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!
