Michelle Tryggestad



Practicum Experience JournalElementary SessionNovember 28 – December 2, 2011I began my practicum experiences for the Library Media Specialist Initial Certification at Southern Bluffs Elementary in La Crosse, WI. I had completed my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education student teaching at Southern Bluffs and was very familiar with the school, the Library Media Center configuration and with the tremendously wonderful job that Director Catherine Byers has done there. Ms. Byers is highly regarded as a leading Library Media Specialist in the southwestern Wisconsin area and I felt she would be a valuable mentor at this level. I was also interested in seeing how a large school Library Media Center was managed and operated in comparison to my three medium to small sized centers at Tomah.Before I began my week at Southern Bluffs, I contacted Catherine via email (this seemed to be the best way to get in touch and respond quickly for both of us). I felt it was important to get a few basic questions out of the way, as I know firsthand how busy the day can become. My first question regarded how the daily and weekly schedule was organized. She responded that La Crosse Elementary Schools use a six day cycle (1 - 6), that has been in operation for twenty plus years. The day begins at 7:50 AM and ends at 3:40 PM, with all the elementary days the same length, but starting at ending at varying times due to busing (much like the Tomah school district where I am employed). She also commented that in “reality, we could live here and never get caught up” – which is SO true!I wondered if there were any other schools that were under her direction, as well as any other duties outside of library skills and the LMC that she was responsible for. Catherine replied that she directs just the Southern Bluffs Elementary LMC – more than enough, considering they have about 390 students in twenty-one sections. She also sponsors the Battle of the Books with fourth and fifth grades – very successfully, as they have done extremely well in the past years’ local competitions. She hosts a Reading Club after school on Wednesdays until 5:30 PM. Catherine teaches a fourth grade reading group on Days 1, 3 and 5 for thirty minutes and schedules additional time with classes as the teachers request it. When research projects begin, her schedule is full. Attached is a copy of the weekly schedule.As I have an extended contract of one week past other staff and students at Tomah. We also “close” the LMC one week before the regular school year ends to run inventory and wrap things up for the summer. I wondered if this was the norm for all districts. Catherine does not have an extended contract. The district requires student materials be returned ten days before the end of the school year. Teachers are able to keep items until they are finished using them for classroom instruction. Because the collection at Southern Bluffs numbers 27,000 items, inventory takes quite a while. As in my LMCs (as I’m sure is the case all over), dealing with lost materials is the “biggest pain”.In my next email to Catherine, my questions regarded budget – how much, how she breaks it down, and the 25% of Common School Funding allowed to be utilized for technology. Catherine answered that she receives $8,688 from the Common School Fund and about $700 from the building budget for supplies. Their equipment is paid for out of another account that comes directly from the Library Office. The Common School Fund allotment is broken down as follows: $1,000 for (431) Audio/ Visual Media, $7000 (432) Books, $438 (434) Periodicals, and $250 (439) Other Media. The La Crosse School District does utilize the 25% of the CSF for technology in the LMC. This year they received new equipment and new library software. Unfortunately, the Library Media Center staff district wide has not been very satisfied with the software choice (not Follett Destiny). Catherine also does fundraising from book fairs (Scholastic), BoxTops for Education, and recycling cell phones, printer cartridges, etc. to the tune of about $3000 every year. She uses that money for multiple paperback copies, audio books, puppets, some added supplies and more books.The previous conversations gave me much insight to the way Catherine has set up her Library Media Program. It also gave me several ideas and further questions to discuss with her during my practicum. The following is a daily log of the activities performed. Though I tried to be as in depth as possible, I found that much like my own days at Tomah, rarely is there a free moment to sit down and write!Monday, November 28th, 2011 –7:45 – 9 AM: Catherine showed me the basics of the online catalog system – Library Solution by Cognos (The Library Corporation). They just implemented this new system this past fall and unfortunately have found there are many things they are unhappy with. In comparing the program to Tomah’s Follett Destiny program (now in our second year), I found it cumbersome and very user unfriendly. The inability to add cataloging subjects (other than a preset list from the company) would be a huge disadvantage. I have often found the need to add a cataloging subject that is relevant to my particular students, staff, district