|
From: "PUBYAC: PUBlic librarians serving Young Adults
& Children" <pubyac@prairienet.org>
To: "PUBYAC: PUBlic librarians serving Young Adults & Children"
<pubyac@prairienet.org>
Date: Wed, 5 Apr 2000 20:24:36 CDT
Subject: PUBYAC digest 109
PUBYAC Digest 109
Topics covered in this issue include:
1) RE: Rudeness
by Carol Leeson <cleeson@nslsilus.org>
2) sports crafts replies
by "Elizabeth Buono" <ebuono73@hotmail.com>
3) Professional Children's Web Sites
by "Lil' Miss Sunshine" <emilyy@interchange.ubc.ca>
4) Sustained Silent Reading
by Joe Domhan <jdomhan@yahoo.com>
5) Re: International Children's Book Day
by LKanaley@bcsd.org
6) RE: Simple snacks
by mschafer@tln.lib.mi.us
7) Bob Books
by "Kozloff, Rae" <raek@cityofanacortes.org>
8) Reading guides
by Ginnie Hoover <ginnie@lfpl.org>
9) Bubble Wands and more
by Kathleen Ahern <kahern@selco.lib.mn.us>
10) Re: Fiction Books for 5th grade AG
by Karen Cordiner <Karen_Cordiner@bc.sympatico.ca>
11) volunteer badges
by Kathleen Ahern <kahern@selco.lib.mn.us>
12) Re: Swimming pools
by Teresa Lambert <lamberte@oplin.lib.oh.us>
13) Life Skills Story Hour
by Judy Stewart <stewartj@clpgh.org>
14) Information Desk
by Suzanna Wanat <wanats@clpgh.org>
15) gardens at libraries
by Kathleen Ahern <kahern@selco.lib.mn.us>
16) Teen series standing orders?
by library@telpage.net (Richardson Memorial Library)
17) Homework Helper incentives?
by Mary Jean Hartel <hartelm@mail.clarke.public.lib.ga.us>
18) Summary: computers for kids
by Maggi Rohde <maggi@intranet.org>
19) Stumper-apple family
by Charles Schacht <schachtc@libcoop.net>
20) Berry Editorial: New Freedom Inflames Old Battles
by "Don Wood" <dwood@ala.org>
21) Stumper--YA novel: teen studies Homer's Odyssey
by "Deirdre Miller" <dlmm34@hotmail.com>
22) Song Assistance
by Amy Blake <ablake@kcpls1.vinu.edu>
23) Stumper: Cobweb Walking
by "Fredda Williams" <freddawilliams@hotmail.com>
24) neighborhood stumper
by Christine Hill <chill@willingboro.org>
25) Ali Kazam
by Farida Shapiro <fshapiro@kcls.org>
26) Katherine Paterson's YA books
by "teresa lee" <teresa_yh@hotmail.com>
27) Stumper:"I'll still love you"
by linda.schlekau@co.fairfax.va.us
----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Carol Leeson <cleeson@nslsilus.org>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: RE: Rudeness
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII
Date: Wed, 5 Apr 2000 15:16:18 CDT
I agree with Todd. We do have a closed Pre-school storytime, because of
there is not enough room in our activity room to seat parents and
children safely. However I would prefer to include parents if they
wished to attend. I have tried in the past to involve the parents as
much as possible. One time I did have trouble with a talking parent, her
son turned around and said, "Shshsh Mom, I'm trying to listen." I
didn't have anymore talkers for a while.
I do agree with all of Todd's points. It gives the parents a sense of
comfort in a very scary world to be welcome in the room with their
child. It also introduces the parents to some of our favorites in the
collection. We can also model some reading techniques for them. I also
find that they are better able to discuss the story time with their child
afterward better if they have heard it as well. Carol
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Carol Leeson
Head of Youth Services
Mount Prospect Public Library
10 S. Emerson
Mt. Prospect, Il 60056
(847)253-5675
cleeson@mppl.org
The opinions expressed here are my own and do not reflect those of the Library.
