I tried a new library center last week, and it was a BIG HIT! I have to share it with you so you can try it, too.
I have three Nook eReaders in our library. I didn't think that was enough to start checking them out to students, plus I wasn't ready to deal with the permission slips and all of that bureacracy.
So I set up an eReader center in the library. Here's how I did it.
During our whole group time, I gave a brief (5-7 minute) overview of how to download books from our Overdrive digital library to our third through fifth graders. I want students to start trying this at home, with their parents.
I set up the center with this sign, and 3 Nooks, preloaded with picture books.
Did they like it? What do you think?
This photo has captured the elusive species known as the fifth grade boy. Look at them! They are completely engaged in this learning center!
This wasn't a one-time occurrence either. The fourth and fifth graders were especially intrigued by this library center.
I loaded picture books at first, so that students would have time to read the whole book. Later in the week, I loaded a Stink chapter book on one of them, so they could see that the text and illustrations would both show up on the eReader.
I have two Nook Simple Touches and one Nook Color. Our students seemed to be just as happy with the Simple Touch, but I'm glad I have one Color Nook for the picture books.
I'm sharing my center sign as a freebie to you in my TPT store. It's simple, but it works.
Are you using eReaders in your school library? What works for you?
I am using 5 of them in my Library Centers as one of my rotations and they are a HUGE hit too! All grade levels use them at our campus when they come to the library and participate in centers.(PreK-4th grade campus). I have 8 centers, and the Nooks are one of them. I have 10 additional Nooks that are available for teachers to check out and use in small groups. I will be happy to tell you more if you are interested! One more thing: I teach a library lesson one week, and the next my students go to centers. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm All Booked,
DeleteI like your scheduling solution of having a lesson one week, centers the next. You are lucky to have more Nooks to put into classrooms. I think this is a great help to our students! What are your other 7 centers?
Cari
It's very coincidental that you posted this! I started centers in the library this year for the first time, and just yesterday started with my Nooks and iPads as a center. Of course the devices are SUPER popular with all the kids - and that's sort of the problem. I can't get the students interested in any of the other centers anymore because they all want to go to the Nooks and iPads! Even when they do go to another center, they are obviously just there half-heartedly waiting on a chance to get to the technology. I would love to know how you, and others, manage this - or if you don't have this problem, how you have avoided it! Also, since kids go to the centers after they have checked out books, I am finding that they are not being as selective about book choices since centers have started - especially now with the Nooks and iPads out. Maybe all of this will die down once the "newness" wears off, but if not, I'm going to have to come up with a "Plan B". (I have 3 Nooks and 3 iPads and there are about 25 kids in each class.)Any advice??
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Deana
http://littlechieflibrary.blogspot.com/
Hi Library Lady!
DeleteOne solution might be to hand out "tickets" to the tech center (iPads and Nooks) after your library lesson (if you have one). Good listeners, library helpers could earn a ticket. Or you could use a pocket chart like this (http://www.adsit.net/default.php?Submit=Photo_Gallery&Menu=General&SubMenu=Centers&Item=Center%20Board%204.jpg) to structure the rotations. Or draw popsicle sticks from a jar. That way, the students would know who is going to the tech center from the get-go, and wouldn't have to rush to beat other students to it. Does that make sense? That would also allow you to rotate the privilege throughout each class.
Ya gotta love those engaged learners!
Cari
Thanks, Cari! This weekend I'll definitely be considering all the options for the tech center rotation next week! I'd love to see that pocket chart idea you mention in your reply, but I can't get the link to open. Do you have an alternate link? Thanks! And thanks again for all your great ideas! :)
DeleteMy PreK-2nd grade library centers are:
ReplyDelete1. Nooks
2. Computers
3. Puzzles
4. Library Fun (origami books, drawing books, making bookmarks,etc.)
5. Science/Observation Station
6. Puppets
7. Games
8. Listening
My 3rd and 4th grade stations are:
1. Nooks
2. Computer Research
3. Library Fun
4. Science
5. Games
6. Puppetry/Reader's Theater
7. Puzzles
8. Fun with Words
This week I introduced all the stations and had the kids sit at one of 8 tables. I then passed around a colored index card with their Library Center's team color and had each student at the table sign it as their team's roster. Next time I do stations, this roster will be posted along with what 2 stations they get to go to for the day (for 15 minutes each). If they are not thrilled with their center choices I give them for the day, they can go read a book or magazine until the time is up.
It was a HUGE hit last year when I implemented centers at the end of the year, and it made each student in the entire school get a turn fairly and equally on our Nooks. Now I will change my centers to go along with each season and the students should have about 3-4 times they can go to each station throughout the school year.
I love your system for organizing your centers! If I ever have to go back to a fixed schedule, I know I will have to be more systematic about center rotation. Thank you for sharing!
DeleteI am reading this in 2019, almost 2020. I would like an update. Do you still have the same centers? Have some fizzled out? Have you added some your students love even more? Also, have you decided on different way to organize your centers? Or, are you doing the same thing as in 2012?
DeleteYears ago when I was an elementary librarian, I remember how excited the children were to have listening centers with cassette players. I can just imagine how delighted your students must be to have e-readers. Ahh...the marvels of technology.
ReplyDeleteSo glad to read that this is a big hit in your library. Almost makes me want to "un-retire" ...almost :)
My students STILL love pushing the buttons on the cassette listening center. I hope someone is lucky enough to have you as a library volunteer!
DeleteI am so excited to have found this blog post! I just won a nook for the library I work at, and it will be our first one. I am trying to find ideas for how to use it with 700+ students :)
ReplyDeleteAngie, I have the same issue--3 Nooks for 900 students. No way to circulate them fairly, right? But the Nook center is a BIG hit, so I'm kinda glad it worked out this way!
DeleteCari