By Erica
Leu, Pflugerville Elementary Librarian/Pflex Teacher, Pflugerville ISD
[A Pflex (Pflugerville
Learning Extension) Teacher provides enrichment instruction for the
Gifted/Talented students. In Pflugerville, librarians are GT teachers as
well.]
When I walk around my library, I see many physical objects
such as shelving, tables, chairs, computers, and books. I imagine that this is also what other people
notice as they walk around the space. However,
every day as I setup for my first class in the morning or tidy up before going
home, I imagine the possibilities that
this space has for my students, colleagues, and school community. This place is more than a physical location;
it is a place for learning, connecting, and exploration. I see my library as a blank canvas just
waiting to be painted with programs and services for my school community. Two years ago, I imagined creating a
miniature golf course inside my library and this is how I did it.
During my first three years as a librarian, I had
established a good understanding of the basic management practices I needed to
run a school library. I wanted a new challenge just as I imagine an artist often
feels the need for inspiration. I
decided to find some programming that would make people say “wow.” The
traditional stereotype associated with libraries as a quiet place where you go
to study is boring. How could I offer
opposite of this image: a collaborative, place where you can have fun and make
a little noise? On Pinterest, I saw that another librarian had created a
mini-golf course in their library. Immediately, I had my answer. My students would love the unconventional
nature of playing in the library and that this idea could be used to promote
reading achievement.
I spent a whole
school year planning for the program. I
had noticed that many students struggled to maintain motivation towards their
reading goals for a whole year as is typical for many children, but I really
felt that my programming could support their achievement goals. This mini-golf
program could be a way to celebrate student commitment to personal reading
growth. I scheduled the program for three
days in the middle of May so students would have the whole year to meet their
goal. I wanted this to be a small group
program so I scheduled 8-10 students for each 30 minute block throughout the
three day period.
All Kindergarten through 5th grade students were
eligible for this celebration. Kindergarten
students had to know their first 100 sight words. Students in grades 1-5 had to achieve their
individualized reading goal for the year.
Students in Special Education Programs who met their goals were also
invited to participate. Our school already used Accelerated Reader, so I used that
to manage the program.
Community and school partners supported the event. My first year I borrowed golf clubs from a
local miniature golf establishment and golf balls from the school’s PE teacher. Did you know that soft golf balls are a great
way to minimize noise? Or that a set of reference books can make a fabulous
tunnel? I set up generic holes based on popular books
such as Junie B. Jones and Harry Potter.
Students recorded their score on a simple golf scorecard.
During my second year, I purchased a set of clubs, balls,
and holes so I could set up a more challenging course with loops, bridges, and
swirls. Our Student Council helped
decorate. In search of a theme to grab
student’s attention, I turned to Jurassic
World for inspiration, Dinosaurs from literature and pop-culture were
perfect: Dino, Godzilla, Yoshi, Barney, Rex, & Little Foot. I dressed up like an archaeologist and played
dinosaur music for three days. Only
problem: the Jurassic Park theme song was echoing in my head for days.
During those three days in May, students were laughing, reminiscing
about books and popular culture, and discovering the basics of golf. I even caught teachers coming to play a few
holes. Staff, parents, and community
stakeholders walking by could see evidence of the library as a dynamic canvas used
to promote academic goals and enjoyment for kids.
After two years, we observe more and more students
participating; the excitement is still building. I enjoy the challenge and creativity that
innovative library programming requires. Here’s my challenge to other school
librarians: look at your own library canvas in search of other great ideas and
activities to make your space come to life.
You may be a great storyteller, book talker, musician, etc… Every artist has skills and passion; when you
find yours jump on it! Let’s show everyone the work of art that is our school
library programming and services. Go ahead. Paint your canvas with great ideas.