On Mon, 27 Mar 2000, Todd A Grazier wrote:
> On Fri, 24 Mar 2000, rebecca stutzman wrote:
>
> > I'm sure it is very difficult for some of you who
> > have open story hour rooms. However,
> > I bring up a well-discussed subject to those who have
> > meeting rooms. Why do you let
> > parents attend? Unless it is a special occasion
> > (Easter, Christmas) or Toddler Storytime,
> > parents in our library so not stay with their children
> > in storyhour. After all most of these
> > children are able to attend preschool alone, why not
> > storyhour? Are we the only library
> > that has such a rule?
>
> Rebecca,
>
> I for one would feel very awkward telling parents they could not
> attend. I would not let my own children attend, if I could not go with
> them. I also want the parents there to deal with any thing that might
> occur. Plus they might actually learn something about making reading a
> fun and enjoyable experience. I look at storytime as being entertaining
> and informative for children AND parents.
>
>
> /`
> o") Todd A. Grazier
> ,( )' tgrazier@gcfn.org
> _"_ Columbus Metropolitan Library
>
> "Opinions are my own, but you may borrow them with a valid library
card."
>
>
------------------------------
From: "Elizabeth Buono" <ebuono73@hotmail.com>
To: PUBYAC@prairienet.org
Subject: sports crafts replies
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed
Date: Wed, 5 Apr 2000 15:27:22 CDT
Hi everyone! Thanks very much to everyone who took time to reply to my
posting begging for sports crafts (including the person at the Adrian Public
Library who snail-mailed me some great stuff, but didn't include a name!!).
Quite a few people asked for me to post what I got to the list so here it
is!
Elizabeth Buono
Children's Librarian
The Ferguson Library
1 Public Library Plaza
Stamford, CT 06904
<ebuono73@hotmail.com>
from <kknudson@timberland.lib.wa.us>
An interesting activity - perhaps for the somewhat older elementary up - is
to draw a map of the baseball stitches. Amazing how little these
"maps"
will look like baseballs - and brings in discussions of how most of the
world maps we use are distorted. (Like, Greenland is huge!)
There's also some kind of football game played with folded paper - looks
triangular - flicked with the fingers across a desktop (if the teacher isn't
watching).
from <jrines@ocln.org>
I was looking through the S&S Recreations catalog for oceany crafts myself
and saw some that might do for you, beaded keychains shaped like sports
balls, mini basket ball hoops to decorate, penneants to decorate, yo yos,
caps and visors, and sand art sports pictures. If you don't have the money
to purchase kits some of these ideas could be adapted to homemade.
The company is S&S Recreation tel. 1-800-243-9232
website: http://www.snswwide.com or email: service@snswwide.com
they sent me a catalog right away when I requested it. One thing I like
about this catalog is that it gives you a recommended age for the craft and
a price per project. It can be helpful in justifying the cost i.e. it will
cost X to order ready made kits or Y + my time to prepare our own. They
also sell supplies, sorry I can't comment on how they are to work with as
this is the first year I'm planning on ordering form them.
from <Elizabeth.Murphy@ci.austin.tx.us>
An easy and easy-to-decorate-the-room craft idea: Pennants - cut triangles
from large construction paper. Kids write their name or sports moniker
(like the world wrestling characters) and tape paper strips or crepe paper
to the flat end.
from <vickyg@bville.lib.ny.us>
In the past two years, we have done a jump rope competition for kids with
two age levels (with appropriate book lists to hand out about jump rope
history and rhymes) and hopscotch from different lands where we chalked the
boards on the pavement and the kids could try out different ones (not a
competition). Both were well received. I even had several boys join in the
jump rope competition, and they were good! I think any sport theme would
work (free throws, street hockey) and then just talk up the books.
from <yal@evans.evcpl.lib.in.us>
We have some posters that may interest you. We purchased them from
Highsmith. they are in black and white and show a person doing a sport or
exercising while reading a book. the captions are neat. ie. REAL GAIN NO
PAIN Exercise your mind-Read.
