Thanks to everyone who responded to my Mr. Crumb query!
Original Query:
I'd like to hear from those of you who have used Mr. Crumb's
Secret to teach library lessons. What were the pros and cons? Did you use the
lessons that come with the book or create your own worksheets? What grade level
did you use it with? Were the students engaged? I am considering using it for
3rd grade, but wanted some feedback before I got too far into planning.
*
Responses:
I have used it with 3rd grade. When I used it, though, I taught 30 min. specials. I
had to break the lessons up- read a chapter, then next time review and do the
worksheets. It was tough, especially if students were absent. They definitely
enjoyed me reading to them and most of the activities. It was a fun way to
introduce the skills.
*
I do it with my 2nd and 3rd grade students every year. I use the lessons for
guidance only, I create my own, and one of these days, I'm going to have time to
actually make some flipcharts for my Promethean board instead of creating lessons
on the fly. That said, there are some lessons we skip altogether, as they don't
make sense in our area, or we've already covered them. I read a chapter one week
and then we do an activity the next week. I've tried having the kids have
notebooks like Fribble does to keep notes, but it's unwieldy with several classes
all at once. Hope it helps!
The kids are always asking me if they can check Fribble out, so they must like the
stories!
*
I use Mr. Crumb's Secret with my second graders. I am on a fixed schedule, and all
of my students visit the library twice, once for "regular" library, then again for
"extra"library. The extra library is only for one quarter. I read two chapters at
a time to the students, discussing whatever tool Fribble used in the chapters to
get him closer to Mr. Crumb's secret. Then I show them how to use the OPAC in our
library, like Fribble does. It works really well, and the kids are anxious to hear
the chapters. They like checking the book out, too, when I'm finished with it. I
use another Fribble mystery with my third graders. I'm reading the new one, The
Secrets of the Sea Chest. Since they heard Mr. Crumb's Secret last year, they are
loving this new one!
*
I have not used Mr. Crumb's Secret, but I have used The Secret of the Silver Key
(another Fribble Mouse book). The students seem very engaged in the book and we do
a little activity after each chapter of the book. I am using this book with 3rd
grade students.
*
I use it with my second graders with some good results. I only see them every 12
school days and it takes me all school year to finish the book and some of the
worksheets. I utilize the dictionary/guide words sheet and the awesome atlas sheet
as well. They love the experience and do a pretty good job. They do look a little
shell shocked when we get to the end of the book and talk about ham radios-so much
technology has changed with everyone having cell phones now. I tell them about
truckers & hobbiest using them to talk to people who they don't have their phone
numbers.
*
I have not personally used it, but another media spec. in our district did and
teachers liked it. Just today (I love coincidences) I showed a copy to a teacher
and she thought the lessons in it were all topics that are important. It aligns
with the grade 3 language arts curriculum.
*
I use it with 4th grade and they enjoy it. I have modified the Book of
Records worksheet and the Reader's Guide. Otherwise use the ones provided.
*
I use all of the Fribble books. I begin with 1st grade for Mr. Crumb's
secret but I do modify the worksheets a bit. The Secret of the Silver key
for 2nd grade, and The Secrets of the Rock for 3rd grade. The kids love
this series. They actually want to check them out, but I keep them back for
my lessons. It is a 10 week unit for all books. I do a chapter a week and
teach the reference skill to go with each chapter. The pros would be that
the students love the story and they can see how the specific resources help
solve problems in everyday life. The con would be finding a 10 week block
of time to teach the unit with out interuption (book fair, field trips,
etc). I try to start the unit right after Christmas break.
*
I have used with 3rd grade a couple of times - they did seem to like it - but it is
way too long and I edited it quite extensively. I did use some of the sheets and
found that there were good lead-ins to those BUT the person who wrote it needed a
librarian editor! It is a little young for the intended audience - but they were
engaged - and they did want to find out what the secret was. So I would take a
pencil and edit before you start (I sort of did it on the run the first time) I
even paper-clipped a whole chapter that I didn't use.
Catie Jefferds
Elementary Library Media Specialist
Kelley/Perkins/Lincoln Schools
Newark Central School District
Newark, NY
cjefferds@newark.k12.ny.us
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