lesson plans for a library para-professional

[Cynthia Coulson]

Greetings,
We have some issues with the library aide/para-professional at our school. We do not have a certified teacher in the library. The aide is the librarian so to speak. The students don't like to go and the teachers complain that it's a waste of time. They want our specialists (music and P.E.)to take the students for additional classtime. I see this as an administrative issue. Give the library aide some guidance. So, what are some resources for the school to purchase or websites for ideas.
thanks.
cynthia

[Marilyn Rosnick]

This my first year as teacher-librarian. The students exchange their books, then we have a mini lesson . Assuming your school is up to grade 5 you could do the following. It could just be picture from a poster. Discuss what is in the picture and discuss why the photographer used that particular pose or color. The discussion should allow the students to do most of the talking when answering the questions, you know, open ones. The idea is to get them answering in sentences and give opinons. If time, they can draw or write a story. If enough, you coud use Venn diagrams for "same and different. These are fun and the students love it. I hope this helps you.

[Linda Larson]

I use to be a library aide/para-professtional, and am now a certified teacher/librarian in a different school district. In the first district as a para-professional, I read a story to each class, and did some questioning after, then the students checked out books, browsed them for a bit and then it was time to go. I was not allowed/expected to "teach" because I was not a certified teacher. I went above and beyond many times to make things fun and extend the stories, and by many standards, I was actually teaching. (This job paid under $10.00 and hour) Then as a certifed teacher/learning center director, I do pretty much the same thing, however, I have them for less time and want to extend the story/lesson with centers, and activities. I guess my point is, that it is too bad that the students don't like spending time in the library, but you have to understand that the paraprofessional is probably streched to get everything done and may not have the time, ability, or permission or money/rescources to teach. The main thing is that hopefully the students are checking our a book or two of their choice to read. You are right, it is an administration issue.