Elementary and Young Adult Literacy As Expressed by Teacher Librarians March 2010, FPU LIB 710 Synopsis Project by Katy Gladden In Collaboration with Elaine, Matt, Kenny & Kathryn

Literacy Learning and the Implications for the Library Media Specialist As a literacy leader, the Library Media Specialist plays a unique role concerning the subject of literacy learning at both the elementary and adolescent levels of education. According to the Stripling text, the definition of literacy as based upon a constructivist point of view, has expanded to include “using reading and writing to understand and therefore to learn.” (Page 67). This week’s discussion centers around some of the crucial issues concerning child literacy that Library Media Specialists need know in order to help students become life long learners. Barbara K. Stripling and Sandra Hughes-Hassell Curriculum Connections

As Library Media Specialists, we provide the library environment and resources.

“Through our collaboration with administrators, teachers, caregivers, and students, school library media specialists have the power to create a literacy community that has, in the words of Lucy Calkins and Shelley Harwayne, ‘a sense of intimacy and adventure’ – a community in which adolescents feel empowered by their literacy learning”. (Page 101). Barbara K. Stripling and Sandra Hughes-Hassell Curriculum Connections

As Library Media Specialists, we help to guide and support students in their literacy needs.

Literacy in elementary school children is a crucial building block in creating life long learners.

Adolescent literacy needs can be more challenging than those of the elementary school learner.

“Once learned, literacy also needs to be constantly used and refined.” as ”an athlete who ceases training will not remain fit or skilled for long.” (Page 89). Barbara K. Stripling and Sandra Hughes-Hassell Curriculum Connections

Here are some wonderful ideas from our fellow classmates for promoting literacy in the classroom.

Ideas from Elaine “Motivating teens to read is indeed a challenge. Most of the teens here at St. Matthew’s Parish School are readers, albeit sometimes ‘dormant’ readers. Their lives are very full with homework and sports. We’ve had success with several strategies to promote reading. Book Swap-the library hosts a Book Swap. Kids bring in used books. They get tickets for the used books they bring in. They can purchase another book using their tickets. Or, they can buy a book for 25 cents. Author Visits-Throughout the year we host several author/illustrators who come to talk to the kids about their craft. We find if we get the right authors we can really generate great enthusiasm among the kids.”

Comments by Kathryn “My goal as a TL is to provide a space where kids can explore and be curious and ask questions. I actually don't do many actual lessons anymore and have started focusing more on reading reading reading for fun and learning. Of course, I still do lessons and piggy back on curriculum, as needed and requested. But my actual goal and purpose is to get kids to love to read. I do that by reading stories and asking questions and inspiring personal curiosity.”

Kenny’s Observations To promote adolescent reading, Kenny suggests: “As with most people if you take an interest in what they are doing they will feel validated. TL’s (teacher librarians) can promote and foster adolescent lifetime reading practices by listening after asking some discussion leading questions. Discussing with students makes what the student knows important and they will want to know more. Reading must be valued and the information one obtains needs to be expressed to fuel the desire to continue to read.”

Suggestions from Matt As crucial participants in literacy education Matt suggests that library media teachers can: “With hard work and effective strategies, … assist parents, families, and classroom teachers in creating engaging student reading and writing activities.”

Library Literacy How will you promote literacy learning in your library? How will you promote life long learning amongst your students?