Just So Stories

It will soon be my 2^nd Book Week not in a library, whether primary, secondary or public, and as I don’t have to be turning myself inside out, thought I might share a few thoughts/reflections as some parents go into a tailspin, some kids go into meltdown or hyper-excitement, many t-l’s are 50/50 on whether they should have opted for LSL for Term 3 and most, if not all, library ancillary staff wish they had a job anywhere else, doing anything else. I do love Book Week – as a generic concept. Usually, I intensely dislike the chosen theme (which of course reflects the ideas of adults not kids), and I do really, like REALLY hate the opposition often put up by our supposed colleagues at schools (not all, by any means, but from the feedback I get – it’s out there and it’s common) e.g., ‘forget’ that it’s in the school calendar and book other stuff in, oppose any new ideas you have for more meaningful engagement, ‘there’s not enough time’………. you get my drift, I’m sure. But let’s assume your school community is actually backing your grand plan – let’s run through some stuff.  

• The ‘Parade’ – yep, it’s traditional and for many schools it’s de rigeur. I love a good dress-up and it doesn’t take Book Week to have me don a costume. But there are things to consider here. Some kids don’t want to dress up. Some parents wish Book Week dress-ups would be blown up. Some parents want their kid to have the best costume ever. Some teacher librarians get their knickers in a twist because kids come in bought superhero costumes or Disney character outfits. So what? Aren’t we about inclusivity? For 20 years or more, I have endeavoured to make my Book Week parade about everyone being involved IF THEY CHOOSE. Don’t want to dress up? then don’t……only have a paper mask? wear it! Want to be SpiderMan, then go for it Spidey! Want to dress up but no one at home is helping? – come to the libary and let’s go through my box of costume bits (seriously, I could probably outfit a whole class). It’s not about costumes or a competition folks, it’s about celebrating a love of books and reading. And yes, you know what – news flash – some kids like neither. So, in my experience, these are the ones who would rather sit and watch (often with some interest) the other kids and crazy adults who are exhibiting their love of literature and costumes. Yes, I do have prizes – but not for best costume or anything like that. I have ALL kids put in a ‘lucky ticket’ for a super draw. And all kids get something – balloons, stickers, lollypops (if allowed), bookmarks are alI popular. I do have a People’s Choice for the best teacher costume – usually, by the simple method of Applause-O-Meter.

• I have a Book Bonanza give-away. I save up my review books, usually for at least two months and in my P-12 schools, as Head of Library, that’s all and any so could be anything from board books to adult biographies. Generally, it’s about 60ish books.  Everyone – staff, students and parents are invited to submit an entry with their first 3 preferences for a book of their choice.  It is actually surprising how neatly it works out every time – without too much stress on my part. Didn’t get your first choice – you did get your 2nd or 3^rd. I think I’ve only had 4 ‘leftovers’ the most of any year, and offered them what was left or what I had in reserve.

• I have activities – as many as I can manage – and these could be fancier Make&Takes (which has usually been a weekly break time choice) or quizzes or whatever – often with giveaways/prizes, again these can be balloons/stickers. I also have at least 3 school-wide competitions with age categories – one is always Edible Books, which I’ve run every year of the past 20+. (see one entry further down). I’ll put a list of ideas on the Freebies page.

• Speaking of activities, don’t forget such freebies as teachers’ notes from publishers, and freely shared ideas from authors themselves as well as commercial resources such as the IDTL annual book (to which in years past I was also a contributor) –there are additional ideas on their website. [In the mid-90s, my district network and I were writing and selling activity packs to support BW titles!], Pinterest ideas and your own PLN groups.

• I used to run Book Fair at the same time, until my nervous system told me to stop that crap right now – so in later years, adjacent to the week itself, either as a lead-up or a follow-up. Preferably, a leadup because I like to capitalise on the excitement of BW and then subsequently run a reading challenge ongoing into Term 4.  

• I have, on quite a number of occasions, created a performance incorporating aspects of the theme and short-listed books, and roped staff into helping/performing on our assembly. There are show ponies in every group!

• Of course, author visits, if possible, are always on the agenda but realistically, you and I both know that sometimes neither budget nor admin will concede/facilitate this………..BUT there are still freely available talks/mini-workshops etc from many authors which you can screen to kiddos in either your library sessions or break times.

• Get as many of your c/r teachers onboard as possible. They have a tough gig trying to fit everything in but help as much as you can. If there are kiddos who want to dress up but don’t have the home support, then get the names from your teachers and have Make&Take for easy ideas.

• Along those lines of easy dress-ups for kids whose parents aren’t really into it. Many authors and publishers will have share easy ideas and templates for such simple ideas as templates for masks or headbands. Share links in your newsletter or on your libary SMs or platform.

• Get your kids invested with the outcome of the judges’ decision re winners. Invariably, I have not only disagreed with the winners, but even object to the short list(being so bolshie is why I turned down the invitation to be a judge at one time), but that doesn’t stop us looking at them in the weeks leading up to the announcement and doing our own voting. I have always found that the EC list for Smalls and the Eve Pownall for Year 4 and above the most manageable in the time frame. One year, I had the current EP judge (also a dear friend) come and talk to my year 5/6 kids about the process which was a great bonus. It also was a good discussion point that the judges are looking at the books from an adult PoV with their own ideas about ‘literary merit’ etc. Also for the little ones, of course, it’s a great opportunity to teach or reinforce the idea of tally marks and cumulative totals. My kids would go bananas watching the marks increase for ‘their’ favourite book.

• Not my idea but…………My good friend and teacher-librarian extraordinaire, Mark Lathouras, runs his hugely successful whole school reading program REDIT as part of his overall Book Week/Term 3 celebration. I wish I had thought of it, because it’s brilliant!!! but I know he will be happy to provide some details to those interested. (give me a shout out for contact details).

• There are a plethora of ideas and suggestions freely available, just do a simple search but don’t forget to explore ideas from other countries as well. Some of my best resources and other ideas have come from UK World Book Day and US Children’s Book Week posts and shares.

One thing goes without saying, this is your prime opportunity to promote your library and what happens within it. It is absolutely, our most significant PR event and always has been. Yes, we have other opportunities but so few compare to this one single event. But always remember it’s about a whole school coming together to celebrate. Promote well in advance and ensure parents understand the parameters clearly. Most importantly, have fun and encourage your students and staff to do likewise. Enjoy!