TACKLE A GOOD BOOK
______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
------------------------------
From: "Lil' Miss Sunshine" <emilyy@interchange.ubc.ca>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Professional Children's Web Sites
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII
Date: Wed, 5 Apr 2000 15:29:56 CDT
Hello! I am a library student at the University of British Columbia and
for my final research project, I am evaluating professional children's
literature web sites. I thought I would ask actual public librarians what
they think are some of the best web sites out there. This can include
general web sites (Children's Literature Web Guide), journals (Lion and
the Unicorn), genre specific (Science Fiction and Fantasy for Children),
and anything else as long as it is aimed at teachers, librarians, parents,
or anyone else interested in children's lit., but NOT kids. (Evaluating
kids web sites is a whole other project altogether!)
What I'm hoping to find are those "gems" that might have fallen
through
the cracks because they are not as well known as the Children's Lit. Web
Guide, Vandergrift's etc. I will gladly post a compiled list once I am
done. Thanks for your help!
Emily :)
------------------------------
From: Joe Domhan <jdomhan@yahoo.com>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Sustained Silent Reading
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Date: Wed, 5 Apr 2000 15:32:23 CDT
I am currently working on a paper on Sustained
Silent Reading. I have been able to get plenty of
literature on the subject. Most of the literature
gives great praise for the effects of SSR. Does anyone
have personal experience with SSR and is it as
successful as the literature portrays it?
Thank you in advance,
Joe Domhan
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Talk to your friends online with Yahoo! Messenger.
http://im.yahoo.com
------------------------------
From: LKanaley@bcsd.org
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Re: International Children's Book Day
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Date: Wed, 5 Apr 2000 15:35:09 CDT
April 2 is the birthday of Hans Christian Andersen (which is why this date
was chosen for International children's book day) You could talk about him
- there is a Weston Woods filmstrip about his life. Invite a storyteller
to tell some of his tales or you could read them aloud. He did
papercutting when he told some of his stories - perhaps you could find
someone to do this - or teach the children a papercutting story. There is
a book by Beth Wagner Brust THE AMAZING PAPER CUTTINGS OF HANS CHRISTIAN
ANDERSEN (Tichenor and Fields, 1994) that has photos of his actual
cuttings.
Louise Kanaley
French Road Elementary School
Rochester, New York 14618
------------------------------
From: mschafer@tln.lib.mi.us
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: RE: Simple snacks
Date: Wed, 5 Apr 2000 15:38:04 CDT
Please keep in mind that peanut butter can be deadly to those who are
highly allergic to peanuts. Often times a reaction can occur even if the
individual is seated at the same table as someone else eating it. Ingestion
is not necessary to cause a reaction. Be sure to clear with parents before
serving.
Mindy Schafer
mschafer@tln.lib.mi.us
Assistant Dept. Head
Youth Services
Novi Public Library
Novi, Michigan
*************************
------------------------------
From: "Kozloff, Rae" <raek@cityofanacortes.org>
To: "'pubyac@prairienet.org'" <pubyac@prairienet.org>
Subject: Bob Books
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain
Date: Wed, 5 Apr 2000 15:40:26 CDT
The Bob books are also very popular in our library. They have held up
pretty
well for us, all things considered. What we do is put a set of 4 together,
punch two holes at the spine in each one, then fasten them with those
3-inch metal pronged fasteners. We then put a strip of heavy duty
tape over the fastener on the side where it opens so the kids won't
try to take it apart. (They could, of course, if they really wanted
to, but so far no problems.)
Rae Kozloff
Anacortes Public Library, WA
------------------------------
From: Ginnie Hoover <ginnie@lfpl.org>
To: "'pubyac@prairienet.org'" <pubyac@prairienet.org>
Subject: Reading guides
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain
Date: Wed, 5 Apr 2000 15:42:54 CDT
Does anyone out there know where I can find reading guides for some 4-5
grade level books? I am looking to have a summer book discussion group
for
that age level, and would like to see some reading guides before I get
started. I am especially looking for discussion questions. I have
searched
the web and have found one or two sites, but would like something more
extensive. Any help would be appreciated!