and region of the United States. The system does have one perk that I found would be a highlight for students and staff – a scrolling visual book covers feature and the book covers available in the catalog search itself. Book covers sell the book to students and this is something I want to pursue with our Follett Destiny (as I know it can be an added feature).Catherine then showed me around the LMC, which is an open concept – no walls on one entire side of the center, simply chest high half walls with either shelving or student computers. This creates a very welcoming, easily accessible space. It does have a louder noise level when classes travel by in the hallways; however that was almost imperceptible mainly due to common travel times throughout the building. The décor is varied and eye-catching, drawing attention to various subjects, displays and genres. My favorite is the large collection of literature based stuffed animals and character figures that are suspended from the ceiling with fish line. A medium sized aquarium holds two frogs – grown from eggs. There is a large table sized glass display in a centralized entry area, which currently housed sand and various sea shells. Two tall glass displays were empty at this time – awaiting a snowman collection (which I eventually helped arrange). Also suspended from the ceiling were a branch with various birds’ nests, a plane model and a bee hive. A small table held a sharks display, with numerous books, a tri-fold poster display, shark’s teeth and postcards. Often times staff, students and families will bring in collections and displays – a terrific idea and one I intend to put in my next newsletter.As students arrived, I assisted with book check-in. Classes delivered books with one or two students and individuals dropped off items on their way to classrooms. Though there was an open topped book return built into the desk there did not seem to be a set area where students knew to return items and the front desk quickly overflowed.9:15 – 9:45 AM: Observed Catherine read Art & Max to Gardner’s First grade class and discuss the Golden Archer Award with them. This has been an ongoing lesson with them, as she will read all award nominees to the classes and then hold a vote for the best. I assisted students with finding books – two books they could read and one “fun” book. After the class left, I told Catherine about hearing from another director that we need to change our language to “anything” versus “fun” books, as all books are fun! She loved that and proceeded to do that thereafter!9:45 – 10:15: Fried’s First grade class proceeded the same as Gardner’s. Catherine’s associate does the checkout and is available for the LMC seventeen hours a week (about 3.4 hours a day). She can, however, be called away for other activities as needed. This also happens with my associate – she is the on call custodian for illness, accidents, etc., does lunchroom and recess duty, as well as after school duty. It’s frustrating how many districts voice the need for a beautiful, efficient, well equipped Library Media Center, but do not see the correlation to staffing.10:15 – 10:45: Assisted with shelving of books. I noticed that Catherine purchases many more paperbacks than I do. I find paperbacks do not get checked out, as they “disappear” on the shelves. Picture book paperbacks are shelved on a spinner rack according to author. Paperback fiction books are shelved on another spinner by author and there are several displays of paperback series. Paperback non-fiction books are shelved along with regular hard cover books. They cover most paperbacks with a material I was unfamiliar with – Kapco Paperback Book Protectors. It does a very nice job of almost making a hardcover book out of a paperback – very sturdy and nice longevity. I’m very eager to order and try this product.10:45 – 11:15: Monitored Catherine sharing new series titles with Riley’s Third grade class. I often do this with my third, fourth and fifth grade classes. I assisted students with book searching and online catalog searching. Students checked out two books they could read, a partner book to read with their Kindergarten partner and an “anything” book. It’s always interesting how some students readily accept or seek out assistance, while others almost shrink away from support. I often make note of “shrinkers” and seek them out the following class time for conversation and putting them more at ease.11:15 – 12 PM: Prepped new magazines – they use soft, semi-permanent plastic covers which are removed when the magazine is taken from the display and put in back issue storage. They display the current year and archive the past five years. She is fortunate to have plenty of space for that many years. Student volunteers from Fifth grade assisted with Everyone and Fiction shelving, as well as other varied tasks – straightening shelves, feeding the frogs, arranging displays, taking down bulletin boards and posters, etc. The program is strictly voluntary – Catherine trains them at the beginning of the year in basic shelving, other straightening up and various manageable tasks. She also has the duties laminated so students can refer to them daily and become independent helpers. Volunteers sign in and she keeps track of who shows