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Learn how flexible scheduling can revolutionize library collaboration with teachers, promoting student engagement and enhancing curriculum. Gain insights into implementation strategies, thematic approaches, and the impact on student learning.
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I’ve Got a Flexible Schedule!Now What Do I Do? Margaret Edgerton Heath Springs Elementary medgerto@lcsd.k12.sc.us Celeste Graham Heath Springs Elementary cgraham@lcsd.k12.sc.us Debbie Keenan Brooklyn Springs Elementary dkeenan@lcsd.k12.sc.us
How Flexible Scheduling Came to Us • Administrators discover Exemplary Libraries promoted by SDE • Principals attend session by Martha Alewine at SCASA • School Leadership Team meetings at SDE.
Promoting New Schedule to Faculty • Explanation at end of year before implementation. • Give teachers a chance to think about how they can utilize the library. • Orientation at the beginning of the year of implementation.
If You Promote It, They Will Come 2 ways we promoted the library • Regular Planning with Teachers • Lesson development based on themes.
Planning with Teachers • Once a month • On the school calendar • Plan in the library with access to resources, books, catalog, long range plans, etc. • Standards available • Principal attends • Take minutes • Food!!
A Thematic Approach • Offer a variety of lessons for grade levels based on a theme. • Use what you know best. • Some examples: Geography Black History Month Authors Elections Poetry Presidents Economics Polar Express 100th Day Citizenship Olympic Games Holidays
What We’ve Learned • Don’t let them have the same time every time! • Some activities may last longer than others. • Some may take more than one day. • The teacher must stay with the class. • We are not substitutes. • Start with things you love to do. • Use others to steer to library (coach, instructional specialists, etc.)
More of What We Learned • If you can, include the computer lab. • You can still read to children!
What We’ve Noticed • It’s more meaningful when the teacher initiates lesson topics. • This is not automatic for all teachers or grades. • Look for those willing to try—they may lead others. • Circulation is up! • We can talk to kids about books!
The Best Parts • Students and teachers discover the library is a classroom where they can learn. • We feel more professional when we collaborate with teachers. • Teachers are learning that the library and the media specialist are tools they can use to enhance their curriculum and teaching.