have been
"made worse" by the standing practice of having students go look at the magazines
if they'd forgotten their books. Now I actually *like* giving students a chance
to read the magazines when there's time. However, after the fourth or fifth time I
heard someone joyously exclaim that they'd forgotten books, so that meant they got
to read magazines I decided I needed to try something else.
After a few weeks with a no magazines during media rule (to transition them, and
make them think, I hoped), I came up with a new idea that seems to have worked
fairly well in that school.
We've a reading desk that is not used during classes. I put some of the easier new
books (mostly non-fiction, but not all) out on it. The new rule for my classes is
that if they've forgotten their books they can either read at the table, or take a
book from it to the floor nearby to read. *If* they have remembered their books,
after they've found a new book and checked it out, they've the option of reading a
magazine for the remainder of the class. I don't have quite as many magazine
readers as before, but some. And a few habitual "forgetters" seemed to start
remembering at least a little more often.
If a student gets interested in the book that they're reading and wants to check it
out, we will hold onto it for a day or two to allow them the chance to remember
their book the next day and exchange it.
Oh, and yes, any student looking for a book to check out is allowed to check out
the books on the reading table, as well as from elsewhere in the media center.
-Elisabeth Herman
Library Media Specialist
Hollifield Station and Forest Ridge Elementary Schools
Howard County, MD
When I have “repeat offenders” I send them down (with a library pass) to the office
to call home. I have an arrangement with the school secretary and she supports me
even though it is a bother for her. Kids figure out pretty quick they DON’T want to
go to the office for something negative. If you have an outside line in the
library, you could do it from there; when I had one at a previous site, it worked
very well. I made the kids dial home (or parents’ work place) and speak themselves.
Of course the first thing they will tell you (before calling) is that nobody’s
home. Too bad! Send them anyway. Half the time, there IS someone at home. Boy, are
they surprised! And if not, most people have an answering service/message machine
of some sort. I tell them to call and leave a message for themselves. “Hi, this is
a reminder for John to put my library book(s) in my backpack as soon as I get home
and return them to the school library tomorrow.” Sometimes I have the kids wear a
strip of construction paper around their left wrist marked “Library.” I stress to
them that this is NOT a punishment to embarrass them, but rather like the
proverbial “string around their finger” to remind them. I tell them NOT to remove
it until they are at home and they have found the book and placed it in their
backpack. If they really fuss, I tell them they do not have to wear it but they
really MUST remember their books the following day.
We start off at Orientation and we all learn our library “mantra” which I came up
with about 5 years ago. The idea is that their book(s) can only be in one of three
places. I ask them: “What are the only three places your library books can be?”
“My library book is in my hand, (raise and extend right hand forward as if holding
a book to read)
In my back pack, (bring up hand and over shoulder to indicate backpack)
Or in my desk AT SCHOOL!” (bring hand down, then forward, as if placing book in
desk).
We emphasize the AT SCHOOL part so they don’t confuse it with a desk or bookcase at
home.
I have them repeat this with me several times WITH HAND MOTIONS – EVERYBODY! at
orientation, then occasionally throughout the year.
Because we have a very transitory population (lots of kids move during our school
year), I also tell them that they may take only 1 book home at a time – the
other(s) must remain in their desk at school. They can then switch the books the
next day if they wish. This works pretty well, except for the kids who ignore it
and take home 2 or 3 books, and then forget all or part of them on library day. I
emphasize that this is not to restrict them, but to help them avoid losing
expensive books (nearly all of ours are newer hardbounds – so they are very
expensive for our low-income families to replace).
For the really die-hard loser/forgetters, I limit them to ONE paperback (most of
ours are old and ratty) or magazine per checkout, and only if they remember to
bring in the previous item. They stay on this policy for at least a month until
they have established a perfect track record, but understand they immediately go
back if they slip up again. My automation program even alerts me with a special
signal whenever they check out, so I’m on top of it. They don’t like this but
“tough toenails!” I reiterate that I did warn them and that this is the result of
THEIR choice and action (or lack thereof). These are all the same kids who forget
homework, etc. so at some point they need to understand that their lack of
responsibility has negative consequences. If the teacher says they must have a
hardbound for a report, I check it out to the teacher and they keep it at their
desk except when the student uses it. This has worked out well.
Joanne Ladewig (A.K.A. "Library Lady")
Library Media Tech
Lawrence Elementary, GGUSD
Garden Grove, California
For K-2 I have a selection of paperback books(very short like Wright Group
materials or things from old reading series)that I hand them to look/read
while everyone else may get up to select a new library book.
3-5 I put magazines, Kid's Almanac, or other reference books out on the
table. They may not get up, but must use what is available.
