As we are collaborating and sharing ideas how about sharing some ideas for a project that I am currently working on.
I worked at a particular primary school during the past two years and made various observations. The school had a room designated to be the library, it had some books many being of dinosaur age. However, the library is used to house meetings for various groups and for remedial sessions. There is no system in place to utilize the library to provide access to books so that their exposure to text and stories would increase. Yet, teachers complain about literacy issues such as comprehension, reading skills, and writing.
From speaking to students, there are some who have never visited any of the public libraries. Therefore, I embarked on a project to revive the library so that it functioned as a library and so that students benefited from its existence. However, I was only able to drum up support in the form of assistance from 4% of the staff other than the principal. I know there must be others that are interested but I really hope that they get more involved as the project progresses.
Do you have any idea about how I can get the teachers more involved? I have been playing with the idea of eBooks in my head but do you have any ideas for my library project? I am really open to suggestions.
Keep reading and sharing.
Hi Sabrina,
ReplyDeleteThis is my final required response to a blog. I saved the best for last. I have found that there is no need to worry when it comes to having and using a library. At my school, we have a fully functioning library and dedicate teacher who is very good with literature and drama. We have a well utilized Reading Room with a teacher in charge of remedial reading. We have a principal and at least one other teacher with university level qualifications in Language Arts. We also have a teacher for each class and they are very, very dedicated. It sounds great right, but nothing is further from the truth. Literacy is a huge problem.
PS. When it comes to library, I say call in NALIS for their mobile library service and let every one join and borrow. That’s my next plan for the children in my school, many of whom live within walking distance of the San Fernando Library.
So you see one plus one doesn’t always make two.
Hi Genevive,
ReplyDeleteThanks for saving me for your last post and congratulations on reaching the "Jackpot" your final reply.
I will definitely take your NALIS suggestion into consideration.
Hi Sabrina,
ReplyDeleteExcuse my ignorance, but I thought there was a school library division which has the responsibility for providing books for all school libraries. I know that the library staff is employed and trained by NALIS. In any case I am certain that NALIS will assists, but my advice is to call on the school libraries division to remove the ancient books and to replace them with new ones.
Additionally, the staff can always ask parents to purchase one story book that their child would be interested in to donate to the library when you issue the next book list; or you can simply arrange a book donation drive for Christmas. I wish you success in this venture.