Mi Amigo, El Libro!

Mi Amigo El Libro- This first grade class knows how to use and take care of books!

Our Library project is nearing the end of it's second phase. It has been an amazing experience to see kids so excited to have books to read- something so many of us take for granted in the states. Equally gratifying is to know that teachers now have books to use as teaching tools in the classrooms!

To recap- Phase 1 of our library project went something like this: a needs assessment survey at the school showed a need for books, book cases and staff development; the Parents Commission provided funding for book displays; a local carpenter built them; the book displays were transported to the schools in the back of the local police truck; the students varnished the book displays, then stocked them with the books. The books were purchased and surplus books written in Spanish that we brought from the states, with help from our parents, kids, and friends.

By the end of November, 2012, this collaborative effort resulted in 500 books with book displays provided for two separate schools in our community.

Phase 2 of the library project has been focused on teacher/staff development and determining how these books might be used in the schools. I started by putting my ideas and plans away, and really listening to the principal and teachers to determine their needs. These teachers had never had books to share with their students. Their thoughts ranged from: not letting kids touch the books for fear they might get them dirty, to wondering how they might use the books to help kids become better readers. I did my best to meet them where they were, and help them move forward from there. Together, we determined that staff development would include:

1.      Teaching students how to care for and use the books correctly.

2.       Sharing ideas for increasing students’ enthusiasm for reading.

3.      How to do a teacher “read- aloud” in the classroom, and developing a system for daily reading.

4.       Developing a system for borrowing books from the library.

I started by sharing some research with the principal and a key teacher about the why’s and how’s of reading aloud to students. We prepared a short presentation, which a teacher shared with the entire staff.

Mirta Provided Staff Development

 We also created a weekly schedule for class visits to the library to ensure books were getting into the hands of kids. Next, the principal asked me to visit every classroom, model a “read aloud”, and work with teachers to share information with students about taking care of books. I invited a teenage neighbor to model  “read alouds” with excitement and enthusiasm for the older students. 

Read Aloud with Enthusiasm!

 Every class visited the library, where teachers explained how to select and borrow books from the library.

We Love Books!

Next week, I will follow up by visiting every teacher to offer additional support if needed.

At a recent assembly, I heard the Principal encouraging students, to read and announced that a special reading day would be held later in the year to celebrate student reading improvement, with prizes to be awarded!

Somos Lectores!