Jean Bartlett
Springfield Elementary
Panama City, FL
bartlj@comcast.net
What I do (inherited from my predecessor) is I have the students who have forgotten
books read ones from our to-be-shelved carts or from on top of the shelving (I
select books from each section to display). If there are none because all have
been shelved, I give them less than a minute to go grab one from the shelf, grab a
magazine from our baskets, or grab an encyclopedia.
They don't get much choice since they have to quickly select from what is readily
available, and they don't get away with doing nothing.
Like you, I found that if I let them get on the computers to explore the databases
(which we encourage them to use and become familiar with), they don't regret
leaving their books at home (or not paying for ones for which they have been
charged). I am glad to know it's not just me!!
I am confident that when we go back in August that the kids' habits will be no
different than in the past. Thinking about this ahead of time is good practice!!
I have the same issues with students, and anything else is a reward to them,
computer, magazines, etc. Sometimes when I have gotten really irritated with
a student I have even tried punishment, writing library rules during check
out for repeat offenders (especially if they have "forgotten" their books 3
or more times in a row) but that sometimes gets them bad attention that they
like. I also have found out the hard way that these are usually the students
whose home lives are a lot of the reason they are having so much trouble
being responsible and that makes them feel worse, so what I have done is let
them participate in any lesson and then at check out time I tell them to go
to the shelves and select the books they would pick out if they had brought
the books back. We usually allow 2, one AR book and one "fun" any type of
book. When it is time for them to leave, I put the books on a special on
hold shelf, get them to fill out a sticky note with name and class and tell
them it is only on hold for a couple of days. They are to come at recess or
before school to do the exchange. This way they can read and participate
like the rest and are not as disruptive. I do have to make a special effort
to remind them not to leave with them but I check them out as usual so if
they accidently do, I still know where my books are. This has worked the
best of all of the things I have tried so far. Good luck.
Bonnie Martiny
Media Specialist
St. Charles Elementary
Thibodaux, LA
bmartiny@bellsouth.net
bmartiny@lafourche.k12.la.us
One year, I set up five stations. They were work on a puzzle, do a word
find, work with pattern blocks, color, look at old magazines, etc. Nothing
I needed to put a lot of time in maintaining, but not a great reward like
playing on the computer. Not only did the "forgetters" get to go to these
stations, but those that were quick in selection. (Like the kid who was
renewing a chapter book). There were rules regarding who went to which
station and how many students could be at a station at one time. Students
did not get to pick their station and once there couldn't leave. If you
library is physically too small to accomplish this, then put the material in
a plastic basket and place it on their table.
Good luck
Karen Manassa-Walstein
Teacher-Librarian
Old Bridge High School - Grade Nine Center
Old Bridge, NJ
mets53@comcast.net
I can sympathize with you -- I have the same problem. What I do is
require students to bring a book with them to library class. Now in K,
1st and 2nd grade, if they do not have their books, they help pass out
paper and crayons to the tables while other students are selecting
books. In grades 3-5, students must walk in the door with a book in
their hand. (Sometimes the teachers will allow students to bring a book
from their classroom -- just so that students have a book !!) Last
year I had a big problem with 2nd grade classes remembering their books.
-- and the ones that always forgot were the troublemakers! I will
often require a student to take a book from the library shelves to look
at while other students are selecting. (And they have to stay in their
seat to look at it.)
Another thing: students books are not due every week. I give them a 2
week check-out. However, I stress that even if they are keeping their
book, they still must bring it to library class. (If I do not see the
book for 3 weeks, the next thing you know it is "lost".)
Selection amounts: K -- 1 book a week. 1st grade - 1 book, as they
become more responsible @ January, they are allowed to take out two.
(One book stays in their desk and one book may go home.) 2nd grade
starts with 2, @ mid-year they are allowed to take 3. Grades 3, 4, and
5, are allowed to take out 3.
Well, that was certainly long winded!! Hope it helps!
Betty Lewis, Librarian
Allard and Hyde Elem. Schools
Moon Area School District
blewis@masd.k12.pa.us
In the school district where I worked this past year
each elementary school had either old magazines or
paperback everybody books for the "forgetters" to read
while the rest of the class did book selection and
checkout -- this was used whether the child was in
Kindergarten or in 5th. At the end of the lesson
before starting selection/checkout we had to remind
the forgetters that they could ONLY look at/read the
materials set aside for them and they could not go to
the shelves with their friends. Also, if the child
was a forgetter he/she was not able to sit in a bean
bag chair -- those where ONLY for students who had
returned their books on time.
