Elementary Practicum: WCE Library Lesson 2

Questions:
1. How do you plan for a meaningful and interactive read-aloud?
2. How do you get students to return library books at the end of the year?
3. How often do you take library inventory?

Answers:
1. I usually have to carefully read the book and look at the illustrations beforehand. I look for teachable moments. I usually add sticky notes with the questions I want to ask my students so that I don't forget. Some of the questions I asked for this particular lesson were: "How did the character change?" and "When you look at this picture, what do you think Baby Bear is thinking?" Then I let the students turn and talk, and I listen in on their conversations. These second graders had some really great responses!
2. Getting some students to return their library books at the end of the year can be difficult. I do not like to use rewards all the time, but you would be amazed at the power of a ring pop! One child comes back to the class with a ring pop for returning a book, and suddenly 10 books that I thought I would never see again are returned!
3. My school system typically requires us to take inventory of the collection once per year. This year I was not required to do inventory due to the fact that my new library is under construction, and more than half of my library's collection is in storage.

Reflection:
Today I presented my second lesson in my Compare and Contrast Goldilocks unit, and my school's literacy coach observed me again. I was not as nervous this time, especially since I took all the suggestions she gave me last time, and put them into practice. The activity that I planned involved cutting and pasting (which the second graders loved!) the key details of the story while working cooperatively in a group. The literacy coach and I debriefed after the lesson, and she offered praise for the changes I made for a more meaningful read-aloud and a more engaging activity. She also offered suggestions for making clear my objectives for the lesson. Hopefully my third lesson will be perfect!