up. Steady volunteers get to take part in fun activities such as a trip to Barnes & Noble to pick out books for the library. I would love to implement this in Tomah – what a great way to give students more ownership of their Library Media Center, and possibly encourage future directors!12 – 12:30 PM: Lunch. Catherine normally eats lunch in the LMC at her desk. I know this can be extremely tempting to do – it’s nice to have calm and quiet on occasion. However, I find making the effort to eat with my staff at least once a week (which means every time I am at my two small schools) is extremely valuable. I make connections with staff, come up with ways to expand LMC services, vent with and just have relaxed fun with my co-workers. That’s not to say that once in a while I say “to heck with it all” and shelter in place!12:30 – 1:15 PM: Previewed the book The Great Ball Game by Bruchac so I could do a read aloud to Drake’s Fourth grade class. I looked through Catherine’s huge professional and personal collection – several items that she has purchased herself over the years for guidance and use with students. I could spend years borrowing from her and never reach the end! This motivated and reminded me to self purchase more personal choices that could travel with me if I ever left Tomah.1:15 – 1:45 PM: Drake’s Fourth grade class - read aloud the above title. I decided to tie in 398.2 (Fairy, Tall & Folk Tales) with the story. Catherine commented she would add this to her notes for next year’s discussion, as she hadn’t thought of that connection before. I had a great discussion with the class regarding legends they had discussed in the regular classroom. I really enjoyed assisting this group in finding books – many were very willing to ask for help. I was inundated with questions! Students could choose three books they could read and one “anything” book. 1:45 – 2:15 PM: I read Art & Max by Wiesner to Shedivy’s Second grade class, using much of Catherine’s example from the morning. She shows the book as she reads, while I tend to read, then show the pictures. I assisted with book searching. Students could choose three they could read and one “anything” book. I’ve noticed this class tended to swarm the paperback Everyone books. When one student didn’t get the book she wanted, I informed her it was probably on the regular shelf too. When we found it, she said, “I never check out these books.” When I asked her why, she said she thought they were harder to read. I showed her how her friend’s and her book were the same inside – she seemed amazed! She then chose two other books from the hardcover section. Little teachable moments like these are such a thrill and I always make sure to speak so other students can hear what’s going on and hopefully learn from it too!2:15 – 2:45 PM: Again read Art & Max to Brewer’s Second grade class and tied in Golden Archer and (this time) other books by Wiesner (and where to locate them). Assisted with searches – students finding three they could read and one anything.2:45 – 3:15 PM: Met with Janet Amann and Catherine. We discussed expectations for the week – areas to improve, etc. Janet would like to see me get involved with a technology project somehow. I am interested to see how Catherine works technology into the LMC program. There is an open computer lab connected to the LMC. This is an ideal situation in my mind for integration and expansion of the program. My two small LMCs are also the computer lab and I often create lessons with that in mind. My larger schools’ lab is down in the basement – with only a half hour for scheduled class, I am unable to take full advantage of the lab. I feel my students at that school are missing out on the immediate hands on, individualized experience during a lesson.3:15 – 3:45 PM: I checked in with my Tomah school mail (as I had told my associate and staffs that I would). Catherine and I discussed Tuesday’s schedule and things to accomplish. Terrific first day – it went so fast! With my home only thirty minutes from Southern Bluffs, I quickly realized how much time out of my day is spent simply driving. If only Tomah was this close to home. Tuesday, November 29th, 2011 –7:45 – 9 AM: Got the LMC ready to go – turned on computers, logged in, checked in books, etc. Catherine met with a teacher, so I “manned” the desk and assisted students.9 – 9:30 AM: Fourth Grade Reading Group – This is an Intervention/Core/Expansion group (we also have ICE at Tomah), with this being an Expansion group of six students. She is reading and discussing Birchbark House by Erdmann with them. Catherine had me working on winter/ snowman decorations at that time, so I moved to the desk area so I could listen in a bit. The group enjoy discussing the story with extensive vocabulary skills. Catherine brought out a media kit she has put together over the years to go along with the story (or any Native American based story). The kit included a native woven basket, dream catcher, beaded belt, and various other native crafts. The students had a great time discussing the contents and how they related to the story.9:30 – 11:30 AM: Continued to work on decoration. I bedecked a larger portable bulletin board with “There is SNOW better time to READ!” and various snow themed book jackets. It