Summer reading lists have been distributed. The shelves have been read. The inventory is almost done. “You’re so lucky!” I hear from colleagues who like the sound of having July and August “off”.
So what happens to a school librarian in the summer time?
Summer is the time to plan, research and tweak the library program. Being part of an independent school is at times liberating, and at other times librarians can feel like the only one on an island. My curriculum is mine alone, and I am responsible for updating, integrating and keeping it alive.
This summer I will be revamping the entire thing: adding new and exciting titles to read aloud, finding ways to integrate research lessons into the social studies curriculum, designing Dewey Decimal playground games, writing thematic booklists for distribution to parents, designing a blogging program for our 4th graders.
How are you changing your curriculum this summer?
Amy Young-Buckler
I am busy making plans and instructional videos to assist our students who will be working on their Science Fair research reports while I am out on maternity leave during second quarter.
Allison
Hello! I just stumbled upon your blog while searching for Caldecott blogs. I am very interested in becoming a school librarian. Any tips/suggestions? I’m still in the process of getting my teaching certificate but after that, I’m on to my Masters in Library Science. Glad I found you!
Pat
Allison – if you are interested in becoming a school librarian, check into your MLIS now. You can earn both your MLIS and teaching certificate at the same time, such as the program offered at the Graduate School of Library and Information Science at the University of Illinois,. http://www.lis.illinois.edu/
Jan Bammel
I am also an independent school librarian – with a very small library. I worked through June and have to be back to school on August 10th. Next year, two months off. Hurray! I have spent a good part of my “month off” also reading books. However, my library collection is quite limited, so I have had to organize next year’s lesson plans with my local library and ILL. Here’s hoping that all three can gel at the same time.
I am very interested in your mention of Dewey Decimal playground games. Almost all of my children are ESOL children, so anything that involves movement is right at the top of my list. Do you have any suggestions as to where I can find some ideas?