It has been a while since my last update, so first here's what's been going on. I left my music teacher position of 14 years to take a 1/2 library 1/2 music position at a public PK-3rd grade Academy that focuses on using GT best practices for all students, whether or not they've been identified as gifted. I inherited a library that was staffed the previous year by a 1/2 time librarian and a 1/2 time assistant, who were both on another campus 1/2 time, which is tough. I've gotten really lucky to be mentored by a phenomenal librarian who is only blocks from my school, knows a TON about the district I'm in and how it's run and is just a great person.
Because I could basically do the music job in my sleep, I've spent something like 3/4 of my time in the library, trying to get my bearings, get programs off the ground and provide a welcoming space for my teachers and students. So far, it's been going well. This first post back is going to be focusing on a project that I've come to LOVE in my library: pets!
I don't have a crazy (or really any) budget and I don't have a lot of time for displays to draw kids into the library right now. I know that will come and I've got things up and going, but I really wanted to make the library about more than books. I want it to be a place of information, regardless of how that information is packaged. It's why libraries are looking at makerspaces and doing more community spaces than ever before. So, I wanted to spice up my non fiction section a bit.
My district has a membership with the Region 20 Education Service Center which has a fabulous living science department. So, I ordered everything I could. Some things are on a two week loan, and others you can keep. So far our library has had a tarantula, corn snake, hermit crab, two gerbils, three anoles and fish (and some plants, too!). I had a display brought in that identifies venomous snakes to display near the corn snake's habitat. We're currently wrapping up our Name Those Gerbils Contest (I'm really hoping for Eric & Carle, Dewey & Journey or Harry & Potter). The kids drag their parents into the library to see the animals and I can't keep books about them on the shelves. It has really increased student excitement about the library and especially the non fiction section. I have plans for a 3rd Grade Spring project where they create and then we publish their own non fiction books about the library pet of their choice, which will get put into circulation in our library and have an option for parents to purchase additional copies as a mini fundraiser.
If you don't have access to something like ESC's Living Science Department, check out the Classroom Pets grants here. I used that grant to help pay for the hermit crab. The form was simple, the pet store super helpful and friendly and it made it about 1/3 of the regular cost to get everything set up. My teachers love that their students can have access to different animals without the teachers having to care for them. My coach is helping me with their care on days I miss school, and really it only takes about 20 minutes in the morning and 10 before I leave for the day to make sure everyone is happy and healthy. I love our library pets! Pics will follow :)
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