RC+and+the+Library+Media+Center

Responsive Classroom practices (RC) can be implemented in the library media center by creating a sense of comfort and routine for children in the library “classroom.”
 * The Library Media Center and Responsive Classroom Practices by Bobby Riley **

Author and library media specialist, Bob Riley, suggests that library routines should closely follow classroom routines in relation to the components of the RC. Just as classroom teachers engage in morning meetings, follow rules and consequences, allow for guided discovery, organize their classrooms, and provide academic choices, so should library media specialist.

So that library routines mirror classroom routines, media specialist should establish a meeting place to begin library sessions, erect a “News and Announcement” board, allow students to share or participate in an activity (coinciding with library skills), generate library hopes and dreams, and establish traveling rules. Riley suggests setting aside the first six weeks of school to reinforce a school-wide RC theme.

Just as teachers greet their students at the door, so should the media specialist. Greet them at door, invite them in, and direct them to the meeting circle. Draw students’ attention to the News and Announcement board to smooth the transition from other activities to library time. This gives the students a focus and acts as an introduction to the day’s instruction. This is also a good time to have the students either share or initiate an activity.

Another aspect of RC in the media center is the establishment of rules and procedures. Library Media Specialist should determine the kind of language and the types of rules the classroom teachers are using and carry them over to the library. The rules set limits and allow students to feel safe. It’s also important to discuss why rules are important and how library rules shouldn’t be any different than classroom rules.

Riley recommends making students cognizant of the rules by placing a sign on the library door that reads, “I will be a library champion today.” Requiring each student to touch the sign prior to entering the library gives the students the responsibility of living the rules throughout the school and fosters a greater sense of school-wide community.


 * Bobby Riley is a library media specialist at H.O. Wheeler Elementary School (Vermont) and can be reached at** **briley@bsdvt.org****.**