It's the start of the school year and I am LOVING my new role as the Media Specialist. I will admit, I had a moment of panic this summer. What have I gotten myself into? Have I taken on more than I will be able to handle? Thank goodness I was able to take a step back and focus on what I felt was most important for our school library. I had so many ideas and goals that sounded wonderful but they overwhelmed me. I had to take a moment to breathe and ask myself why I wanted this position. Why did I want to leave my role as a classroom teacher and become a media specialist?
My goal was simple. I wanted to help kids LOVE reading. I was able to do this with 20 third graders every year and now I wanted to inspire and entire school. My biggest challenge but greatest reward is turning a reluctant reader into a passionate reader who can't wait to get lost in their new favorite book. With just one goal as my focus, I was able to start off my school year with a passion and direction.
RECOMMENDATION BOARD
With my older students, creating a media center that was THEIRS was key. We have ambulletin board for book recommendations that they can post for the other students in the school to see. I have paper, pens, pencils, sticky notes, emoji stickers to help them express their thoughts about the book. I told the kids, " I want this to have so many wonderful recommendations that we have to start posting them on the wall around it!"
FLEXIBLE SEATING
I also wanted flexible seating for the kids. Gone are the days of bulky furniture in libraries. Students should be able to read and work in a spot they feel comfortable in. One cheap and easy way for me to do that was with pillows and seat crates. Before I began these projects, my dear friend Lynn, (who has an amazing eye for colors and patterns) helped me choose 4 fabrics from Hobby Lobby that I could use all over the library. These matching, fun fabrics helped tie the media center together. I used them with my cushions, pillows, seat crates, reading tent and bulletin boards. See my post " Gettin' Crafty" for more details and instructions on the seating and reading tent.
NEW AND HOT SECTION
Enthusiasm is contagious so I also created an area for NEW and HOT books. They love to visit that area to find the hottest new books and chat with friends about what they have read or want to read. I often hear the kids offering to share books.
"When I am done reading this, I will let you know. You can check it out after me".
The kids are excited and that was my goal! Only downside is that I constantly look over there and see all the books gone. It's a constant task to keep that area filled with books.
WISH BOX
One of the most heartbreaking things for me is when a student wants a book but the library doesn't have it or it's always checked out due to its' popularity. We have a wish box so the students can write the name of a book they want. I am still waiting on my book money from the county but when it comes it's ordering time!! Until then, I find myself ordering book with my own money. I know, I know. I need to stop doing that!
ARRANGING SHELF TOPS
The shelf tops are covered with books for easy browsing. I put up books that I feel they may like or I know are popular. It's a great visual for them when they are choosing books. I also remind them that if they see a Dork Diary book up on the shelf top, look below because the whole series will be there for them to choose from. It helps the kids SEE the books.
GRAPHIC NOVELS
Graphic novels aren't going away any time soon. There are varying opinions on these style of books but my feeling is, "Hey, the kids are READING!" Yesterday, I was finally able to get to this task. I created a graphic novel section. I am also labeling these books differently in the Destiny system. My kids love Amulet, Baby Sitters Club graphic novels and comic books. I have even found a graphic novel version of The Boxcar Children that is on my wish list. When it comes to comic books, I am a huge fan. I heard someone say to me the other day "comic books are the modern day mythology". I couldn't agree more!
Those are they ideas I was able to create so far to help me toward my goal. And when I get overwhelmed with ideas, tasks, and the day to day running of a media center (without an assistant!) I take that deep breath and remember to just INSPIRE READERS.
My goal was simple. I wanted to help kids LOVE reading. I was able to do this with 20 third graders every year and now I wanted to inspire and entire school. My biggest challenge but greatest reward is turning a reluctant reader into a passionate reader who can't wait to get lost in their new favorite book. With just one goal as my focus, I was able to start off my school year with a passion and direction.
RECOMMENDATION BOARD
With my older students, creating a media center that was THEIRS was key. We have ambulletin board for book recommendations that they can post for the other students in the school to see. I have paper, pens, pencils, sticky notes, emoji stickers to help them express their thoughts about the book. I told the kids, " I want this to have so many wonderful recommendations that we have to start posting them on the wall around it!"
FLEXIBLE SEATING
I also wanted flexible seating for the kids. Gone are the days of bulky furniture in libraries. Students should be able to read and work in a spot they feel comfortable in. One cheap and easy way for me to do that was with pillows and seat crates. Before I began these projects, my dear friend Lynn, (who has an amazing eye for colors and patterns) helped me choose 4 fabrics from Hobby Lobby that I could use all over the library. These matching, fun fabrics helped tie the media center together. I used them with my cushions, pillows, seat crates, reading tent and bulletin boards. See my post " Gettin' Crafty" for more details and instructions on the seating and reading tent.
NEW AND HOT SECTION
Enthusiasm is contagious so I also created an area for NEW and HOT books. They love to visit that area to find the hottest new books and chat with friends about what they have read or want to read. I often hear the kids offering to share books.
"When I am done reading this, I will let you know. You can check it out after me".
The kids are excited and that was my goal! Only downside is that I constantly look over there and see all the books gone. It's a constant task to keep that area filled with books.
WISH BOX
One of the most heartbreaking things for me is when a student wants a book but the library doesn't have it or it's always checked out due to its' popularity. We have a wish box so the students can write the name of a book they want. I am still waiting on my book money from the county but when it comes it's ordering time!! Until then, I find myself ordering book with my own money. I know, I know. I need to stop doing that!
ARRANGING SHELF TOPS
The shelf tops are covered with books for easy browsing. I put up books that I feel they may like or I know are popular. It's a great visual for them when they are choosing books. I also remind them that if they see a Dork Diary book up on the shelf top, look below because the whole series will be there for them to choose from. It helps the kids SEE the books.
GRAPHIC NOVELS
Graphic novels aren't going away any time soon. There are varying opinions on these style of books but my feeling is, "Hey, the kids are READING!" Yesterday, I was finally able to get to this task. I created a graphic novel section. I am also labeling these books differently in the Destiny system. My kids love Amulet, Baby Sitters Club graphic novels and comic books. I have even found a graphic novel version of The Boxcar Children that is on my wish list. When it comes to comic books, I am a huge fan. I heard someone say to me the other day "comic books are the modern day mythology". I couldn't agree more!
Those are they ideas I was able to create so far to help me toward my goal. And when I get overwhelmed with ideas, tasks, and the day to day running of a media center (without an assistant!) I take that deep breath and remember to just INSPIRE READERS.
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