Thread: Kindergarten in the library

What a great idea. Reading to children in a library. Ours get to take out books for the classroom but get yelled at if they move the books or create a space or make work for the lady in the library.

How about an author study such as Eric Carle, read a lot, then make pictures with tissue paper. Or read Jan Brett books and make a picture with a border.

I'm afraid I can't help you. What you are doing is great. But 40 minutes is WAY too long for K's IMO. I'm surprised the teachers aren't having fits about it when you consider their attention span. Our librarian has them for about 20 minutes. Then they are on the computer for about 20 minutes.

Author studies are a great idea. Also, after story time, they could just spend time looking at, sharing, and "reading" some great books from the library. If they have favorite stories that have been read and re-read, they can then "read" those to each other. If they don't have favorite stories like this, you can start some. Read them 2 different stories each visit; one new, and one "request" that you've already read to them.

They can, of course, learn some basics like how to walk in the library, how to get a book off the shelf and put it back, how to turn pages, etc..

I hope they can spend some time picking a book or books to check out.

It seems like the best use of time would be to just spend it loving books, whether they are being read to, "reading" to others, pointing out the pictures, finding letters on the page, finding colors, identifying characters' feelings and acting them out, etc.

My K classes go to the librarian for 40 minutes once a week (each class)--it's my prep time. She does book exchange, reads a story, does a lesson on whatever unit she's doing with them and they have some sort of activity. Currently, she's teaching a social studies unit about Canada. Today, she talked about the Prime Minister and they drew a picture of him in their Canada booklets which will be sent home when they're done. Last week they painted Canadian flags. When they're done the activity, they go and look at books. They LOVE going for library time. Of course, it's easy for her because she used to be the K teacher so she knows how long to make her lessons.

I'm sorry to hear that some of you can't get in a story time at your library. My students really enjoy it, although your right about the attention span. It's why I'm asking for some suggestions, I was told that attention span is age + 2 minutes. Based on that, I need to change activities every 7-8 minutes. Don't get me wrong, my K classes have very good attention spans for their age, but they're smart kids and doing the same thing every week invites them to find ways to amuse themselves.

Sometimes we do just "look at books" but I can't give them too much time or they get themselves into trouble (namely running around, jumping, and carrying on like thier at recess).

My KDG teachers ARE in fact, upset because KDG also comes to the library for 40 minute check-out periods. If you've never read my Adminstrator Trouble thread in the New Teachers Forum, I will tell you that my Head of Lower school is a. . . difficult administrator with a history of questionable decisions. She is the genius who put KDG in the library twice a week for 40 minutes each time.

Anyway, the idea of teaching using themes seems like a good one. I will try to work some out, I have been getting a little more info from my K teachers on what they are doing inclass. Hopefully, I can tie in with them or, at least, avoid stepping on their toes.

Thanks everyone.

I do love the ideas that others have suggested about activites connecting jan brett and Eric Carle books but there is always more for K to learn. . .

Reading to them is the most important thing but how about letting them browse magazines? How about using the computers -- or is that in a different room? How about teaching them more about the placement of EASY books by author and don't forget the non-fiction sections!

Songs that go with tie ins to certain books would be terrific also. How about designing a bookmark? Did you teach them how to put a "paint stirrer or laminated cardboard into the space they are taking a book out of to "look at" so it will get shelved correctly?

What about a contest? How about illustrating the book of the week? As a Kindergarten teacher and a media specialist, I know there is more to going to the library and reading a book. . . you had some good ideas. Puppets are always a great hit. One library center I subbed lng term in, I set up individual stations where kids could listen to a tape.

Hope I ahve helped a little.

Paulie