Here are the responses I got...Thank you to everyone who responded...
There are quite a few people who are going to be new Middle School librarians and
wanted a HIT
I think alot of people are enjoying their time off so I will post this question
again more towards the beginning of the school year
I have been a middle school librarian for nine years and found that age group to be
unique. I like them. This past year I did a program for our state library
conference on boys and reading. It was actually ideas I have used to get
readers/nonreaders into the library so I could have impromtu book talks with them.
It has display ideas etc. If you are interested in seeing it I can try to send it
to you. I also compiled a phamplet to hand out to boys and a pamphlet to hand out
to girls at checkout. It outlines some great books. If you are interested I will
send those to you. I am working from home, but when I get to my building I will
send it to you if you wish.
I have been a MS LMS for eleven years now. First things first - remember that
middle school kids are naturally bi-polar. If you are a little crazy, you will
deal well.The first thing I would do is ask the principal for the team and
department leader contacts, and ask them for some information about any major
projects or initiatives that have been done in the past and what the timelines for
these projects were. Then, you can begin to set up your schedule for the year.
Second, set aside at least three days each month in your schedule where you do not
see classes. Use one of these days to meet with your instructional teams or
departments, and use the other two days to catch up on filing, shelving, etc. (this
is especially important if you do not have an aide or assistant).
If you want to see some of my policy/procedure stuff, you can go to my website
www.teacherweb.com/md/greenbeltmiddle/amyyoung-buckler and click on FAQ.
Third, schedule a meeting with the principal before teachers are scheduled to
report, and find out what you are responsible for in terms of AV equipment, school
committees, test administration, etc. During this meeting, you can also discuss how
the program was run in the past, and share what you have learned and what you might
do this year.Fourth, make small changes this year. The more information you have
about how things were done in the past will make your choices easier. As the year
progresses, keep a reflection journal and begin thinking about changes you will
make in the future.I hope this helps!
Middle Schoolers are the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!So full of energy, hormones, questions!
AND so willing to absorb, they really do pay attention.BUTAND I love this about
them, they test...they're like flashing neon lights broadcasting "testing,
testing."What they want to know from all that testing is where the boundaries
are.After you set them (and reinforce them a few times :), they're comfortable.I
think they want to have confidence you're in charge, and that they're in good
hands.If you don't set the boundaries, I really think they're uncomfortable.Mister
Rogers wrote in his book "Mister Rogers Talks With Parents." That we lend kids our
self-discipline until they can develop it for themselves. A teacher once told me,
"the derivation of discipline is "to teach." Both very constructive ways to think
about discipline.I remember being a middle school student (8th grade) and I
thought, as we had a substitute teacher one day, 'geez, we're awful.' So when I
found myself in a middle school I wondered what I'd gotten myself into. My first 2
very strong & unexpected impressions were:1) I was a mother to 200 6th graders.2)
What all of them (6-8th grades) wanted to know from me was IF I like them or more
importantly, if they are likable people. Not only are they likable, they're fun!
Engaging! Real!They want your respect.
I started out as an elementary school librarian, and ended up, much to my surprise,
at a middle school. It is fabulous. The students are just bigger children who can
hold excellent conversations. I added many “edgy” books to my collection to draw
in students. Orca Currents publishes hi interest/low level books. Also, I have
manga and comics. Magazines are very popular.
I suggest the usually strictness at the beginning of the year. They will certainly
test your limits.
Enjoy your new position.
check archives..under middle school ???????????? (whatever yu lookin for)
Congratulations!! About the age group--be nice, be firm, be respectful, be
consistent, be friendly. Good luck.
Veronica Morris -Elementary Media Specialist Union Elementary, Tony Serna
Elementary, Valley Elem-Middle School, Armijo Elementary, and North Star Elementary
West Las Vegas Schools Las Vegas, New Mexico veronicamorris2004@hotmail.com
505-718-9571 "School Libraries help teachers teach and children learn" Laura Bush
First Lady of the United States of America
_________________________________________________________________
It’s a talkathon – but it’s not just talk.
http://www.imtalkathon.com/?source=EML_WLH_Talkathon_JustTalk
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