Work Smarter Not Harder

I need more time!  Don't we all feel like this sometimes?

 

 

It feels as if the minute hand on the clock is spinning wildly out of control and the to-do list keeps growing.  What's a girl to do?  Reevaluate, prioritize and control the TYPE A monster living within.  For me, this means looking at ways I can empower my students AND check off some things on my to-do list. 

 

One of the things I most like to do is read all the new fiction titles that come into the library.  This lets me book talk, make recommendations and be honest when a student asks, "Have you read this book?"  But this has been a crazy year and I still have a stack I need to get through and I really want to get them out in the hands of my kiddos.

 

Here's my (maybe) bright idea for this year.  I wrapped some of the titles up in construction paper.  I put a number on each one and a code for the genre type in the corner.  Here's what they looked like. (I know--very high tech!)

 

 

 

 

Here's my pitch to kiddos.  They get to be the FIRST person to read a new book (which is a BIG deal).  They get to take it home over Spring Break (in addition to their regular book check out).  The only thing they have to do is read the book over Spring Break and get ready to videotape a book talk about the book they read. 

 

To make it seem even MORE exclusive (wink wink), I limited it to 3 participants per class. 

 

Worked like a charm!  Now I can't wait to hear about these books when we return in April.

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!