Reading Promotion

This was a short week for us. Because of the holiday and two snow days, we attended school for two days and one of them was a 2-hour delay. Even though it was short, it sure was busy. We have had a couple of very busy weeks in the library.

This week our sixth grade started their science fair projects. They were scheduled to come to the library to get ideas. They came two classes at a time, which we were not totally prepared for, but we were able to use our mobile lab along with the 20 computers we aleady have to meet their needs Unfortunatley, the ninth grade students had to stick with books for their research. I only say, unfortunately, because they had already been using books for a few days and I wanted them to use some of the internet sources I had shown them before they forgot where to go. I would have not been able to give my 10:00 lesson to the class that I was planning to because of the unexpected crowd. We always try to accomodate as many classes as possible while still maintaining a learning environment. (AASL 1.3) Because of this, we try to plan ahead who will fit best in the back of the library and what class gets to use computers, etc. (AASL 1.4) We actually saw 16 classes in the library on Wednesday and I emailed our principals and superintendant of that fact. I also mentioned that it was possible because of having two people in the library. I feel that a little advocacy for the library can't hurt these days.

I also had great success with a lesson I planned this week for the sixth grade. I had decided to teach three lessons in a row that would support the activities they would be doing for their science fair projects. (AASL 2.1) This week I taught the students how to narrow and broaden their topic searches. I also talked about using synonyms or other words that might help their searches. I was able to teach this to four sixth grade classes even though we only had school on two days. I actually had two people tell me it was a well-made lesson. I used three questions from the TRAILS review section on developing topic. I really felt good about this lesson. The students filled out a worksheet as we went through the lesson. I felt like they had learned something when we were finished and their worksheets appeared that way as well.

Since this was a short week I thought I would discuss some of the ways I have promoted reading in the school library this year. Recently, we created a Holocaust display because a seventh grade special needs teacher had decided to read Boy in the Strpied Pajamas to his students. I felt that his and other students might be interested in seeing some of the other titles on that subject. We even had two graphic novels on the Holocaust. (AASL 1.2) Also recently, I have made a large sign that designates where we chose to place our High School Fiction. The section had been pointed out to students that visited as a class, but now anyone can see it when they walk in (I hope). After much consideration I decided that this might be the best place for this section afterall. I really didn't want it behind the desk, but we moved a bookshelf that was partially blocking it and I believe students can access it. I have told many students to help themselves and a number of them have. I just can't think of any other place to keep these books without a middle school student being tempted to take one. (AASL 1.2)

Another way we promote reading near the beginning of the year is by using the Scholastic website to show authors talking about their books. We show these videos to the seventh grade students to give them ideas for things to read. I also showed some book trailors created by other students that I got from the web. Then I have the copies that we own laying out for students to borrow. (AASL 1.2)

Maybe yet this year, I will get a group of students to make their own book trailors.