Back in the Swing

     The first full week of school is almost over, and we are definitely back in the swing here in the Library Media Center.  All students had an opportunity to get into the LMC the very first week of school and get some books checked out and start reading.  Regular weekly classroom visits started the second week with a quick review for the 5th graders and and orientation activity for the 4th graders. 5th grade has started a research project, and 4th grade is currently working on getting to know this library with a mapping activity.  We will continue with those weekly lessons for the 1st trimester; weekly checkout visits will continue throughout the year.
     Students often ask if they get graded on what we do in the LMC.  The short answer is, "Yes!"  While students don't receive a separate library grade, I do track their progress and update the teachers on how they are doing.  Many of the classroom teachers will roll the scores for LMC activities into a subject area grade.  After the first trimester, I try to work with the classroom teacher as much as possible to support what is being done in the classroom with what we are doing in the LMC, mainly through cooperative projects.  When that happens, I do grade part of the project, as well.
     One thing I am really trying to stress this year is that students are not limited to one visit to the LMC per week.  All students are welcome to come to the LMC individually, with a pass from their teacher.  Many teachers provide time in their schedules for students to come down independently and get new books.  Here at Meadowview, we really want to see students become increasingly more independent in their LMC use, so if your son or daughter is feeling they can only get here once a week, please just have them ask their classroom teacher when a good time would be for them to come down on their own.
     We have had a great start so far.  We look for that to continue throughout the year.

Virtual Tour

Here is a podcast that some of the students put together to show off the LMC and all it offers.

Ahhh, Summer!

Here we are, almost halfway through the summer, and I am not halfway through my reading list or my to do list!  As usual, the casual living of summer has taken me out of routine and into the moment, which means that my best-laid plans are out the window as soon as a better opportunity comes along!  Still, I have devoted part of every day to reading.  Sounds easy for a librarian, right?  Well, I should clarify.  I have devoted part of every day to reading something adult and/or professional -- which is not always what I want to read.  As I tell students and their parents, reading every day is the best way to keep the skills we have, but the only way to strengthen those skills is to read things that challenge us.  So, this summer I am practicing what I preach.  No, it isn't easy, and no, I don't really like it, but it is doable and I know it will pay off, because I already have a list of ideas to implement in the coming year.

I wonder how many of my students and fellow colleagues are practicing what we all preach -- to read throughout the summer?  We all agree it is the best academic activity, yet so few actually follow through and do it.  I know why -- because it is easier to do other, more fun, activities.  It is easier to watch TV or to play video games than to put the time and effort into reading.  So, I have made my reading a part of something I love to do -- which is sit on my deck in the cool of the morning, sipping some really wonderful coffee or tea, and enjoying the fresh air.  Rather than taking my current novel, I take my current professional book or magazine outside with me.  Here's hoping all my students and fellow teachers can find a way to make reading part of what is undoubtedly their favorite time of year -- summer.