This "guideline" was not in the district's Library
Policies and Procedures manual but was a strictly
enforced unwritten rule. Since I was assigned to
several different schools as a second media specialist
I had no say in how forgetters were singled out at
each school. I personally disliked this policy -- I
thought it ranked right up there with announcing to
the whole class who had forgotten their books (this
was from my student teaching days).
I would definitely have some paperback everybody books
and easy chapter books in a special place so that
students who had forgotten their books would have
something to read during selection/checkout. However,
I would not make a big deal about it or announce it to
the whole group, just talk to the forgettors
individually when selection begins.
When you post a hit PLEASE DO NOT include this
response as many of the media specialists in my
now-former district are LM_NET subscribers.
Thanks and good luck,
Gail Wilhelm
currently unemployed, but interviewing
librarydragonlady@yahoo.com
After some 33 years in the "Ed biz" in IL, CA,
Japan and Canada, I'm increasingly agree with the
opinion my elder brother holds to solve America's
increasing education problems. It will never happen .
. or at least not in my lifetime, as there are too
many fat cats in the Dept. of Ed, in the private
sector who are trying to privatize ed via NCLB and
other entrenched elements that will never give up
their turf. My brother says the ultimate answer to
the discipline problems, the illiteracy problem, the
"borrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrring" proglem is to repeal all
state mandatory education laws and pass a federal law
allowing anyone of any age to be eligible for free
public education period; and to permit all others who
do NOT want to learn, to get on with their lives . . .
somewhere outside the school system.
In the meantime, what are the chances of initiating
a policy whereby students who "forget" to return their
library books forego their privilege of visiting the
library with their classes? My guess is that the
hostility that would engender on the part of classroom
teachers who use the library time as prep period would
be harder to manage than putting up with the cherubs
running amok in the LMC. Maybe you could invite the
school district's jazz band to play in the LMC to get
the attention of those who forget their books? I'm
not trying to be flip as I know you're facing a
serious problem. When I was an ele. librarian near
Tokyo for 18 yrs., I guess I simply had those who
"forgot," sit on the carpet while the rest of the
class found books. That was a Pre-K thru 6 school.
Best of luck.
Larry "Library" Retzack,
BA, MM, MA, Ph.D. candidate,
Librarian-Media Teacher,
Colton (CA) High School,
777 W Valley BLVD,
I have a puzzle table that I update with new ones monthly, 4 magnetic poetry cookie
sheets with an edge, a felt board where I change the accessories monthly, 2 sets of
pentominoes, multitudes of puppets that change weekly, magnetic letters on a file
cabinet and a couch area where non borrowers are expected to utilize their time
wisely.
If they can't find anything from those choices I MAKE them get a book or magazine
to browse.
No problems so far.
Mary Tichey-Staack, LMS
Branchville Elementary
Ridgefield, CT
I've struggles with this for several years. I have Follett circ/cat at one school
and Destiny at another. At both schools, K-5, I print out a list of who has what
books and put the date due at the top in big black letters and put it in the
teacher mailboxes - I never thought of e-mailing it, but may give it a try this
year!
For those who forget their books, I have a "story wheel" from one of the teacher
stores. I can give a wheel to a student and set the wheel for them to write a
story. They have the choice of writing the story, or drawing the story and telling
it to me (half my students are ESL). These students soon learn that they will be
writing something if they have not fulfilled the responsibility of bringing their
books back.
I also allow students who have returned their books and have once again checked out
the choice of reading quietly or going to the computers to work on writing, math,
or keyboarding. This is a double wammie for the "forgetters" as they don't get to
go to the computers while others do.
I usually find that the kids enjoy sharing their story with you, so it ends up
being a win win situation.
Joy
What if they still looked for books, but put them on a "Save Shelf,"
rubber-banded together with a form that includes their name and the day of
the week? Then, when they return their overdue books within the next few
days (2-3, you decide), they don't have to spend time on book selection, but
can pick their books up from the Save Shelf, check them out, and go on their
way. Works for me.
I have to add that I'm fairly lenient with overdues. I'm not perfect and
don't expect the kids to be either. My philosophy is that everybody should
always have something to read, even if they have overdue books. A lot of
kids live in homes that are terribly disorganized. I still want them to be
excited about coming to the library. Yes, there are the habitual offenders,
and we do send home overdue notices, and make phone calls, but I try not to
stress myself or to stress the kids over overdues.
Hella Rumschlag
Library Media Specialist / Tech Coordinator
Mohawk Trails Elementary School
Carmel, Indiana
Rumschlag4@insightbb.com
I have baskets of paperback books (very easy ones plus some like jokes, Ripley's,
books of facts, etc.) on the tables. Students have to read quietly during
check-out time. I use the book fair to get new ones. They are labeled "MELIC
read" on the front and can't be checked out.
