National School Library Standards - Include

 

Regina Taylor

Saxe Gotha Elementary School

Lexington, SC

https://www.lexington1.net/domain/1047

 

“Key Commitment – Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to inclusiveness and respect for diversity in the learning community (AASL, 2018, 76).

 

As the school librarian Mrs. Taylor provides a range of activities and displays in the learning commons for the students of Saxe Gotha. For example, for students who speak Spanish there is a bookcase of bilingual books near the center of the library and bilingual eBooks available. She places a couple dozen pre-selected picture books for the preschool students on a bookcase she can pull over to the class when they visit. This practice enables these young students to easily pick something to check out to look through.

 

The main programming in the library consists of centers each class participates in when they visit the library. These centers consist of various activities the students participate in and change on a regular basis. Most centers require critical thinking skills and sharing. When selecting centers, Mrs. Taylor consults with the teachers to determine what motor skills and power skills the students need to work on at the time. During my internship I observed a new, non-English speaking student, play with Legos with another student. Providing activities which do not require reading encourages participation by all students.

 

Mrs. Taylor uses a variety of resources in the learning commons to ensure all students feel welcome and respected. In addition to bilingual and Spanish books, displays are created to celebrate such things as Hispanic Heritage Month, Native American Month, and Black History Month. She also has space for class projects. For example, one class created biome dioramas which were placed on bookcases throughout the library for other students to see.

 

Mrs. Taylor helps students navigate the variety of databases on SC Discus when collaborating in the classroom. She has not engaged in much of this but is looking to help fourth grade students research weather information in the coming weeks.

 

Mrs. Taylor has several challenges when implementing inclusivity and diversity in the learning commons. The collection does not have many selections for Native Americans and Pacific Islanders, so she is actively searching for titles to add to her collection. Student ability levels also present challenges as she needs to increase the number of pre-reader books in certain non-fiction areas of the collection. In addition, she recognizes students do not always know how to ask questions or evaluate sources so these two areas will be addressed through collaboration with teachers.

 

Overall, the learning commons provides a welcoming environment for the students at Saxe Gotha. Except for one class of very young students with special needs, the rest of the school can visit the learning commons weekly. Monthly displays are helpful, but students may need encouragement to check out the materials. Perhaps a gentle reminder when the students are visiting to look at the display before searching the shelves for a book. I want my future library to be welcoming to everyone. I want the collection to reflect the community I serve and introduce perspectives with which the students may not be familiar.

 

American Association of School Librarians. 2018. National School Library Standards for Learners, School Librarians, and School Libraries. Chicago: ALA.