Are we speaking the same language?

My grandsons both received little remote control helicopters for Christmas. One of them worked really well for about ten minutes before it began to fly erratically.

When I began to troubleshoot the problem, I noticed this message printed on the plastic blades, "WARNING. If blade damage, don't be fly, otherwise it will create the human body or airframe damage."

Um, ok.

I laughed about this for a while, and then it reminded me of a person with whom I used to work.  I never quite figured out if it was me or if it was her, but honest to Pete, even though we both spoke English, I never quite understood what she was trying to say.

It wasn't a fluency problem or a literacy problem, but a communication problem.  I simply didn't get what she was saying, and I had no idea why.

Every time I got an email from her or listened to what she had to say in a meeting, I ended up just shaking my head and thinking, "Huh?"

But that was the end of that.  Even though it would have helped my cause in the long run, I never bothered to work through our lack of communication.

Looking back, I think the first step would have been fairly simple.  I should have said, "It's important to me to understand what you're saying.  Do you mean...?"

This would have not only validated what she was saying, but would have also provided clarification.  But in not doing this, I missed an opportunity to advocate for the library.  I didn't create a relationship that could have been potentially beneficial.

Are there teachers or administrators with whom you'd like to improve communication?  If you can take the first step toward that process, I think you'll find that it may benefit your library.  And what helps your library helps your kids.

For the kids, take the time to speak the same language.

Yeah, do it for the kids!

My grandsons and I were doing some last-minute Christmas shopping a couple of days ago. Traffic was crazy, and one driver, impatient with the person in front of him, honked loudly.

"Geez," I said, "give the guy a break. It's Christmas!"

"Yeah," chimed in Jake, my six-year-old. "Do it for the kids!"

And when you think of it, that pretty much sums up a great library philosophy. Thanks for the reminder, Jake.

How to write a proposal OR a lesson from the scouts

As crazy as it sounds, it's already time to start thinking about next school year.  Almost as soon as we get back from winter break, budget requests and summer professional development plans will be due.

As you begin to plan for next year, you may be asked to write a proposal.  Maybe you want to ask your administrator for something significant.  It could be permission to implement a big, new school-wide program.  Or maybe it's money for an online reference package or downloadable ebook system.  Possibly it's consideration for your library to be open a few additional hours each week.

If what you're asking for is small, a quick email or even a casual word in the hall may be enough for your administrator to give it a thumbs up.  But if your plan requires a good deal of money or would have an impact beyond your campus, you may be asked to formalize your request.

And that's where the scouts come in.  You need to be prepared.

If you missed the scouting experience or simply want a little push to get started, I'll offer a few proposal pointers.

General tips:

*Limit your proposal to one page if possible.
*Choose standard 10-12 pt. font in blank ink.
*Use simple, direct wording and a professional writing style.
*Spell correctly and use correct grammar.  Ask for savvy friends to edit your work.
*Pull out a compelling quote, idea, or intended result in a text box for emphasis.
* Follow the chain of command by submitting the proposal to your direct supervisor.
*Submit your proposal electronically so your administrator can easily forward it on if needed.
*Be prepared!  Think like an administrator and answer objections before they arise.

Specific structure:

First paragraph--introduction
*Succinctly state the purpose of your proposal. 
*Be brief and specific.
*Avoid jargon.
*Basically, what are you asking for?

Second paragraph--background
*Don't assume your administrator knows what you're talking about.
*Provide a fuller explanation of the program, the idea, the system, etc.
*Don't over explain.

Third paragraph--rationale
*Why is this needed?  (If it won't benefit the kids, why are you asking?)
*Explain how your idea will help kids.
*Provide data if possible or a quote from a great journal article.

Fourth paragraph--details
*What is your time frame for implementation?
*How much will it cost?
*How will you know if it works?
*Anticipate questions and answer them in this paragraph.

Fifth paragraph--closing
*Restate what you're asking for in simple terms.
*Tell why it's important (remember the kids!)
*Respectfully ask for consideration.

Now you're ready to submit your proposal.  Cross your fingers that it will be approved so your great idea can help the students you work with each day.

Or better yet, submit your proposal, and raise your hand in the scout's salute because you are prepared!

'Tis the season for a kinder, gentler library



Altered book tree courtesy Wakeland HS, FISD

'Tis the season for good will to all men (and students and staff).  So while you're full of eggnog and good cheer, I hope you'll take a few moments to perform a kindness audit for your library (briefly mentioned in a previous post--see tags).

Walk around your library and look at it with fresh eyes.  Pretend you're a kiddo or a teacher seeing it for the first time.  Better yet, ask a student or staff member to give you feedback.

Do you have a kinder, gentler library?

*When you step in the door, does someone smile and call you by name? 

*Does the library LOOK like a place you'd want to be?

*Are you bombarded by the negative or surrounded by the positive? 

Negatives:  NO food.  NO drinks.  The library is CLOSED today for a meeting.  You have an OVERDUE book. 

Positives:  Help us keep the library looking great--please finish food and drinks before entering.  We hope to see you again tomorrow--meeting in progress.  Your book is due when you've read it through.

*Is the library easy to use or intimidating?  (We get what an OPAC is, but do the kids?  We get Dewey, but honestly, they really don't have to--they just want a book! What do you mean I can't use Wikipedia?)

*Is the library a place where it's ok to make mistakes?  (Or does the self checkout system beep overly loud or whistle at you if you do it wrong?  I like the ones that a mistake gets a recording of the librarian's voice nicely saying, "Oops.  Please ask for help.")

*Are all legitimate requests listened to and fulfilled if possible?

*Are students inadvertently patronized (Calling them baby, honey, sweetheart; talking in a different tone of voice to kids than adults) OR is everyone treated with respect?

*Are ALL kids welcome in the library?  (Not just the ones who are easy to welcome?)

The list could go on, so I hope you'll weigh in with your own suggestions for a kindness audit.  Other ideas?

In the meantime, refill your wassail cup and toast to a happy holiday and a kinder, gentler library where good will to all is evident each day.

Cheers!