Jeni
While other students checkout books, those students who have overdue
books can either read magazines placed in containers at student tables
or choose to read a book from the paperback/donated book bins
Someone suggested this rule to me: If you weren't choosing or checking out a
book, you were sitting at a library table with a magazine or book that you
wanted to look at and possibly place on hold. NO running around, goofing
off, whatever. They have to sit! They hate it, so they bring back their
books. My caveat would be, make sure you have a place they can sit within
your sight. I never had the time or gumption to implement the rule so I
can't speak to how well it works.
Thought it was a great idea; I'm now at a secondary school so I won't need
it anymore (flex schedule, hooray!) although I will probably implement a
variation of it for when teachers schedule their classes.
Lizanell Boman
Secondary Library Media Specialist (7-12)
American Leadership Academy
Spanish Fork, UT
lboman@americanleadership.net or lizanellb@msn.com
don't know what would work at the secondary level, but at the elementary
level I like to make it a little uncomfortable.
Children who have forgotten their books are not allowed to browse the
shelves during the check out time. If they are very young, then I have a
supply of books on a specific that the children browse while others check
out.
Older children do work for me: alphabetize books on the return carts or
face the shelves...sometimes I might have other jobs.
This eliminates "roaming around disrupting others" behavior as well as make
it a little less fun to forget library books.
My first years in the library if a child only forgot one book I let them get
a new book. I cut down on lost books when I stopped doing that. Often the
book that did not come back was a lost book.
Mary Croix Ludwick, Librarian K-5
Thomas Haley Elem, Irving, Texas (near Dallas)
ludwick@swbell.net (home address)
mludwick@irvingisd.net (school address)
I used to keep coloring sheets, pig in a pen (connect the dots into squares), word
searches, the 24 Game (a great math game for grades 3 and up if you're not familiar
with it), puzzles, and feather dusters for those students. Not a perfect solution
because some of them preferred doing those things. It wasn't choice--it was today
you will do this.
The person in charge of the computer lab in the elementary school I was in last
year got the latest math practice sheets from their teachers--if they didn't follow
the computer rules, they HAD to do math worksheets for the entire class period.
You don't want them to dread coming, but you do want them to follow the rules....no
really good answer.
Yes, it is a real struggle. Here is my policy:
Forget your books once, and you can check out one this time. If you forget next
time, you'll not check out books. You can tell who has exceeded your patience
because they will have three books out--or one more than the limit, whatever your
limit is.
But the solution is in your magazine display. Students who aren't checking out
must select a magazine, and sit and read while the others check out books.
However, don't let them walk around. The magazines should be in a clear, plastic
magazine file ON THE TABLE in front of them. Once a day or once a week, clean out
the files on the table. Put new magazines in and take out the ones that are not in
the right season. (You don't want Sept magazines in the box in December.) Just
get one file per table, keep them current, put them out when a class is coming for
circulation. On rare occasions I've moved kids around who couldn't check out, so
that there is only one or two kids per table who aren't checking out. Most of the
time it just works out.
This simple solution takes care of negligent kids. They can read magazines. They
DON"T walk around. If you look up from helping your check outers, and someone is
walking around who is supposed to be sitting and reading, send him or her to the
corner, the office or the hall (whatever works in your school). It also makes
your magazine collection valuable, useful, and popular. After students check out
books, they can turn to the magazine files also. Eventually you'll want to work
out system where kids can check out magazines as a reward for getting all their
books in or reading your state award books or something.
Oh, another detail: always say "read a magazine." Resist saying "look at a
magazine." We are reading cheerleaders, not "looking at magazine" cheerleaders.
I have tried many of the ideas you had done, but I ended up with this: they choose
the books too, I hold them, and they swap them the next morning before class or
before lunch. Sometimes teachers would allow them other times too-- if I had a
class going on, they'd know where to go to find their selections, take them and
return the old ones.
