A few years back, Laura Frondorf made the career jump from classroom teaching to the library media center. Laura had formerly worked as the grade 6-8 learning disabilities teacher at Brookville Middle School in Franklin County. Today Laura is the LMS at Brookville Middle School (Gr 5 - 8) and Mt. Carmel School (K-8).
Before completing her SLIS degree at IUPUI, Laura holds a degree in special education and a Masters degree in reading. With her strong background in reading and teaching, it's natural that she has plans and orchestrates reading events and promotions at her schools; i.e., book fairs, a book swap, summer reading programs, and author visits. Learn more at http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/frondorf.html
I'm asking the same 'startup' question of Laura: "What is it that people don't get about your job?" It is okay to add your own inquiry comments at any time during the three day period.
Hi Laura! First of all, I would like to say that we share the same Alma Mater – Go Sycamores!
ReplyDeleteWhen I was reading your profile I noticed that you share your time between two different schools. I was just wondering how you manage or budget your time between the two schools. Do you have a set schedule or do you pick and choose where to go based on what is going on each day? Currently I am in the process of interviewing another media specialist who also splits her time between libraries and I am curious to see how the two compare. I am quickly becoming aware of the possibility that our school will be splitting the media specialist between libraries; therefore, I am trying to get a jump on things and see how others are successfully tackling this task!
I admire you for promoting so many programs at you schools. I see that you are doing many of the same programs that I am doing, and I only have one library with about 350 students! I can only imagine how much time and effort you spend to successfully implement these programs. I am curious though to know how you get the teachers and staff involved in the planning, promoting, and execution of these programs. I manage a Book Fair twice a year, have a Penny Wars challenge to raise funds, and run a Reading Challenge every year. I cannot get support for any of these. I have tried to do several things to get the teachers involved, and I haven’t had any success. For example, I patterned my Reading Challenge after Robyn Young’s reading challenge that I learned about at ILF a few years back. My challenge is Boys vs. Girls and I run it for about four weeks. During that time, the ONLY duty I ask my teachers to do is talk to the students about the books and make sure that they have actually read the book before they sign their slip. I think this is an excellent opportunity for teachers and students to engage in conversation. However, many of the teachers just sign the slip saying they don’t have time to talk to the students. If they don’t have time to talk to the students, why are they teaching?
Finally, I’m just curious to know how you run your book swap. Would you care to elaborate on that? Thanks! Kimberly
Hi Laura,
ReplyDeleteI am a Media Specialist in an elementary school Kindergarten through 4th grade. I find it hard to get everything done being at one school so I can only imagine how hard it is to be at two schools.
I love to do author visits as well. Next Monday our district will have Nick Bruel, author of the Bad Kitty books visiting. The students and I are very excited.
I would love to know more about how you run your summer reading program as well as your book swap. This has been something that I have been considering for this year.
Thanks!
Heather
Hi there Laura. My name is Christy and I am working as a library assistant at a k-4 school, though my role is that of the media specialist. Since the start of school, I have noticed that some of the books in the collection are quite worn and are in desperate need of repair. I am fortunate that we have someone at the school that seems to enjoy fixing the books. My question is at what point do you decide that a book is beyond repair? How do you decide what books to replace with the same title and which titles to just eliminate from the collection? I know that weeding is a challenge, what process do you follow to make these though decisions?
ReplyDeleteThank you for any insights that you can offer.
Christy Russell
What people don't understand about my job is that there is more to it than checking in, checking out, and shelving books. A great deal of time is spent cataloging, processing, ordering, planning classes, planning events, and just the day to day operations of the library.
ReplyDeleteLaura Frondorf
Kim,
ReplyDeleteIt is difficult being in two buildings but I enjoy both buildings. I have a fixed schedule. I am at MCS Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. I am at BMS on Tuesday and Thursday. I have a plan in mind each day as to what I want to accomplish for the day. Some days I am able to get everything done I need to and then some. Others are not as productive. I have come to the realization that it will still be there the next day. My principals are flexible and if I am needed in the other building we manage to find a way to make that happening. I know in December when we have an author visiting I will spend the day with the author. He will be at MCS in the morning and BMS in the afternoon. During the book fair I also rearrange my schedule.
