This will be a looong post, but stay with me. This theory is really important stuff.
My MLS coursework at TWU was blissful. Cheesy maybe, but true. I took five years--purposely long because I loved it and things were hectic.
It provided the wonderful realization that I am passionate about libraries, and in those ancient days of face-to-face courses, it provided enduring relationships.
And I LOVED the things we learned.
Early on, Dr. Betty Carter introduced us to "The Birthday Cake Theory of Reading Development" by Alleen Pace Nilsen and Kenneth L. Donelson.
I am excited to say that Dr. Nilsen kindly gave me permission to post this copy from the 1985 edition of Literature for Today's Young Adults. In later editions of the book, the authors opted for a plainer chart, but the birthday cake remains my favorite.
The theory traces the development of readers. Not so much learning HOW to read, but learning to LOVE to read.
To understand the theory, begin with the bottom layer of the cake and work up. The cake has six layers representing birth to kindergarten through adulthood. Each layer provides a basic understanding of what developing readers need in this stage.
Here's a critical piece. Readers must go through each stage. Stages can't be skipped. If a reader is "squashed" in one stage, he will age chronologically, of course, but he/she may never develop a love reading.
Layer One--Birth through Kindergarten:
Enjoying nursery rhymes, folktales, picture books, cereal boxes, and anything else that shows there is fun and profit to be gained from the written word.
Layer Two--Kindergarten through Second Grade:
Learning to decode. Developing the intellectual skills needed to read.
Layer Three--Third to Sixth Grades (Unconscious Delight)
Losing oneself in a good story.
Series books, fantasies, horse stories, dog stories, adventure tales, anything the reader can disappear into.
Layer Four--Jr. High to High School:
Finding oneself in a story. Finding one's friends, enemies, and other people of interest. Checking out the "facts" in realistic problem novels.
Layer Five--Upper High School to College:
Going beyond one's circle. Finding where one fits in society. What does it all mean?
Layer Six--Adulthood:
Aesthetic appreciation. Identifying with the author. How and why the reader is touched by this writing.
Why is this really important stuff?
The birthday cake theory provides an understanding of how readers develop. It helps us match readers with the right book at the right time. It helps us inform parents and teachers as to why each stage is important and what the implications are.
For example, it's critical that readers in the unconscious delight stage read series books or the same kind of thing over and over. Squash this, attempt to push them on before they're ready, and you risk stopping their progress in developing a love of reading.
And most of all, understanding this theory helps us help kids be readers. And that's really important stuff any day.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
American Libraries Direct
Reading American Libraries Direct is one of the highlights of my week. Ok, so my life isn't too exciting, but AL Direct is greatness.
If you subscribe, this free resource will magically pop into your inbox each week. Skim it and you will be up on the latest news, trends, and technology impacting libraries.
In this week's issue, I learned that...
If you subscribe, this free resource will magically pop into your inbox each week. Skim it and you will be up on the latest news, trends, and technology impacting libraries.
In this week's issue, I learned that...
- Overdrive has a brand new app I can use to download free audio books from my public library
- A wonderfully spunky 99-year-old is again able to read books, thanks to the iPad
- Collaborative learning environments for students are one of the six coming technologies in education
- And much, much more!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
The coolness of Stickybits
Thanks to School Library Journal, I have discovered the coolness of Stickybits.
At the risk of shouting, you can attach CONTENT to BARCODES. Wow.
Stickybits allows you to attach, "photos, videos, music, text, pdfs, zips, etc." to a barcode.
Think of the possibilities!
But you CAN add content to barcodes printed free from the Stickybits website, really snazzy barcodes that you can purchase (see picture) and to any UPC barcode such as that Diet Coke can or container of Yoplait on your desk. Fun, huh?
What other library applications do you see for Stickybits?
At the risk of shouting, you can attach CONTENT to BARCODES. Wow.
Stickybits allows you to attach, "photos, videos, music, text, pdfs, zips, etc." to a barcode.
Think of the possibilities!
- Attach a short book trailer to the book
- Attach a booktalk or author intro to the book
- Attach a recommendation from a student to the book
- Use content-added Stickybits for mini lessons
- Use content-added Stickybits in professional development sessions
But you CAN add content to barcodes printed free from the Stickybits website, really snazzy barcodes that you can purchase (see picture) and to any UPC barcode such as that Diet Coke can or container of Yoplait on your desk. Fun, huh?
What other library applications do you see for Stickybits?
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
The absolutely indispensable librarian
"AMERICA'S BACK! The Remarkable Tale of Our Economic Turnaround," screams the cover of Newsweek's April 19, 2010 issue.
(Before you wonder where I'm going with this, yes, it will connect to libraries and no, it won't be political.)
I'll confess up front that I don't normally read Newsweek. But a friend gave me this issue to show me something else, and I haven't been able to get past the cover story.
The article contends that America's economy is "coming back stronger, better, and faster than nearly anyone expected" (p. 29, print ed). I'm obviously no economist, but I'm going to have to respectfully disagree. I don't think education (and libraries) have hit bottom yet.