I'd have checked the new ones out beforehand, but would check them back in and
reshelve them if the other books did not come back as promised. I had a "hold cart"
and sometimes had some tears of the books were reshelved already, but that was only
if the books were not brought in when they were supposed to...
hth,
Kim
I struggled with this issue also this year. But I do believe I made some
headway. First the library has some really neat reading places (treehouse,
bathtub, rocking chairs) If you bring your book back you get to read in one
of those places. If you don't bring your books back I made them read
magazines on the storytime rug. This kept them from roaming around the
library and I could keep an eye on them and help others. The magazines kept
their interests. Also I would give recognition to classes that brought their
books back. (ie. put a note on their door, gave them box tops, told their
teacher, bragged on the announcements) For the younger kids I would
sporadically give stickers to those that brought their books back (I think I
bought them from Upstart and they say "I brought my book back")
Denise Mozingo
Frost Elementary
Georgetown, TX
----- Original Message -----
From: "Karen Wondergem" <karenwondergem@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sent: Monday, July 02, 2007 4:26 PM
Subject: Target: What to do with "I forgot my books"
After the lesson, I release the students who will be getting a book
first. The remainder, still in their seats, are given specific
reminders to quiet while others search for a book. I have them select
a book or magazine and read quietly during check out. The younger
students have a "Think About It" chair if behavior is a problem.
Older kids are harder, but they are more accustomed to library
expectations. I also have choices of Sudoku puzzles or mazes
sometimes.
Rebecca Richardson
You are not alone in this dilemma. I haven't found the silver bullet but here are
a few ways I have handled it.
First, I keep those kids close to me at the circulation desk. My library is
carpeted and the can sit on the floor. Then I let them read the magazines, or
books from the kindergarten tubs. Since these are usually off limits, they seem to
think it is a privilege. Or I have them read from the books on the returned cart.
Occasionally I have them run errands or water my plants (usually when I only have
two or three) As the chronic ones progress through the year, I just have them
stand behind my desk area or in a line from the doorway. I also have a "reminder
letter" that I have them copy. I didn't use it this year, but probably will next
year. The funny thing is they don't see it as a punishment......they like copying.
Go figure. Mostly what happens is they get loud. Not in too much trouble. I
only allow a ten minute checkout time. Then when the teacher comes to pick them
up, those classes that have a significant number are lined up with the children
"missing" books first and I remind them and the teacher. To be honest, it doesn't
seem to make a lot of difference but at least I tried. Also, I have observed that
classes on Mondays and Fridays, and second graders are the worst offenders. I get
the Friday group.....too many Fridays off. Monday...it's right after the weekend
and with my kids much happens that has nothing to do with school thoughts. But the
second graders? Haven't figured those reasons out at all.
am glad that I am not the only one with this problem. If you get any ideas, let
me know. I have the same problem especially with K - 5th grades. I have tried
everything, wish we had flexible scheduling as they would not come if they did not
have their books. I have tried standing the ones that didn't bring back their books
in a line in front of my desk while I check out the rest of the class but that
doesn't work when half the class forgets the books. This year I thought I would
make little coins out of paper and they would get one every time they brought back
a book. When they have ten maybe have them turn them in for a prize, if they lose
the paper coins than that would also help them to learn to keep track of not only
the coins but the books too. Another thing I want to try is having their books
returned the day before library and if they forget them than they have their
library day to remember... I am not sure if anything will work with some of these
kids. I also want to get the plastic book bags this year from Upstart and I put
their names and room number on them, this has helped me out in my previous school,
especially for K, 1 & 2
Just some thoughts I am having this summer...
I had different color shelf markers for the students who were readers, not able to
checkout. They were expected to follow the same procedures as the other students,
finding something to sit quietly and read. Their books then went back on the shelf
instead of being checked out. They were also expected to sit near their shelf
marker so it was easy to return their book when time to go. Friends had to come to
them!
Usually only had one or two students who wouldn't have their books. Even a first
grader can quickly learn what day is library day.
Jean
The issue is that you are dealing with elementary children! Instead of
negative consequences, why don't you try some sort of reward system for
classes that return all of their books on time. That will put peer pressure
on the kids rather than your having to "nag" them or the teachers. You can
have tickets for the classes that return all of their books, put the
teacher's name on the back of the ticket, and then pull one ticket every two
weeks or so for the winning class to get a special story time, popcorn, or
special bookmarks for the entire class. With elementary, it doesn't have to
be expensive.
Shirley Lukenbill, Librarian
Wooldridge Elementary, Austin (TX) ISD
and Lecturer, School of Information
University of Texas at Austin
sluken@ccwf.cc.utexas.edu
Here are several ideas that you may use:
Set up a table with a puzzle and allow students to work on it. (This year I
had a 500 piece puzzle. It didn't get finished but the students really
enjoyed working on it.) If your school has a theme for the year, the puzzle
can be based on the theme.
Coloring sheets relevant to the literature of the week
Crossword puzzles that are related to literature
Blank copy paper that they can draw a picture of their favorite story
Blank paper so they can create their own story
Bookmark sized paper so they can create their own bookmarks
April Reitnauer
Librarian
Spring City Elementary School
Spring City, PA 19475
School: areit@spring-ford.net
Home: aprilreitnauer@hotmail.com
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