i’ve got a flexible schedule! now what do i do? margaret edgerton heath springs elementary...
TRANSCRIPT
I’ve Got a Flexible Schedule!Now What Do I Do?
Margaret EdgertonHeath Springs [email protected]
Celeste GrahamHeath Springs Elementary
Debbie KeenanBrooklyn Springs Elementary
How Flexible Scheduling Came to Us
• Administrators discover Exemplary Libraries promoted by SDE
• Principals attend session by Martha Alewine at SCASA
• School Leadership Team meetings at SDE.
Promoting New Schedule to Faculty
• Explanation at end of year before implementation.
• Give teachers a chance to think about how they can utilize the library.
• Orientation at the beginning of the year of implementation.
If You Promote It, They Will Come
2 ways we promoted the library
– Regular Planning with Teachers
– Lesson development based on themes.
Planning with Teachers
• Once a month
• On the school calendar
• Plan in the library with access to resources, books, catalog, long range plans, etc.
• Standards available
• Principal attends
• Take minutes
• Food!!
A Thematic Approach
• Offer a variety of lessons for grade levels based on a theme.
• Use what you know best.
• Some examples:
Geography Black History Month Authors
Elections Poetry Presidents
Economics Polar Express 100th Day
Citizenship Olympic Games Holidays
What We’ve Learned
• Don’t let them have the same time every time!
• Some activities may last longer than others.
• Some may take more than one day.
• The teacher must stay with the class.
• We are not substitutes.
• Start with things you love to do.
• Use others to steer to library (coach, instructional specialists, etc.)
More of What We Learned
• If you can, include the computer lab.
• You can still read to children!
What We’ve Noticed
• It’s more meaningful when the teacher initiates lesson topics.
• This is not automatic for all teachers or grades.
• Look for those willing to try—they may lead others.
• Circulation is up!
• We can talk to kids about books!
The Best Parts
• Students and teachers discover the library is a classroom where they can learn.
• We feel more professional when we collaborate with teachers.
• Teachers are learning that the library and the media specialist are tools they can use to enhance their curriculum and teaching.