is located near a high traffic area, so should pique ots of interest. I learned to use the Cri-Cut machine and definitely want to save my pennies for such. It has terrific options, can create figures and words. Catherine uses it for bulletins, bookmarks, special notes and cards, etc. She also shared her “Newbery Challenge” concept with me. In the past they had a hard time getting students to read Newbery Award books – especially the older copyright titles. She created a pamphlet listing all the winners and most honor books with directions for the challenge. Students who read twelve Newbery Award or Honor books during their Fourth and Fifth grade years, will qualify to be inscribed on the Newbery Challenge plaque, which is prominently displayed in the main entry to the school. Once introduced, she can definitely notice an increase in Newbery check outs. It is an excellent idea and one I would love to implement at my two schools with Fourth and Fifth grade classes.11:30 – 12 PM: Fifth grade volunteers worked on their book donation box. The group had previously designed a note that would be sent home with all students, describing the event. All students and staff were encouraged to donate any books they were no longer reading or wanted. All books would be collected and donated to both Good Will and the Salvation Army stores in La Crosse. This is a wonderfully caring idea for the holiday season. I like that it is Library originated.12 – 12:30 PM: Catherine had to run an errand and I elected to eat in the lounge. It was nice reintroducing myself to faces I hadn’t seen in ten plus years!12:30 – 1 PM: Battle of the Books. Catherine had not returned, so I jumped right in. Five students showed up to practice (though I understand many more were no shows). This can be a challenging group (as I’ve found at Tomah) – many are higher level students and can have the attitude to go with that. One student kept trying to disappear; however I called him on it and did get him to join in the practice for a time. Three students left the last ten minutes for recess, but two girls stayed and did very well with the flashcards that Catherine had provided them.1 – 3:45 PM: Finished the remainder of the bulletin board and will put book jackets and “snow” (batting) on tomorrow. I asked how she decides between paperback and hardcover books (as I noticed she has many paperbacks). She says if she feels and item will get lots of checkout, she’ll order hardcover; one with not so much checkout – paperback. They also utilize KAPCO covers on their paperbacks. I had never used this material and it is an excellent alternative to contact paper – worth the added expense for items one wishes to keep around a longer time. The covers are tough, with a bendable spine – terrific for joke books and other non-fiction paperbacks or second copy popular fiction that will get lots of use. The leftover pieces are used to create very nice bookmarks! I will definitely be buying this product. Catherine also had me create a purchase list of leveled readers from the Benchmark Education site. We have not utilized leveled readers in the LMC, but I can see a need with our Daily Five program. This site offers a six paperback copy set with teacher guide for around $33 – 34. If she purchased $500 by December 31st, they would allow her an additional purchase of $300 more! Catherine keeps them in bins labeled with the letter of level (A – R). Teachers can go through the bins, select the pack (zip bag) they want and check out.We also discussed books on CD – of which they have many. She agreed that for a while, they were not used much; but now, with Daily Five, more teachers are requesting them for the listening centers. She orders from Scholastic for lower grades and Amazon or Better World Books for the upper grades (which have no shipping fees). I need to get more of these for my three schools, as the old collection was completely weeded years ago (cassette tapes).I also noticed they have videos for students to check out. She said they don’t get checked out often and they have had the titles for quite some time. All the DVDs I purchase are for classroom curriculum use – we found the take home ones just were too abused.Wednesday, November 30th7:45 -9 AM: Turned on and logged onto computers. Massive book returns today – checked in and assisted with shelving. I had to restart the Benchmark Education order, as it did not save it (good thing I had the foresight to print a copy before I logged out yesterday, as I was concerned this might happen). Catherine did not have an account, so I set one up for her – that way she is able to save lists and see previous orders. I re-added all items to her cart for a total of $799 – she will get $300 of that free! It took quite some time to locate the lowest three levels of books (as she requested), compare possible double choices with the online catalog and make the final selections. I think she was very pleased with the list.9:15 – 9:45 AM: Daley-Mack First Grade class. Catherine read Art & Max, while I observed and assisted with book selection and location.9:45 – 10:15 AM: Friedman First Grade class. I read Art & Max, discussed other Golden Archer books they had shared. I also described the voting directions and assisted with book selection