Hi Judy,
Thank you for asking this question. I am enjoying reading all the responses.
I am at a small TK-8 (190 students) and I currently have two children at the
school so I have the advantage of knowing everybody.
For weekly classes, I tend to choose stories that kids can make a personal
connection with and we stop frequently throughout the story to share our
thoughts, perspectives, or personal connections. Our conversations, though
brief, are often quite impactful. I find out a lot about the kids this way and
they find out a lot about me.
When kids are browsing for books or checking them out, I will reach out and ask
how things are going, and I to try to learn and remember something about their
life outside of school.
Outside of the library, I chaperone field trips and camping trips. I attend
many sporting events, plays, concerts, and community events. I have taught
middle school electives.
I find that the more interaction I have with students, the more comfortable
they are with me.
-Susanne
Librarian, Synergy School
On Jan 11, 2019, at 12:09 PM, Joanne Melinson <jmelinson@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
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
--
Jo Melinson
Middle/High School Librarian & Literary Magazine Adviser
Sacramento Country Day School
PK-12th Grade Independent Education
2636 Latham Drive, Sacramento, CA 95864
916.481.8811 x341 • www.saccds.org
Matthews Library
https://saccdslibrary.wordpress.com/
https://www.facebook.com/saccdslibrary
Think Critically. Live Creatively. Act Compassionately.
