Shelf Marker Practice

Two things drive me crazy and crazier in the library: explaining to kids EACH WEEK how the/ our/ a library works (Fiction, Non Fiction, Easy Fiction) and having the same discussion about shelf markers.

The philosophy makes perfect sense to them - they are totally behind that! Our own place marker? We can help keep our shelves neat? Now we can all find books? Yes to each of those!!!

This year I am sloooowwwwwing wayyy down and teaching the heck out of procedures. To that end I wrote this simple code that  is each student's ticket to check out.

When you click on the link you will see three buttons. Each button produces a random NF, FIC or EFIC call number. Students then locate the book, use their shelf marker and find me to verify their accuracy. When a book from each section has been accurately located, marked and returned this kid can check out for the year!!

Click here 

 to go right to the practice page. I wold LOVE to know how you practice/ teach shelf marker etiquette in your library.

TRUDACOT POSTER

As a staff we had the privilege to work with Dr. Scott McLeod this summer. Dr. McLeod led us through the Trudacot Model one day in June and then we were able to see him at the St. Vrain Tech Camp a week later.

The TRUDACOT Model is all I believe about Technology - wrapped into one checklist. At first the terminology and work can be unwieldy. It can be uncomfortable because we all see ourselves in that top level surface Tech "integration". TRUDACOT is all about making the Tech invisible and student work meaningful.

Our staff was inspired by this model and we believe it's the next step for our building. I put together a poster for us to refer to as we go through the year.

I am a Responsible Technology User FREE POSTER DOWNLOAD

I use the above poster in two ways: every student reviews and signs a paper size copy of this at the beginning of the year. The papers are then filed by class with the Principal. At the time of the signing the "actual" School District RUP is referenced, shown and discussed. Consequences are then laid out and reviewed. This happens in the Classroom with Classroom Teachers.

When students come to the Library after the Classroom review I have this poster (Poster Razor, my FAV hack EVER) in a very prominent place. We review the poster, discuss consequences and answer any questions. 

The poster stays in the prominent place all year and here's why: in November (or March or September 15) when I am discussing a violation with a student the FIRST thing I hear is "I didn't sign anything!" and when our Principal pulls the contract (signed of course) the SECOND first thing we both hear is "I didn't sign this" - this visual brings us all to a place of common ground, LOL!

Happy Technology Managing! What are your best tips? Share below!

Fifth Grade Summer Reading List

From the Mixed - Up File of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by e.l. konigsburg

Chasing Redbird by Sharon Creech

The Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling

The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Paterson