We are a 6-12th grade library at a small school (~140 high school; ~150
middle school) so we know all of our kids and we collaborate with teachers
at every level so we see all the kids for research. We do all sorts of
things to build rapport with the kids and community within the school. I
send the kids a survey every year to figure out where their preferences are
for reading, events, research, and library atmosphere. For years they
overwhelmingly wanted the main library livelier and the small room quiet.
This year that has drastically changed in a few free periods so we have
accommodated that. We respond to their preferences for events so that a few
years ago we were hosting lunchtime TED Talks, but this year they really
like some chill out time so we usually have puzzles going and I'll go and
put a couple pieces in and chat with them. We also have coloring days. In
winter we pick the coldest day of the week to have tea during elective
period. Today since it's Friday I'm trying something new by projecting a
fireplace on the big screen and making hot tea available.
I love the idea of "openness to play"! Whenever materials come wrapped in
bubble wrap, I take some out to the kids to pop with me. We also have
bubbles available especially near exam days. We put up memes and quotes
that they can relate to on our door each week. Often when I talk with a kid
about what they might like to read, I wind up with so many possibilities
for them that I write them a prescription on an RX sheet that our Library
Assistant, Melissa created for me.
Food always helps. Whenever we have leftover food from an event, I take a
tray around to share with anyone in the free period that follows the event.
As raffle prizes for reading, the kids can win an ice cream social for them
and a few friends. We make brownies and hot apple cider for every book club
meeting (the brownies are so famous that they call them Library Brownies).
We are not the Incredible Shushing Librarians. We may ask people to be
quiet, but we never shush.
I always pass along compliments and if I see an opportunity to genuinely
compliment, I do.
I'm also the literary magazine adviser and an academic adviser. I also
teach many of them when they come in for assignments and each of the kids
meets with me for their Sophomore Projects.
Some of these things I think can be adapted to younger grades, but I think
at any age, asking the kids what they want and really listening and
responding helps. Always keeping it authentic and not contrived also helps
immensely.
Jo
On Fri, Jan 11, 2019 at 11:37 AM Judy Cha <jccha34@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Thank you everyone for your ideas. I teach K-8th grades on a weekly basis.
Judy Cha
Granada Islamic School
Librarian
On Fri, Jan 11, 2019 at 7:50 AM Perotin, Tana <tperotin@xxxxxxx> wrote:
What grade(s)?
*From:* baisl-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <baisl-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> *On
Behalf Of *Judy Cha
*Sent:* Thursday, January 10, 2019 4:53 PM
*To:* baisl@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
*Subject:* [baisl] Building rapport with students
Hi everyone,
Can anyone share if you do any activities or anything on a regular basis
to build rapport with students who come to the library for weekly classes?
I'm open to ideas from a librarian perspective.
Thanks,
Judy Cha
Granada Islamic School
Librarian