Ginnie Hoover
Louisville Free Public Library
ginnie@lfpl.org
------------------------------
From: Kathleen Ahern <kahern@selco.lib.mn.us>
To: PUBYAC <PUBYAC@prairienet.org>
Subject: Bubble Wands and more
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
Date: Wed, 5 Apr 2000 15:45:44 CDT
A couple of years ago during our summer reading program, we had a HUGE
outdoor bubble fest! We had ALL sorts of bubble wands - kids made their
own using string and straws (if you need directions, let me know) - some
were small and some
were as big as a large tabletop - and of course, the bubbles were HUGE
too! Other simple items that make GREAT bubble wands are old tennis
racquets, hula hoops, colanders/strainers/sieves from the kitchen,
slotted spoons, open ended juice cans, funnels, strawberry/tomato
plastic baskets and even your hands! I challenged the kids to see what
kind of bubble wands they could find/make and also see what kind of
bubble wands could they make using their bodies - it was pretty amazing!
The April 1992 issue oft KIDS DISCOVER magazine is on entirely on
bubbles and it's terrific! AIMS science has an entire book in their
science for teachers books - just on bubbles too! Also, a good website
for "bubble stuff" is www.exploratorium.edu/ronh/bubbles/bubbles.html
Have fun!
------------------------------
From: Karen Cordiner <Karen_Cordiner@bc.sympatico.ca>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Re: Fiction Books for 5th grade AG
MIME-Version: 1.0
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Date: Wed, 5 Apr 2000 15:48:19 CDT
Sorry,
This is not a recommendation for titles, but rather some questions. How
are books promoted to these students? Is reading seen to be a valued
activity or an academic chore? Do teachers read aloud? Do they share and
discuss good books? Is class time taken for reading for pleasure? This
reading can be especially beneficial for gifted students as you can
read literature beyond their reading level, but within their
intellectual capacity. One needs more than good books to attract readers.
Karen Cordiner
Swmr410@aol.com wrote:
>
> I work with 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade Academically Gifted. Very few fiction
> books are checked out, especially by the 5th grade. Any suggestions on good
> books to add to our shelves?
------------------------------
From: Kathleen Ahern <kahern@selco.lib.mn.us>
To: PUBYAC <PUBYAC@prairienet.org>
Subject: volunteer badges
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
Date: Wed, 5 Apr 2000 15:51:07 CDT
Thanks to everyone who responded about volunteer badges/buttons. I've
had request to post - here are the responses:
I had just received a new catalog from Hodges Badge Company, P.O. Box
1290,
Portsmouth, RI 02871, when I saw your question on PUBYAC. They have
ribbons and badges that might work for you. They have a website at
www.hodgesbadge.com/school and their e-mail address is
info@hodgesbadge.com.
Hope this helps.
We use recycled meeting badges, the sort with pins or clips on the back,
and put a card inside.
Does your library have a button maker? If so, you may want to have your
teen design their own buttons to wear while they volunteer. Our program
is
called "Volunteen", so we have the blanks for the buttons with the
word
Volunteen across the top. There is a horizontal line across the middle
where they write their names, and the teens can decorate the blank
spaces
with small sticker, drawings, or any designs they wish.
If you don't have a button maker you can use those clear plastic nametag
holders (with the pin backings), and teens can decorate the insert or
put
stickers on the plastic holder itself.
The Hodges Badge Co., 1-800-556-2440, will make up all sorts of ribbons
to
order.
Our county system prints up t-shirts to go with our summer reading theme
each year. The staff wears the shirt at each event during the summer.
I also buy shirts for my 10 volunteers. They only wear it when they are
"working" and I tell the kids at the beginning of each program that if
they have questions or need help they can ask someone with the shirt
on. That way they are easily identified and my YA helpers like the
sense that they are needed! Maybe you could look into getting shirts!