And to survive these lean and getting leaner times, we are going to make ourselves absolutely indispensable. How?
The absolutely indispensable librarian will...
Be a people person--relationships are critical
Be a kid person--sounds redundant, but unfortunately it isn't
Be a reader--read more children's or YA lit than anyone at your campus
Be a nerd--in a good way, of course. Have a blog? Twitter much? Participate in educational networking?
Be a curriculum person--know the curriculum for every grade and content area at your campus
Be a financial steward--spend district money well and wisely
Be a PR person--advocate for the library at every turn
Be a professional--join and actively participate in your state library organization and ALA
Be a resource--either have it or know how to access it
Be a 21st century librarian--help students and staff become competent in 21st century skills
What did I leave out? Please join the discussion!
MorgueFILE free photo
MorgueFILE free photo
What do they do to people with overdues?
Sevierville County, Tennessee, has a new library. A happy thing, especially in this economy, but not actually a news maker. Except for the unorthodox way they transport books to their new facility---by hearse.
When the original Sevier County library opened in 1922, undertaker Fred Rawlings volunteered to help transport books in his hearse. The library moved in 1968, and with a nod to history, the hearse was again called into service.
So when the brand-new $11.2 million dollar library opened last week, naturally Rawling's hearse was used to tote the first of the 72,000 volumes to the library.
Possibly the best part is the quote from The Knoxville News Sentinel. "Even in the age of smart phones and wireless Internet, the printed word is not dead. But sometimes it does ride in the back of a hearse" (Robert Wilson, April 21, 2010).
Photo from Bennett Funeral Coaches
http://www.hearse.com/pa/index.html
When the original Sevier County library opened in 1922, undertaker Fred Rawlings volunteered to help transport books in his hearse. The library moved in 1968, and with a nod to history, the hearse was again called into service.
So when the brand-new $11.2 million dollar library opened last week, naturally Rawling's hearse was used to tote the first of the 72,000 volumes to the library.
Possibly the best part is the quote from The Knoxville News Sentinel. "Even in the age of smart phones and wireless Internet, the printed word is not dead. But sometimes it does ride in the back of a hearse" (Robert Wilson, April 21, 2010).
Photo from Bennett Funeral Coaches
http://www.hearse.com/pa/index.html
Reader's Advisory advice...
Monday, April 26, 2010
Other things to help with flexible scheduling...
1. Implement self checkout. Yesterday!
While self checkout takes time to get rolling, it's well worth the effort. Self checkout frees librarians from the clerical task of checkout in favor of professional tasks such as reader's advisory and collaboration.
2. Have teachers sign up for the librarian, not the library. HUH?
The old way is to schedule the library. With self checkout, teachers may bring their whole class or send a small group of students to return books and get new ones at any time WITHOUT the help of the librarian. This frees the librarian to help another class with research, read a story, do booktalks, or a million other things. So...the teacher only needs to sign up when he/she needs the LIBRARIAN. Major paradigm shift.
3. See how other schools manage their schedules, especially if the campus is large. Do they have creative ideas for keeping the library out of rotation?
4. Build relationships with...everyone--your administrators, teachers, parents, and of course, students. People are more likely to back your cause if you care about them as well.
5. Be an advocate for your library. Tirelessly. Positively.
MorgueFILE free photo
While self checkout takes time to get rolling, it's well worth the effort. Self checkout frees librarians from the clerical task of checkout in favor of professional tasks such as reader's advisory and collaboration.
2. Have teachers sign up for the librarian, not the library. HUH?
The old way is to schedule the library. With self checkout, teachers may bring their whole class or send a small group of students to return books and get new ones at any time WITHOUT the help of the librarian. This frees the librarian to help another class with research, read a story, do booktalks, or a million other things. So...the teacher only needs to sign up when he/she needs the LIBRARIAN. Major paradigm shift.
3. See how other schools manage their schedules, especially if the campus is large. Do they have creative ideas for keeping the library out of rotation?
4. Build relationships with...everyone--your administrators, teachers, parents, and of course, students. People are more likely to back your cause if you care about them as well.
5. Be an advocate for your library. Tirelessly. Positively.
MorgueFILE free photo
Tips for flexible scheduling in the REAL world
Ok, so maybe you've discovered that not everything is exactly the way you thought it would be in library school. What if you're trying to implement flexible scheduling but you don't know quite how to handle the teacher who wants to bring her class to the library every Friday at 2:00?
Here are a few tips...
First, gain the support of your principal for flexible scheduling. How?
1. Make an appointment.
2. Tell your principal how flexible scheduling may impact student achievement. Back this up with data from School Libraries Work (see previous post). Cite the standards (ditto).
3. Talk about your vision for the library and your goal of creating a community of readers and learners.
4. Share how a flexible schedule allows maximization of your time as an instructional partner and professional librarian.
5. Offer specific information about how flexible scheduling works.
6. Be ready to answer objections in a positive way. Will the library be busy? Will it meet the needs of students and staff? Will kids get to come on a regular basis?
MorgueFILE free photo
Here are a few tips...