Usually the staff is supportive of the programs I have in the library. I send lots of emails to promote the programs. I ask the teachers to share the information with the students and to include it in their weekly parent letters. My principal at MCS is great at sending emails to the parents of our building. Just by having them help me spread the word helps get them involved. Of course some are much better than others at participating and being supportive. I try to be as supportive as possible of the programs they have too. Showing an interest in them is always helpful. When all else fails I feed them! I always have a sneak peek for the book fair with snacks. One building we have after school snacks at the other I have a lunch at the book fair for the teachers and staff.
I am trying a weekly announcements email at BMS from the library. This seems to be helping. I'd like to do this at MCS as well but have not been able to fit it in yet.
I work hard to promote the programs at both buildings. Some are successful, some not so successful. I just keep trying and adjusting the programs to fit the needs of the students, teachers,and school.
The book swap is fun! I send a letter home explaining that students can bring in gently used books to trade. I give the teachers index cards. When I student brings in their gently used books, their name is put on a index card along with the number of books they brought. The books are brought to the library before the swap. I organize the books by level. On the day of the swap students are given the index card with their name on it. They come to the library and can choose new to them books. They take home as many as they brought. If a student brings in 3 books, they may choose up to 3 books to take home.
Laura Frondorf
Heather,
ReplyDeleteFor the summmer reading program, I have the kids sign a reading pledge, keep a reading calendar, and complete 2 or 3 activities from a choice board. The activities on the choice board are simple and easy for them to do. It can be swap books with a friend, draw a picture of the main character, make a timeline of events in the story, create a new book jacket, tell someone about the book, etc. When school begins students return their reading calendars and the choice board signed by parents. I do not require the kids to bring me the activities. I don't need the paper on my desk. I have enough of that. We have a popsicle party. Students receive a certificate and book mark for participating. I usually have some books to give as prizes. I always make an invitation for the students. This serves as their pass from class as well as their entry in to the drawing for any books I have to give away.
See my post to Kim for information about the book swap. That's fun too.
Have fun with your author visit with Nick Bruel!
Wow! I love the idea of the book swap. Thanks for sharing. From the description, it seems like a fairly simple process. What time of year do you have this program? It might be fun right before summer or spring break.
ReplyDeleteChristy Russell
Christy,
ReplyDeleteWeeding is not a fun job. I have stacks of books that I pulled from the shelves before school started. As I made my decisions I looked at copyright date, when it was last circulated, the accuracy of the information, the condition of the book, and how many copies do we have and are multiple copies necessary.
I have an assistant for 1/2 the day that does a wonderful job repairing books. Depending on how many times a book has been repaired and if she thinks she can fix it so it can be circulated again is also a deciding factor. Sometimes you just know no matter how much the kids like the book, it just can't be repaired again. I then add the title to me replacement list. When I come across extra money I try to replace books. Sometimes I can find books for replacement at Half Price Books too.
I hope that answers some questions about weeding.
Laura Frondorf
I usually do Book Swap toward the end of the year. Parents like the idea of getting different books for summer reading.
ReplyDeleteLaura
Hi Laura,
ReplyDeleteI was wondering how you manage to do any collaboration with teachers. Since you are traveling between schools it has to be a huge challenge to try to coordinate and plan! What has worked for you? Also, are your libraries staffed by a media assistant or volunteers when you are not there?
Thanks,
Lisa Smith
Since I am in the process of planning events for my book fair next month, do you have any special programs that you run to go along with the book fair? I always do a Penny War competition between homeroom classes, I have a Parent Night, and then I do a few trivia games with the students. I try to get the teachers involved to support the Penny Wars which they do some. Then I also try to get the parents involved somehow. I think the more we spread the word that the book fair is there, the more successful it is.