and location.10:15 – 10:30 AM: Shelved books (lots today).10:30 – 11 AM: Dummer Third Grade class. Catherin shared new series titles. I assisted with book location and selection, online searching, and behavior (just a few boys who were very off task). The layout of the LMC does create some “out of sight” pockets, so one does need to wander around. The teachers stay with their class the entire time, but tend to stay near the checkout desk. I saw very few who seemed to want to look with their students, though a few were looking at book choices after students checked out. While I encourage my staff to take a break and rejoin us for the last 15 minutes of class (book searching and checkout), I do see more of them holding terrific conversations with students about books, making suggestions and helping them find things. I think we have more of a combined effort – which certainly benefits the students.11 – 11:30 AM: Finished Benchmark order and finished bulletin board. I used galleys, which Catherine has gotten at ALA Conferences – they are books that are unbound, without hard covers (basically samples). Often the chapter books are unedited. They are great for displays such as bulletins.I have yet to go to an ALA conference, and Catherine has me excited to attend. I will really need to find the money in my personal budget, as my district is cutting back in those areas (one conference per staff member per year).11:30 – 12: I assisted the Fifth Grade Volunteers in finishing their donation box. The first box is already half full! They really have a great system – the four girls quickly and efficiently completed all their tasks and then went to recess. They usually shelve ten Everyone or Fiction books, but even asked Catherine if she needed more shelved and did the whole pile of Everyone books – quite a stack! That decided it for me – Library Heroes are coming to Miller & Camp Douglas!12 – 12:30 PM: Lunch with Catherine and a good friend of hers who volunteered all morning. This was the perfect day for a volunteer, with so many books returned. I’d like to encourage adult volunteers at my three libraries (especially the two that I am only at once a week).12:30 – 1:30 PM: Typed up spine labels for several books. They still have an electric typewriter – very smart as we find the computer and printer quite a pain to type just one or two labels on. Looked through Scholastic flyers for possible audio purchases – I now see the dire need to add more of these to our professional collection.1:30 – 2 PM: Meyer Second Grade Class. I read both Knufflebunny Free and Art & Max to the class (they needed to catch up with the others). I also assisted with book selection, online catalog use, suggested new books we had processed earlier and winter themed books we had put near my bulletin display.2 – 2:30 PM: Koepke Second Grade class. I handled the entire lesson time – introduced myself, read Art & Max, discussed other Golden Archers they had shared, previewed voting rules and assisted with book location and selection. Catherine manned the checkout desk.2:30 – 3:30 PM: Checked new books with the online catalog; Catherine purchases the cataloging as it saves so much time – one just needs to check it over. I asked about fines. They only fine for lost or damaged – as do we. I showed Catherine an easier way to select a student to check out. We discussed her role on the La Crosse and Winding Rivers Library Boards. She is the school district LMS representative and has been for some time. The district allows her time to attend meetings (some of which are during the school day). It’s a good way to make connections and create programs. I must check to see if omah public library includes a school representative, as I do not believe they do.3:30 – 5:30 PM: Reading Club. I absolutely loved this once a week club! Six girls were able to attend today, though they’ve had as many as twelve. They begin by sharing what they are currently reading and their opinion of the title. The students snack on treats Catherine provides or they bring. Catherine reads aloud from a book – two chapters – and discusses plot and highlights. I believe she selects a different book every time in this manner. This time she read from the book Heat by Mike Lupica – an interesting choice considering this was an all girl group. They then work on a different project or craft. In the past, they’ve decorated the LMC, created bulletin boards, fashioned different little take home crafts, produced little “surprises” for their classrooms, etc. After their craft was finished, they read for about 45 minutes on their own – you really could’ve heard a pin drop, and Catherine reads right along with them (a great model).Thursday, December 1 7:45 – 9 AM: Got the LMC ready to go – turned on computers, logged in, checked in books, etc. Catherine needed to reschedule some mobile lab times, so I “manned” the desk and assisted students. Entered some new magazines into the catalog and assisted in shelving.9 – 9:45 AM: While Catherine worked with her Fourth grade Reading Group on Birchbark House, she encouraged me to peruse the collection. I was especially interested in her Biography section, as that is the area that most needs development in all three of my schools. I noticed the majority of her