Vicki Courtenay Presentation - SLANSW Presentation

Last night, I had the opportunity to attend an online presentation by the School Library Assocation of NSW (SLANSW) Teacher Librarian of the year - Vicki Courtenay. Vicki is a Teaching and Learning Librarian at Trinity Grammar at Summer Hill (Sydney). 

I enjoyed listening to some of the work that she has engaged in but also provided insights into the work of the team at the Arthur Holt Library at their main campus in Summer Hill.

I was impressed with the idea of a booking sheet that teachers can use to book for Teacher Librarians to undertake research skills workshops with their classes. I was left wondering why I never had the idea in my head in previous years. I could have even created a flyer that could have provided an overview of ideas for possible research skills lessons. I believe that it could even be used for wide reading lessons etc if the English teacher wanted to focus on a specific aspect of wide reading.

It left me with better ideas as well on how to collaborate with teachers in the preparation of assessment tasks and also educating students in skills associated with academic integrity. Reflecting on it, I think I may have missed opportunities for collaboration even though I did collaborate actively with colleagues focusing on their students specific needs.

Finally I was interested by her insights into wide reading and promoting a positive reading culture. There are many ways that one can promote a positive reading culture, but did enjoy hearing insights into how Trinity Grammar has promoted reading and literature e.g. the book that changed my life. I actually liked the idea that they applied because it makes one reflect on the impact that reading a particular book has changed their lives and how it has changed for the better. Books can inspire us to make the decisions that ultimately shape our lives, whether it may be to change our behaviour, our lifestyles, our perspectivcs, develop our interests or even shape the career path that we choose to take. It may have even had an emotional impact in our lives or help us to discover something.

I could relate to one aspect of the wide reading program that they implement there - sharing reviews of books that have been read as part of wide reading sessions. I have encouraged this. I believe that students are more likely to read a certain title if a friend recommends it than that of a teacher. I think it also helps others to be aware of the books that are popular or are available. I know personally that hearing reviews by other people has even helped me decide what to read next, especially if I am uncertain about it.

Cover 2 Cover is over

Cover 2 Cover is now over. After the last logs were validated on Wednesday and scores tallied up, the winners were revealed today at a school assembly.

I was proud of our winners with juniors winning most of the prizes on offer. Our winners managed to read around 60 books in a seven week period. Time is limited, but reading is an activity that means something to them.

One of them is from a Non English speaking background and her love of reading stemmed from having to read at home develop her English language skills. She can read well above her age now.

Compared to where it began seven weeks ago, Cover 2 Cover came a long way. I noticed in the last fortnight, homeroom teachers were encouraging their kids to read to land the homeroom prize of a special lunch. The homeroom winner was well deserving with most students reading at least one book in that time.

Some students had also spread gossip about progress, especially after I stopped reporting points early in the week.

I had heard from one student that their friend normally doesn't read, but participating it made them rethink about the importance of reading.

We also had noticed more books being borrowed with some untouched books actually finding themselves in the hands of a student.

And the students today enjoyed and cheered on our winners. They were thrilled.

Cover 2 Cover Challenge

The Cover 2 Cover wide reading challenge at my school is underway.

The mood in the library is becoming electric, especially with the guessing competition where students can win prizes if they can correctly guess the favourite books of selected staff. It's a great way for my colleagues to share their reading preferences and experiences with the students. I have learnt what my colleagues enjoy reading too.

I have prepared recommended reads brochures that will award two points if a book on that list is read and reviewed (via a reading log) or 4 points if they select a book recommended by the teaching staff. It gives a bit of a challenge. If they want to read an item that is not listed, they can earn one point per book read, but can only read five books not listed.

It is a pilot project for my colleagues and I, but I will say how much fun its proving to be so far. Getting the students to read is the big challenge, but there are going to be some prizes on offer for those who either read the most books and/or earn the most points.