ReplyDeleteKimberly
I have truly enjoyed reading about all of your great activities! I am currently a teacher, but hoping to be a media specialist some day very soon. I will store these ideas for future use! I was wondering about materials you purchase for teacher use. Do you subscribe to any magazines? Do you purchase books and DVDS that teachers want or do you purchase based on what you think teachers will use the most?
ReplyDeleteLisa,
ReplyDeleteCollaboration is a struggle. Teachers come to me when they begin a project. We work out some type of arrangement that will work for all involved. Sometimes this is easier said than done. I know the Wax Museum project is coming up at MCS. The English teacher and I will meet and determine how we will approach the project. Each year it is a bit different due to the schedules we have. At BMS the teachers come in to the library and schedule a time. The schedule at BMS does have more flexibility than MCS in the schedule.
My library at BMS is staffed by a media assistant full time. Thank goodness! MCS has an assistant from 12:20pm until the end of the day (3 pm) daily. She spends her mornings with the am kindergarten class and has lunch duty before coming to the library. If I am not there at MCS, the library is closed until my assistant is there in the afternoon. I don't like having the library closed 2 mornings a week but at this time there is not much I can do about it.
Laura Frondorf
Kimberly,
ReplyDeleteI have a guessing contest the week before the book fair. We have had m & m's, candy corn, circus peanuts, etc. in a jar. I have four winners (k-2, 3-5, 6-8, and staff). The winners receive a gift certificate to spend at the book fair.
I have a parent night and I try to schedule this on a night something else is going on in the building. This year my family night will be on the night of a 5th and 6th grade boys basketball game. I will also be open on a Saturday this year. Our Parent Group is sponsoring a Craft Show and I will have the book fair open during that. I send bookmarks home with the kids that have info about the book fair. I have the little ones make invitations for their grandparents.
I have the teachers create shelf talkers for the book fair to mark books they recommend. Parents like this. I also have set up gift bags for each teacher. Parents can purchase a book for the teacher's classroom. At the end of the book fair I deliver the books. Everyone loves to see what books they receive. This activity is a hit or miss. With the Scholastic Book Fairs I host I participate in One For Books. I use the funds raised from One For Books to purchase at least one book for each classroom. The Book Fairy has also made visits to the school. Kids love to see if she visited their desk!
Laura Frondorf
Allison,
ReplyDeleteI ask for suggestions for dvds and videos. Sometimes I have the funds to purchase everything on the wish lists I receive sometimes not. I also try to keep up with the topics covered in the classes and try to fill in gaps in our collection.
I do subscribe to a few magazines. Unfortunately each year I have to cut at least one or two magazines from the order due to the budget being cut each year. In fact I am working on a magazine order later today and trying to make some decisions. At MCS our parent group made a donation to help with the cost of magazines this year. That is a huge help, but I am still going to have to make some tough decisions about what stays and what goes.
Laura Frondorf
I work as a teacher and so I am mostly observing the librarian at my school. She has a lot of perks in some ways and some challenges. I think it is important for me to realize that I could be working with younger students, or traveling or a variety of possible situations. Your blog has reminded me that there are multiple ways this job manifests in different schools and corporations.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing about your daily life as a librarian!
I'm all over this book-swap idea, thanks! I'm in the process of working with our English department (high school level) on organizing a used book sale, but this makes the whole process seem a bit more personal somehow.
ReplyDeleteI'm in my first year in our school's media center after five years in the classroom. I desperately need to shake the stigma associated with our previous librarian and want to make our library a more inviting place. Do you have any insight on creating a somewhat systematic book recommendation program in a school setting? I'm building a list of teacher recommendations, but I'd like to find an efficient way to gather and distribute student picks, too. Thanks!
-Clint
Allison,
ReplyDeleteI love my job as librarian. I enjoy both schools. I can honestly say each day brings about something new. Some days are very productive and I accomplish lots. Some days I go home and tell myself it's been a good day even if my to do list doubled in size instead of shrinking. I have fun and that makes it fun for the kids, the staff, and the parents.
