Where's Mrs. Bixby? (aka Where's Waldo library style)

I love playing the "Where's Mrs. Bixby?" game!  I consider it a success each time it happens.

Remember Waldo?  He's that loveable little fellow in the striped shirt that is always hiding.

 

 

 

My library is large and open and beautiful but this game could be played in any library.  Here's how it works.

 

 

1. Begin your lesson.  Set the objective for the day and give some general directions.

2. Set the students free to work independently or in small groups.  They should be able to creatively choose their seating.  (This is crucial to the success of the game. Get them out of those seats and on the floor, in other chairs and all mixed up everywhere!)

3. Move freely about the library to monitor and assist as needed. 

4. While working, students can also pause to do independent book check out.

5. Now here's the fun part.  (You never know when the game will be played so you have to be ready all the time.) Get on the floor with a student or group of students.  Pull up a chair next to them. Sit on the story steps.  Go to the stacks and help them find a book. Just BE with the kids.  (You can't be at YOUR desk or the front of the room.)

6. Wait for a grown up to come in, look around and say, "Where's Mrs. Bixby?"

7. Pop up and say, "Here I am!" or wait for little voices to point you out (or if you are feeling particularly saucy, wait a bit and let the grown up wander and look and think you have neglected your teaching duties) 

 

I love this game and  I bet you will too!