Entering the Library

Line up outside before entering

Procedure is posted outside the library for the first couple of months of school:

Line up on the third square from the wall
Leave backpacks or lunch items along the wall
Hands at your side
Body is still
Voices are SILENT
Eyes are forward
Ears are listening for instruction

(Keisa Williams)

Walking into the library

Verbalize this procedure and have a couple of students echo before you walk into the library.

Walk
Use the hand rail as you walk up the stairs, then
Arms remain at your side
Voices are silent
Eyes are forward
Body is following the person in front
Ears are listening for instruction
Walk around the bookshelves as you enter

(Keisa Williams)

Stop Sign

I used to hang a Stop Sign at the entry to the library so students would know to stop and wait until all their classmates had caught up before entering the library. This allowed me to make sure they were quiet before they entered the library, and gave me the opportunity to give them directions prior to class. (Nancy Alibrandi)

Enter library

I purchased this rug from Demco a few years ago & it is just great for the story area. All our students K-3 fit nicely on the rug, 1 student/square. By the time they're 4th-5th grade, their legs get a little too long, and we have to skip rows, but it still works! Students practice coming in & sitting in the next square that's free--cuts down on rushing to get on "their" letter! (Jamie Camp)

You can also try activity mats if you can't afford the rug. Kids love these little circle spots. Just remind them that only their "bottom" or "feet" touch the mats (no hands). (Keisa Williams)

We also have a rug that has sections the right size for little bodies. It's got spots on it, so we sing to the tune of "London Bridge" - "Everybody choose a spot, choose a spot, choose a spot. Everybody choose a spot. Criss-cross applesauce" They are supposed to be settled by the time the song is over. Seems to work! (Sarah Ducharme)

Wordless Hello

I've used Winking (yes, the kind you do with your eye) with students of all ages to signal a silent "good job" or "hello". Students like to wink back.

When Kindergarteners enter the library and sit down and look at me I wink at them. I can ask out loud, "Who haven't I winked at yet? Sit down and look at me." It gets their attention and is a positive reinforcement. Used also when lining up...."I can wink at Sallie because she is in line", etc.

How we act in the library

Our school uses the Positive Behavior System (PBS). We follow the BEARS creed: Bear a thinker, Earn Respect, Always be Kind, Responsibility is Key, Safety First. This is followed everywhere students go; including the library. I do ask students to show respect by entering quietly, and leaving quietly. This does not mean we are quiet in the library. We sing, we dance, we crazy talk about books, brainstorm, and have fun learning. Students line-up by tables since teachers all have different procedures. This helps avoid confusion. (Pamela Jackson)

BEARS creed is posted on wall. I point and refer to it as needed; using it as positive reinforcement; also asking students to explain how they can model this behavior in a situation; using it as a problem-solving model.