Library Love

Have you ever thought, "I need to do---" and then promptly proceeded to not do that very thing?  That has been the story of my blog posts over the past few weeks.  I have written them in my head.  I really meant to write them here. Yet, when I logged in today, I realized 20 days have passed.  Oh well, I am here now.  :-)

I've had a few lovely surprises this year.  A couple I can not share yet (stay tuned) but here are some that just made me smile.

First up is a lovely little kindergartner.

It's no secret that I have a sweet spot for my K kiddos (being a former kindergarten teacher).  I did a read aloud with her class using Robert Munsch's book Stephanie's Ponytail. This little one came in the next day and stopped me in the hallway to show me her sideways ponytail, right above her ear, "just like the girl in my book."  She was so excited.  She stopped the guidance counselor at the front door and her Pre-K teacher from last year (both of whom had no idea what she was talking about and came to ask me what I had to do with her hair).  Don't you just love moments like this? 

My second sigh worthy moment came in the form of an unsolicited letter handed to me by a 5th grader named Molly.  Here's the letter:

I know it is hard to read so here is the text:

Why I should help

Dear Mrs. Bixby,

     This year I am a fith (sic) grader and I would like to help you in the library, so here is a presasuive (sic) letter to help make the decision.

    First of all, I LOVE to read and I want to own a library someday too.  I also like to wite (sic).  When you present the Black Eyed Susan books, I am inspired to read them.  I am halfway through the book "Gabriel Finley & the Raven's Riddle" now.

    Okay so now you know how much I love reading so I will tell you about how I could be useful.  I could put the books from the carts to the shelves. Or instead of you having to lesson plan and read the Black Eyed Susan books, I could read some and summerize (sic) them to you.  I can help you do anything you need or want me to do.

   I could help you during recess (I think recess is boring), when I have free time or when my class is just waiting in my classroom for car riders to be called (that can last for 15 mins tops)  Thank you for your time and consideration.

   That's why I should help you in the library.

                                       Your nerdy student, Molly

Seriously!  How could I say no to someone who wants to own their own library when they grow up? So I am now the proud supervisor of a 5th grade library helper.  I've never had one before but the library Un-Deweying has certainly made it a snap for her to help shelve.  A gal could get used to this.

And finally, I had to go food shopping after work because I have fallen into my typical "I did not plan ahead" mode and yet, demanding human beings that they are, my family still desires to eat on a regular basis.  Anyway, first person I encountered was a fellow librarian currently on maternity leave.  I got to see her and her adorable little girls.  Hugs all around!  And as we were talking at the deli, we heard, "Hi, Mrs. Bixby" from one of my fourth graders.  Around the corner to the salsa aisle and I see little eyes peeking and whispering (loudly), "That's my librarian."  Turn a few more corners and here comes a dad with a Pre-k and K brother and sister (the aforementioned whisperers) waving and saying, "Hi, Mrs. Bixby".  No, I did not write that incorrectly.  The day was waving and saying hi in his effort to mortify his kiddos.  He then said, "I told them it was okay to say hi to you." and they,kiddos not the dad, gave me hugs. Before I left, I encountered 2 more current students and one former student now in middle school.  More hugs from her and squeals of excitement from us both.  Feeling the love in the Food Lion tonight! 

That's Library Love folks-and it's pretty darn sweet!

Did You Save Any New Library Books For Us?

Today was the first day in many weeks that I have gotten the opportunity to teach Mrs. Grosso's 5th grade class.  It seems as if every delayed opening or inclement weather closing has occurred on a Tuesday!

When they came in and sat down, first I remarked at how tall they all were and then I asked if anyone had gotten married since I last had seen them.  After some laughter, one student raised her hand.  I said, "Congratulations!" and she giggled and said, "No, I didn't get married.  I just have a question."  And what do you think her question was?

"Did you save any new library books for us?"

This caused a bigger reaction than my marriage joke as the all began chattering at once. You see, they had heard from their friends in other classes that I had started putting out new books and they were not very happy that they had not gotten an opportunity to check any out yet. (I have morning and afternoon duties so the library is not available for check outs then.  Sigh!  I wish it were but it isn't.)

When I get new library books, I dole them out a few each day so that everyone has a shot at getting something new.  I also try to keep my eye out for when they are returned and try to put them aside for the next day's classes.  I don't do this forever but the kids have come to learn that I will do this for the first month or so to try to be fair.

My short answer, not well received, was no.  I had not set any aside for their class.  BUT I am still working on labeling some and I will be sharing some fiction booktalks and I promised to let their class have first pick of some of those.  They seemed happy enough. 

I did show them the Powerpoint I had created about the new nonfiction books. (This was running as classes arrived the week I initially put the books out.)  I asked for final questions before we moved on to the lesson and another hand shot up.  "What about those books where you get to read the stories lots of ways? "  I must have looked perplexed because he said, "You know, the little white books."  Ahhhh, realization dawning, the Choose Your Own Adventure books.  I explained that they were all checked out. (EVERY SINGLE ON OF THEM!) and explained how to read one and promised to hold some for their class next week. 

We went on to our lesson and the day progressed. 

So on this cold and icy, early dismissal due to weather day, I am feeling good.  This small exchange today told me that my kiddos like library.  They miss it when they can not come and, more importantly, they are talking to one another about the books they are choosing.  They aren't just talking to me and to kids in their homeroom.  They are talking to their friends in other classes and other grades. 

Now if we could just get a whole week with no delays, early closings or full snow days off, I might actually be able to get back in a routine and get some units finished!  I am ready for old man Winter to pack his bags and go!