Reading Choice My Child Keeps Bringing Home Books That Are Too Hard (or Easy) One of the most important things a child can do in their library class each week is explore the library. The more books they come across, the more they will think of themselves as readers. They will develop a lifelong habit of reading. The best way adults can allow this to happen is to encourage them to choose their own books. As children grow and learn, they will learn methods to make more thoughtful choices, but it's okay if your child chooses a library book that is too hard or too easy, as long as they are satisfied with their choice.
My Child Keeps Bringing Home The Same Books If a child is feeling worried or uncertain about what kind of book to choose, they often default to familiar topics and characters, or books they have heard their friends or teachers talk about. This is fine. (It's exactly how adults choose books, too!) Encourage them to tell you about why they like those books. Talking about books is one of the best ways children can share their love of reading and to grow as a reader.
Shouldn't My Child Be Reading "Just Right" Books? In the library, kids don't have to read a book simply because it's at their level. Does the book look interesting? Does your child want to know more about the topic? Some children may want to take a risk and try something new, and some may read the same books all the time. That's okay! Hopefully the library is the place that inspires readers to explore.
How Do I Know They Understand What They're Reading? As your child learns about what it means to be a reader, they will learn to think and reflect as they read. Do they understand what's going on in the story? Can they make predictions about what might happen next? Even if they don't know all the words, it's okay. On the other hand, if they don't understand the story, even if they can read the words, the book may frustrate them. Read more about helping with comprehension here.
What Books Should My Child Be Reading? Your child should be reading books they like! If you're looking for ideas take a look at our What To Read page for ideas, or ask Christine. She is always happy to give you (or your child) a special consultation.
Library Circulation When is the Library Open? Parents and students are welcome to drop in any time during school hours. If Christine is busy with a class she can let you know a good time to come back.
How Many Books Can We Check Out? Kindergarteners may check out one book at a time. Books are returned to a Book Return tub in their classroom upon arrival on their library day. Kindergarteners focus on picture books, but are invited to explore the rest of the library, and can ask for a book, author, or topic they want. Starting in First grade students begin checking out two books. In order to check out a new book, a student must return their previously checked out book. If you prefer to limit your child's checkout to one book, or if you would rather they keep their books at school, just let me know. First and second grade students will be asked to try books from all over the library, especially when exploring new sections of the collection, but most of the time they will be given the freedom to choose books they prefer. In third grade and above students may check out two books for their personal reading and extra books needed for any class assignments.
When Are Books Due? All books are due back each week on a student's library day.
May We Check the Same Books Out Again? Yes! Librarians call that renewing a book! Students may renew books as many weeks as they want, as long as there is not a hold on that book. To renew a book, bring it back on your library day with a note stuck on the cover.
Can We Save A Book? Yes! You may put a book on hold at the checkout desk. If the book is currently checked out, the computer can hold the book for you when it is returned. Christine will save it at the desk for one week.
Do We Pay Fines For Late Books? No. Your child can return the book any time, to the library or to the tub in your child's classroom. A few times a year, you will be sent a bill for any books that have not been returned. If you pay for a book and it is found, Christine will happily refund your money as long as the library has not already replaced the book.
Book Care One of the concepts we emphasize in library is respect for property. Books are a valuable shared resource. You can encourage your child to take care of their library books by keeping library books in their backpack when they are not reading them, in a safe spot in your home (a shelf, cardboard box, or other accessible place)carrying books by the spine (instead of by the pages), turning pages carefully, washing their hands before reading or handling books, keeping food, drink, pets, and babies away from library books, wrapping books in a plastic bag in their backpack if it is a swim day or a rainy day, informing their teacher or Christine right away about any torn pages or writing found in the book. If your child's book is damaged, Christine and Kathy will do their best to fix it. Please return the book to Christine directly, rather than in the library bin. If it is not repairable, Christine will let you know how much it will cost to replace the book.
Any more questions? Call the Open office at 734-994-1910 or email Christine