First, gain the support of your principal for flexible scheduling. How?
1. Make an appointment.
2. Tell your principal how flexible scheduling may impact student achievement. Back this up with data from School Libraries Work (see previous post). Cite the standards (ditto).
3. Talk about your vision for the library and your goal of creating a community of readers and learners.
4. Share how a flexible schedule allows maximization of your time as an instructional partner and professional librarian.
5. Offer specific information about how flexible scheduling works.
6. Be ready to answer objections in a positive way. Will the library be busy? Will it meet the needs of students and staff? Will kids get to come on a regular basis?
MorgueFILE free photo
Flexibility?
Lots of new elementary librarians ask about scheduling. They know from library school that flexible scheduling is recommended, but how does it work? Here's a bit of info...
Definitions:
Flexible scheduling--the library has no regularly-scheduled classes so students and staff may be served at the point of need.
Fixed scheduling--the majority of the library schedule is filled with classes coming at a regular time slot.
Combination--some fixed classes and some time open for point of need.
Rotation--some or all of the library schedule is set with classes coming in each day to relieve teacher's conference periods.
The standards say:
Texas Library Standards (Standard 1, Principle 3c) call for flexible scheduling at least 80% of the day at the recognized level and 90% of the day for exemplary.
The research says:
"An effective school library provides flexible scheduling and timely access to the collection by all students"
Roscello, Frances and Patricia Webster (2002). Characteristics of School Library Media Programs and Classroom Collections: Talking Points. Albany: NY: Office of Elementary, Middle, Secondary, and Continuing Education, New York State Department in School Libraries Work! 2008: Scholastic.
MorgueFILE free photo
Definitions:
Flexible scheduling--the library has no regularly-scheduled classes so students and staff may be served at the point of need.
Fixed scheduling--the majority of the library schedule is filled with classes coming at a regular time slot.
Combination--some fixed classes and some time open for point of need.
Rotation--some or all of the library schedule is set with classes coming in each day to relieve teacher's conference periods.
The standards say:
Texas Library Standards (Standard 1, Principle 3c) call for flexible scheduling at least 80% of the day at the recognized level and 90% of the day for exemplary.
The research says:
"An effective school library provides flexible scheduling and timely access to the collection by all students"
Roscello, Frances and Patricia Webster (2002). Characteristics of School Library Media Programs and Classroom Collections: Talking Points. Albany: NY: Office of Elementary, Middle, Secondary, and Continuing Education, New York State Department in School Libraries Work! 2008: Scholastic.
MorgueFILE free photo
Friday, April 23, 2010
Readers don't need carrots and sticks...
Is your library program counterproductive in creating readers? Read Daniel Pink's DRIVE for a possible paradigm shift.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Read to the MAX...
Good librarians are voracious readers of children's and YA lit. Maximize your reading with the following ideas:
1. Read every day.
2. Read more than one book at a time.
3. Read while waiting in line.
4. Listen to audio books in the car to double your reading time.
5. Download a book on your iPod and listen while you exercise, do housework, & other mundane activities.
6. Choose books that appear on multiple lists, awards, & with starred reviews to help ensure that your reading time is well spent.
7. Keep a reader's list of the title and author of what you read. Reread your list periodically to keep these books fresh in your mind for reader's advisory.
Written by Leigh Ann Jones and reprinted in Children's Literature in Action: A Librarian's Guide (2008, Libraries Unlimited) by Dr. Sylvia Vardell.
Photo courtesy National Media Gallery, no known copyright restrictions.
1. Read every day.
2. Read more than one book at a time.
3. Read while waiting in line.
4. Listen to audio books in the car to double your reading time.
5. Download a book on your iPod and listen while you exercise, do housework, & other mundane activities.
6. Choose books that appear on multiple lists, awards, & with starred reviews to help ensure that your reading time is well spent.
7. Keep a reader's list of the title and author of what you read. Reread your list periodically to keep these books fresh in your mind for reader's advisory.
Written by Leigh Ann Jones and reprinted in Children's Literature in Action: A Librarian's Guide (2008, Libraries Unlimited) by Dr. Sylvia Vardell.
Photo courtesy National Media Gallery, no known copyright restrictions.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
The Ten Most Important Things a Librarian Can Do
1. Build relationships
2. Care about kids
3. Be a reader
4. Create a community of readers and learners
5. Make a warm and welcoming library
6. Develop a great collection
7. Grow professionally
8. Always have something interesting going on in the library
9. Promote 21st century skills
10. Replace the wordsMY LIBRARY with OUR LIBRARY*
*If you work at NYPL, aka the dream library, go right ahead and say MY library. Ditto for the Library of Congress.
morgueFILE free photo
2. Care about kids
3. Be a reader
4. Create a community of readers and learners
5. Make a warm and welcoming library
6. Develop a great collection
7. Grow professionally
8. Always have something interesting going on in the library
9. Promote 21st century skills
10. Replace the words
*If you work at NYPL, aka the dream library, go right ahead and say MY library. Ditto for the Library of Congress.
morgueFILE free photo
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)