I make do with what I have and make it work the best way I can.
Laura Frondorf
Clint,
ReplyDeleteI am glad you like the Book Swap idea. It has worked well with our students. I hope it is successful for you as well.
I read a lot of books through out the school year. I have in my signature line of my email what I am currently reading and what I have recently read. If I am listening to a book I will include that as well. I have a small white board in the window of each library with Mrs. Frondorf is reading..... This generates conversations with staff, students, and parents. I have a few kids that are avid readers in each building. I try to keep up with what they are reading and ask them about what they like. I have created bulletin boards with student and staff book recommendations.
At MCS we have a basket in the teacher's lounge. It works as a book swap for teachers and staff. I check the basket to see what others are reading. I also contribute to the basket as well. This is fun for us and has brought about some good discussions.
I read book reviews too. I try to attend conferences when I can to hear about new books, meet authors, and talk with other librarians.
I also post on my Facebook what I am reading. I know that doesn't help with book recommendations with students but my friends that are teachers in my buildings and other buildings, parents, and friends will make commments or recommend other books to me to read.
Laura Frondorf
Do you have a favorite source for good book reviews?
ReplyDeleteI love your white board idea sharing what you're reading with the students and staff. Almost like booktalking without actually having to be there! Do you booktalk to class groups?
I was also curious about your summer reading program. Is there a program available at the public library? Do students tend to choose your program or go to the public library?
Thank you!!!
Casey O'Leary
Casey,
ReplyDeleteI get reviews from lots of places. I don't have one favorite. I use SLJ and Horn Book among others.
I do book talks with class groups. I book talk all of the Young Hoosier Book Nominees as well as new books to our library. Sometimes I pick an author and book talk a couple of their works.
There are summer reading programs available at the public libraries in the area. Some kids to choose to participate in one, both, or none. I don't compete with the public libraries I just try to offer something for the kids that do not make trips to the public library.
Laura, Thanks so much for the Book Fair ideas. Some of these are similar to the ones that I do...One for Books (I do with the Penny Wars.) and the candy jar count. I like that you do different grade levels. While I'm just 6-8 I could do each grade and staff. This would hopefully get my staff to at least come in to the library. Thanks so much once again!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the information about the Book Swap. It sounds like a lot of fun and I think I am going to try it out!
ReplyDeleteAlso thanks for the ideas about weeding. It is something that I really need to do but keep putting it off.
Heather
Laura,
ReplyDeleteIt looks like one of the things you do to enhance collaboration is to anticipate! Since you know the Wax Museum is coming up, and it sounds like this is a yearly event, you are already thinking ahead. I guess if you can anticipate the big ones, the smaller collaborations with less lead time are manageable. Thanks for sharing all of your ideas and experience!
LIsa Smith
I have enjoyed responding to your questions and comments. You have helped me rethink some of my programs and ways to improve my libraries.
ReplyDeleteI truly love my job! I love sharing books with others and watching the students become life-long readers.
Just today I had a student stop in to ask me about the number of pages in a book for his book report. He had listened to the book on a play-a-way from our public library. This is a student that doesn't like to read a great deal. He shared with me what he's been listening to and I told him I listen to play-a-ways when I walk in the evening. I think I am going to have to check out what he's been listening to (Flat Broke)and he wants to get the last one I had (The Fourth Stall).
Thanks,
Laura Frondorf
I hope that this post is not too late. Thanks again for all that you have share.
ReplyDeleteI would like to know what types of lessons you do with your third and fourth grade students. Do you focus more on library use skills, research skills or literature and genres?
Thank you - Christy Russell
Christy,
ReplyDeleteI try to hit all of the skills you mentioned: library use, some research, and literature and genres. I do admit I am not always as successful as I would like to be at fitting everything in but what I miss one time I do my best to make up for it later.
Laura Frondorf