biography titles are of the picture book format – not as many chapter book styles. I came up with quite an extensive list of titles that I intend to order.9:45 – 10:15 AM: Snyder Fifth Grade. Catherine had asked me previously to prepare to teach a Dewey Decimal system review lesson to both Fifth Grade classes. She shared with me the previous handout she had used with students and I added to the lesson from my own resources that I have used this past year with my Fourth and Fifth graders. The activity involved a deciding a classification category for each subject listed. We worked on the activity together, with students volunteering possible categories and discussing the reasons. I find Fifth grade is always a terrific group to work with, as they are so willing to suggest ideas and discuss things. I love interacting with students and helping them discover the method behind any LMC’s organization – it’s all about helping them become confident, independent library patrons.10:15 – 10:45 AM: Houlihan Fifth Grade. I taught the same lesson as Snyder’s group. I did notice that both Fifth grade teachers did not arrive with their group, rather they came during the last 15 – 10 minutes (during check out time). This was fine, as I personally feel that I am a certified teacher and there’s really no need to have “double duty.” I also feel that those precious 15 – 20 minutes that a teacher can grab during an LMC time could be used for so many important preparations.10:45 – 11:30 AM: Catherine and I discussed periodical selection and use. Her magazines are quite actively checked out both by students and staff. I have found the service we use (Ebsco) has had some trouble with delivery, though I feel that may be due to the fact that all our materials must be delivered to a central mail point in district, then filtered out from there! Catherine recommended Professional Marketing Association out of Haddonfield, NJ. She has had no problems in the many years she has utilized this company.11:30 – 12 PM: Fifth Grade Volunteers. I assisted the Book Donation group by finding a spot to store the every growing pile of donated books. I also chatted with the volunteers while they performed their duties regarding previous activities that they were involved with in the LMC. They are an energetic group and will be a valuable asset to their Middle School LMC, and hopefully High School also.12 – 12:30 PM: Lunched with Catherine.12:30 – 1:15 PM: Worked with the Para-professional and a volunteer to see how the KAPCO covers worked. I must admit I wasn’t very good to begin, but with a little practice showed a decently accomplished product. The two teaching me were very efficient and easily completed three books to my one! Both were very friendly and said how much they enjoyed working with Catherine. The Para-pro stated that she intended to retire if and when Catherine ever did! One can see she has a very good rapport with both co-workers and volunteers – I hope I can always have that relationship with mine.1:15 – 1:45 PM: Schwalbe Fifth Grade. I taught the same lesson as the two Fifth grade classes this morning. These were three very great groups of Fifth graders – easy to work with and enjoyable to converse with. I made sure to tell Catherine to share that with her teachers when I was gone!1:45 – 3 PM: The Follett representative had arranged to meet with Catherine and she asked me to sit in on the conversation. Duane was very informative (I’ve met with him only briefly before) – he had several extremely helpful and time-saving tips for the website which I intend to use right away. I really appreciated the List Sharing concept, as often times I will compile a list of books for a category and need a quick way to share it with the other LMSs in my district – this will be the perfect tool for that.3 – 3:45 PM: Decorated the LMC with Catherine’s enormous snowman collection – she has everything from ornaments (which I hung in the office windows) to stuffed figures to large floor snowmen. Every year she holds a “guess the number of snowmen” contest. Students submit their guesses and she awards the closest guess with prizes – usually a free book and treats. Terrific idea and works well for December into February decoration (something a time crunched LMS is always concerned about)!Friday, December 28:20 – 9 AM: I am shocked that this is already my final day. The time has simply flown. I could easily spend another year here with Catherine and still not have completely “picked her brain.” What a wealth of information, knowledge and defender of library and information seeking skills she is – Southern Bluffs is indeed very fortunate to have had such a wonderful Library Media Specialist all these years. Got the LMC ready to go – turned on computers, logged in, checked in books, etc. I “manned” the desk and assisted students while Catherine caught up with mail (a never ending task). I checked the cataloging on a stack of new books. Catherine buys the MARC records for all titles (mainly due to time constraints); however she makes sure to check each one as the books are processed. Oftentimes the record needs to be “tweaked” for the needs of the library, students and staff.9 – 9:45 AM: Ahern Kindergarten. I read Knufflebunny Free and Art & Max to the students. We