THANKS TO ALL!
------------------------------
From: Teresa Lambert <lamberte@oplin.lib.oh.us>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Re: Swimming pools
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII
Date: Wed, 5 Apr 2000 15:53:49 CDT
Hi
Last summer we held our final celebration for the summer reading
program at our public swimming pool. I reserved the pool after hours,
(9-11 p.m.). Children who had read at least ten books or 100 pages could
come. They had to have participated in our srp to come to the pool party.
It was a blast, most of the kids had never been to the pool in the dark
and I have been asked many times if we will do it again this year. The
pool gave us a special rate of 1.00 per swimmer, which we covered the cost
of. Use your new pool as a partner, not a competitor!
Terry Lambert,
Childrens Services,
Bluffton Public Library
Bluffton, Ohio 45817
------------------------------
From: Judy Stewart <stewartj@clpgh.org>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Life Skills Story Hour
Date: Wed, 5 Apr 2000 15:56:42 CDT
I just have to share a success and maybe it will help others in the same
situation.
The Life Skills teacher at the middle school called last week to ask if she
could bring her class of 8 6th-8th graders down to visit the library.
Naturally I said yes, and tried to find out what kind of stories or activities
might interest them. Everything I suggested was 'too young" so I realized
that
I needed to figure out something different. She said they were a good class,
high-functioning, etc. My thought was to use a "picture book for older
readers" to share. Then at the last minute the teacher said, "I like
to teach
them some kind of practical skill".
I came up with the idea of using How My Parents Learned to Eat by Allen Say, in
conjunction with How Rude! (manners book for teens) and What You Never Knew
About Fingers, Forks and Chopsticks by Patricia Lauber and John Manders. The
latter is done in a cartoon format, very funny. Anyway, I went to the nearby
chinese restaurant and they gave me some chopsticks. I bought some jelly beans
and bowls. Started off by reading from the beginning of How Rude!, there is a
section listing the rudest things that were ever done to you, from funny to
sad. The kids loved this. Then I shared from the book about the history of
how we got to using utensils, then I showed them all how to use chopsticks - DO
NOT use jelly beans however, they are too slippery - use goldfish crackers,
raisins or something like that. But they had fun trying. Then I shared the
Allen Say book. Then they got to look for books. It was relaxed and fun. The
teacher wants to bring them back twice a month! I said how about once a month.
so - I'm open to other ideas maybe some of you have tried. I have seen that
they really do not read well enough to do a scavenger hunt or word find, unless
it is very simple. I am going to use some short stories with them.
Judy Stewart
Community Library of Allegheny Valley
Natrona Heights, PA
------------------------------
From: Suzanna Wanat <wanats@clpgh.org>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Information Desk
Date: Wed, 5 Apr 2000 15:59:25 CDT
Hello,
I need help from the most creative people I know..this listserv.
My library is currently changing the way we help our patrons. Thus we are
creating an information or help desk. What I would like to know is if anyone
out there has suggestions for a different way of "advertising" this
desk. I
know I could do the same dull thing like just call it information or have
question
marks up, but I would like something different, something that is catchy and
more importantly welcoming. If anyone has any suggestions or ideas please
email me. Thanks in advance.
Suzanna Wanat
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
Allegheny Regional Branch
5 Allegheny Square
Pgh., PA 15212
Wanats@clpgh.org
------------------------------
From: Kathleen Ahern <kahern@selco.lib.mn.us>
To: PUBYAC <PUBYAC@prairienet.org>
Subject: gardens at libraries
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
Date: Wed, 5 Apr 2000 16:02:13 CDT
As a follow up on recent postings about gardens at libraries, there is a
great website you might want to check out:
www.kidsgardening.com
It's designed to facilitate communication and sharing amongst schools,
libraries, etc. who have or are may have a garden. Grant info and great
links are included at site!
------------------------------
From: library@telpage.net (Richardson Memorial Library)
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Teen series standing orders?
