FAQ

1. How can I join the English Libraries national program?

The list of schools in this year's program is already closed, but your English inspector will let your principal know if you are eligible to apply for the 2018/19 program.

2. When can I expect the books for English Libraries 2018 to be delivered at my school?

We're trying to get the books delivered to your school as soon as possible. In the meantime though ...

• get your pupils interested and excited for their arrival;
• create colorful bookmarks;
• have a dress-up day of favorite book characters;
• read scripts together using Readers' Theater online sites (see resources)
• find ebooks that you can read together on the projector in your classroom or assign them to be read at home
• use the books you already have in your school library for individual, silent reading for 10 minutes at the beginning of every one of your lessons

3. Should I allow pupils to take library books home?

Sadly, some of these books will never be returned to school, so better not to!

4. How can I get my pupils' parents to encourage their children to read at home?

You can find really lovely Reading Logs online (see Resources) or get your pupils to design their own.

5. How can I create a positive reading atmosphere in my English classroom?

Decorate the walls with book covers, book recommendations and posters of their favorite book heros, e.g. Harry Potter, Amelia Badelia etc.

6. In which ways can I get the school management to support my reading program?

• Invite the principal to see your pupils actually involved in silent reading in class.
• Ask for a designated area in the school corridor or at the entrance to display your pupils' work.
• Insert a regular update on your school website.
• Offer for your pupils to sing a song or act out a scene from the book you're reading at school assemblies.
• Send pupils who complete a reading log filled with parents' signatures to the principal. Perhaps s/he can not only sign them but also reward these pupils.

7. We don't have an English madricha at our school this year. Who can I turn to for help and advice?

• If you're a PLC member, you can certainly do this at your next meeting or on your PLC whatsapp group (if you have one!)
• Ask your inspector if one of the counselors in the area is willing to speak to you by phone or even meet with you to discuss your ideas.
• You're more than welcome to write to englishlibraries@gmail.com and one of us will contact you.

9. As English teachers, we are under so much pressure to cover all the material in each grade. How will I find time for silent and shared reading during class time?

Really good question. But reading has so many benefits, so how can you not? You will find that if you make time for reading in class, not only will your pupils enjoy your lessons more, but their vocabulary will be enriched, and they will be excited to speak and write about what they're reading.

10. How can I occupy my non-readers when the rest of the pupils are reading silently in class?

This time slot is a wonderful opportunity for you to sit with your non-readers and work on their letter and word recognition. For struggling readers, perhaps they can bring earphones to class and sit and enjoy an ebook being read to them while they follow the words on the screen (see www.oxfordowl.co.uk for ebooks)

11. Are ebooks and audio books recommended?

Yes, they are! Anything that encourages our pupils to enjoy English (by reading or listening) is certainly recommended! Not instead of reading themselves of course!

12. My school isn't part of the English Libraries program this year. Where can I borrow sets of readers in my area?

• JELLY Library in Jerusalem
• Benjamin Library in Beit Shemesh