discussed the Golden Archer Award and reviewed other titles Catherine had read to them. Assisted with locating books, suggesting many new and winter books we had pulled.9:45 – 10:15 AM: Powell Kindergarten. Again read Knufflebunny Free and Art & Max to the class. Discussed their Golden Archer favorites (so far) and which one they might choose as their winner. Assisted with locating books, suggesting many new and winter books we had pulled, pulling and displaying more winter books as I assisted.10:15 – 10:45 AM: Raatz Kindergarten. I read Knufflebunny Free and Art & Max to the class. Discussed their Golden Archer favorites (so far) and which one they might choose as their winner. Assisted with locating books, suggesting many new and winter books we had pulled, pulling and displaying more winter books as I assisted so students had lots of choices.10:45 – 11:15 AM: Roh (Faga) Third grade class and Dutchin Third grade class. Both took fifteen minutes to check out only. This was a spur of the moment change, as the classroom teachers forgot to inform Catherine that they had a speaker coming in to visit their classes. Catherine was very accommodating, as I always try to be flexible with my staffs. Things come up and if a person can be flexible one hopes that your co-workers will be willing to adapt to any changes you might need to make in a schedule.11:15 – 12 AM: Fifth Grade Volunteers. We have ended up with a huge pile of boxes of donated books. A teacher has volunteered to deliver the boxes next week. The students were just thrilled to see the results of a simple little idea & were very proud they could help out. This would be a great idea to introduce in a newsletter just before a big event – say parent teacher conferences or a holiday concert.12 – 12:30 PM: Lunch with Catherine. She asked me to pre-read The Great Ball Game by Bruchac to read aloud to the Fourth Grade this afternoon.12:30 – 1:15 PM: Quick Kindergarten class. I read Knufflebunny Free and Art & Max to the class. Discussed their Golden Archer favorites (so far) and which one they might choose as their winner. Assisted with locating books, suggesting many new and winter books we had pulled, pulling and displaying more winter books so students had lots of choices while I assisted.1:15 – 1:45 PM: Meyer Fourth Grade class. Read aloud The Great Ball Game which is a Native American tall tale involving the game of lacrosse (perfect for a school in La Crosse!). The tale explains why the bat is considered both an mammal and a bird. I chose to tie in the seasons, migration and giving others a chance. The students really seemed to enjoy the story and the discussion was lively. Their classroom teacher spoke up and said it was perfect timing, as they had just studied migration in class. Catherine made a note to keep this in her plans for next year at this time. Assisted with catalog searches and locating items.1:45 – 2:15 PM: Porter/Minor Special Needs class. This was a small group of Third through Fifth grade students with mild developmental needs. I read Knufflebunny Free and discussed the Golden Archers they had previously shared. Very well behaved group and participated energetically! I assisted with finding books.2:15 – 3:45 PM: I was able to spend some time with the Southern Bluffs Principal Mary Lin Wershofen. I wanted to get a feel for her outlook on the Library Media Center both at Southern Bluffs and in the La Crosse District. Unfortunately, Ms. Wershofen feels that La Crosse will be forced to spread their LMSs out further, with more of a directing (rather than teaching) role. While she personally is looking for an LMS that is cutting edge technology minded, with the state of budgets in Wisconsin schools, she sees the LMS as one area that will need to consolidate. This was very disheartening to hear, but a comment that I have heard from numerous administration throughout the state. While Catherine does a terrific job with promoting reading, books and the LMC, I personally feel that an LMS must create numerous opportunities of collaboration with all levels. We must be viewed as a vital resource to information seeking and research. Southern Bluffs has the perfect layout for such ventures – with the computer lab an open extension of the library.Catherine and I were able to wrap up the week with a nice long discussion on various topics. She talked about the many conferences she has attended over the years – really stressing how many connections one can make and the great up to date information one receives. She is a member of the American Library Association and Wisconsin Library Association and has attended several of their yearly conferences – traveling to many states. I shared some of my experiences at the WEMTA conference last year and mentioned I would be attending the WSRA this year. She has attended both of their conferences before – with high raves. I had purchased a little gift of appreciation for all her time and assistance, which I then gave her. In conclusion, it was an absolutely terrific experience. I wished I could have seen some technology or research collaboration between the LMC and the some classes, but with my practicum in Viroqua coming up, I know I will see that in action. ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download