MIME-Version: 1.0
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Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
Date: Wed, 5 Apr 2000 16:04:12 CDT
Dear Pubyac-ers:
Need to call on your experience yet again. We have a standing order subscription
with Ingram for about a dozen of the popular pre-teen/teen series: Animorphs,
BSC, Stine, etc, but we're pretty dissatisfied with the company and are looking
to make a chan
ge. Does anybody use other vendors for these series, and can you share your
good/bad experiences? Please respond off-list, I often get behind on
list-reading! thanks...
Mary Geist
Richardson Library
One Spring St.
Emporia, VA 23847
library@telpage.net
------------------------------
From: Mary Jean Hartel <hartelm@mail.clarke.public.lib.ga.us>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Homework Helper incentives?
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Date: Wed, 5 Apr 2000 16:05:58 CDT
Over a year ago our Volunteer Coordinator set up an excellent homework
helper program based in the Young Adult area. It is staffed by 3-5 college
students (per day) 3:30-5:30 Monday - Thursday; however, we've seldom had
more than 6 middle school students, often fewer, use it per week. We have
anywhere fro 20-50 middle school students in the building after school each
day--from talking with them and observation the last thing they want is more
school-related work. They want to eat, comb hair, listen to music, and
roam. Me frustrated??? (maniacal laughter)
Youth staff will be meeting this week with the middle school principal to
brainstorm solutions to afterschool problems. Next week there will be a
community meeting in our auditorium to share ideas for afterschool
activities, discuss safety issues in the area, and develop school and
community partnerships. There has been excellent publicity for parents,
students, businesses, and individuals to attend. (We're a college community
of 90,000.)
So, my basic question is have any of you used incentives to encourage kids
to use homework helpers?
If you'll reply directly to me, I will compile suggestions for the list.
Many thanks in advance!!!
MJ
Mary Jean Hartel The early bird gets the worm,
Young Adult/AV Librarian But the second mouse gets the cheese.
Athens Regional Library
2025 Baxter Street
Athens, GA 30606
hartelm@mail.clarke.public.lib.ga.us
706/613-3650, ext. 323
FAX 706/613-3660
------------------------------
From: Maggi Rohde <maggi@intranet.org>
To: PUBYAC List <PUBYAC@prairienet.org>
Subject: Summary: computers for kids
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII
Date: Wed, 5 Apr 2000 16:07:42 CDT
Thanks, folks, for your responses to my question about computers for kids
in your library. I got six responses.
Incidentally, I just finished a paper for school including a summary of
adaptive computer technology for kids. Most research seems to agree that
even very young kids can use adult-sized mice and keyboards without too
much problem, but trackballs are easier for young ones (3-7 yrs) to use.
I've included URLs for web pages describing various adaptive computer
technology for kids, as well as sources and reviews of developmentally-
appropriate games, at the bottom of the page.
- Maggi Rohde, University of Michigan student
---
Here's a summary of the answers:
QUESTION: Do you use special interface devices (keyboards,
mice/trackballs, etc.)?
There are no special keyboards or mice, etc.
We are using a big track ball. It has worked well & we are satisfied with
it.
We purchased the computers with grants for pre-schoolers, but we use the
standard computer setup -- no special keyboards, etc.
We use regular mice and keyboards that came with the computers.
I've never used a child-oriented keyboard or mouse. The children seem to
learn very quickly how to handle the keyboard and mouse, which is one of
the reasons parents want them to use a computer.
QUESTION: Do you set up the computer in a different way (such as with the
CPU away from the kids' hands, with the keyboard put away, etc.)?
We have speakers and no headphones. Occasionally we have to turn it down
on kids but not very often. Most of the preschoolers don't think to
adjust the sound, only older kids.
We do buy adapters so two sets of headphones can be plugged in at the same
time so parents can hear the programs and help their young children.
If you are setting up a special computer for kids, make sure you get small
headphones. Some of the larger sized headphones (which, unfortunately,
seem more durable) are too big for younger childrens heads.
The keyboard is on a "pop-up" shelf slid underneath. It is easily
accessible to those who want/need it but otherwise out of sight. The CPU
is under the table on a small shelf inches off the floor. We turned it
sideways after we discovered it was just the right height for kids to kick
the machine off by swinging their feet.
We have keep the CPU turned sideways away from the children. There is a
strong piece of cardboard over the disk drive and buttons that we flip
down to keep the children from opening the drive and possibly pulling it.
We tuck the keyboard away next to the computer so kids can access it if
they need it, but leave plenty of room in front of the computer for the
mouse to move.
Both our computers have a CD tower. The CPU's and towers are sitting
under the carrel. Sometimes we have a problem with little feet kicking
the keyboard or the mouse cords loose, but for the amount of use they get
we really have very few problems.
We have the same CD-ROM game set up on each of three computers all day, so
parents or kids don't have to deal with changing disks. Each computer has
software for a different age group -- toddlers, early elementary and later
elementary, and it's different every day on a two-week cycle.
QUESTION: What about the height of desks or chairs, or number of chairs?
The height of the table and chairs is adult. We have both parents and
children who use these units. (Besides the cost).
The table is an adjustable computer table, very strong, set at it's lowest
size with small chairs pulled up to it. We encourage parents to pull up
larger chairs to save their backs!
We use a few kid-sized chairs in front of each computer, which are on
tables of varying heights depending on the age each computer is targeted
at.
Our computers are on carrels with adult sized chairs.
QUESTION: Do you control their access to programs (keeping CDs behind the
desk, using a special interface)?
We have two older computers with old games... These games on on the hard
drive and set up to enter through a menu (NO windows). Then we have two
other computers that have cd-rom's...we put the disc in for them and
remove it. At first we had problems with kids putting paper etc into the
drives and had to tape them shut. That problem has not been around for a
couple of years due to (I believe) computers being so much a part of our
society, just about everyone knows how they work, etc.
We have a tower that is loaded with about 10 CD-Roms. I haven't a clue
how all this is set up, but there is a menu on the front & kids can select
the CD-Rom they want to use.
We have all our CD's loaded on Pioneer CD changers and make all the games
available to anyone, but we do advise parents and children about which
games are more appropriate for their ages.
We use the Fortress protection program to protect our systems and to keep
young children from inadvertantly changing the settings.
We don't let parents or children insert or remove the disks. They are
kept (along with any instruction books) on the reference desk right behind
the computer table. We have them pick the game from the icons on the
desktop and then insert the disk for them. It does make for a lot of
running from circ desk to computer desk but I think its worth it -- we
know how to log out of games, open the drive etc. and can't be sure if the
child or patron does.
QUESTION: Do you use Macs or PCs? What kind of software/games?
Our 4 PC's are IBM compatibles for use by people of all ages. Our 2 old
PCs have games like Hangman, Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, Mickey's ABC's,
Mickey's Runaway Zoo, etc. We also have 3 Internet accessible PC's.
We have 4 PC's for use by pre-school and school-aged children.
We have 2 "Baby" PC's and the only software we run is the Broderbund
Living Books (our computer guru tells me that these programs do not write
to the hard drive the way other programs do and thus they work better with
a large number of kids getting on and off during the day).
We have a PC with simple games (Reader Rabbit is great).
Most of the software on the computers is for pre-schoolers (because we
purchased the computers with grant funds that targeted pre-schoolers.)
We have three Macs.
We have 3-4 programs for older kids (Sim-Park, Oregon Trail) & the rest
are preschool programs.
OTHER COMMENTS:
We have ordered a product from Little Tykes and IBM. It has a kids sized
rubbermaid desk with a bench. The CPU is locked away in a cabinet, the
keyboard is a special membrane covered board. The computer comes loaded
with the Millie's Mathhouse, Billie's bookhouse, etc. software. We have
received the desk, but are still awaiting the arrival of the computer so
we have not put into use yet. [NOTE: This product is called the Young
Explorer: http://www.youngexplorer.com/ ]
We will be involved with a remodeling program this summer. After that we
hope to have a similar set up for YA's.
ADAPTIVE TECHNOLOGY
COMPUTER FURNITURE:
The Young Explorer:
http://www.youngexplorer.com/
HACH Learning Centers:
http://www.hachstuff.com/web/learningcenters.htm
POINTING DEVICES (mice, trackballs, drawing pads):
KidTRAC Trackball:
http://www.tfeinc.com/kidtrac.htm
http://www.microspeed.com/newsite/mar20_pressrel.html
Microsoft EasyBall:
http://www.tfeinc.com/easyball.htm
DRAWING TABLETS:
Little Tykes SkiDoodle:
http://www.etoys.com/software/g/product/800/03/07/1.shtml
KB Gear SketchBoard:
http://www.tfeinc.com/sketchboard.htm
KEYBOARDS:
Webchild KidBoard:
http://www.webchild.com/kidboard.htm
LittleFingers keyboard:
http://www.etoys.com/software/g/product/800/00/14/1.shtml
INTERFACES FOR KIDS:
KidDesk Internet Safe:
http://www.edmark.com/prod/kdis/
PRODUCT SOURCES AND REVIEWS:
Technology for Education:
http://www.tfeinc.com/index.htm
Computer Learning Centers by HACH:
http://www.hachstuff.com/web/learningcenters.htm
Multimedia Mom Network Software Reviews:
http://www.multimediamom.org/swaug96.html
SuperKids Educational Software Reviews:
http://www.superkids.com
eToys Favorite Software:
http://www.etoys.com/software
High/Scope Educational Research Foundation:
http://www.highscope.net
------------------------------
From: Charles Schacht <schachtc@libcoop.net>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Stumper-apple family
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Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
Date: Wed, 5 Apr 2000 20:09:42 CDT
Oh thou fonts of wisdom- quite some time ago there was written a chapter
book abouot a family whose dealilnig directly concerned apples in some
fashion and whose members all had apple related names (although I don't
THINK that their granny was named Smith...). One of the children, our
patron believes, was named Macintosh. I have checked Children's Cat.
under apples - fiction to no avail. I remember that such a book did
indeed exist and believe that one tiime I knew its name, but that was
then and this is now. Help, please - my reputation for having
encyclopedic knowledge of /access to the obscure and arcane is at stake
here. Thanks in advance -
Chuck Schacht
Romeo District Library
Romeo, MI.
------------------------------
From: "Don Wood" <dwood@ala.org>
Subject: Berry Editorial: New Freedom Inflames Old Battles
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Date: Wed, 5 Apr 2000 20:13:40 CDT
from LJ Digital
New Freedom Inflames Old Battles
http://www.ljdigital.com/articles/views/editorial/editorialindex.asp
"Librarians are an integral part of the historic expansion of freedom. We
should be proud of that. When the most jarring free expression frightens our
neighbors, we must reassure them. We must remind them of how much worse it was
before we won that freedo
m and how much better things are now."
_________________________
Don Wood
American Library Association
Office for Intellectual Freedom
50 East Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611
312-280-4225
800-545-2433, ext. 4225
Fax: 312-280-4227
http://www.ala.org/oif.html
------------------------------
From: "Deirdre Miller" <dlmm34@hotmail.com>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Stumper--YA novel: teen studies Homer's Odyssey
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Date: Wed, 5 Apr 2000 20:15:10 CDT
Dear Collective Brains,
A school librarian submitted a request from a teacher. She is looking
for a YA novel with a female character who is studying Homer's Odyssey in
class. She relates to the characters in the book as they seem similar to
those in her own life. The teacher has no idea of the author or pub. date.
We have checked our catalog, looked in Novelist, What do YA's Read Next,
and asked all librarians in the building (including several YA librarians)
and no one recognizes this title. If you have an inkling of this one, please
respond to me at my email address as below! Thanks so much for your
collective help!
Deirdre Miller
YA Librarian, Lake Forest Park, KCLS WA
email: dmiller@kcls.org (or) dlmm34@hotmail.com
______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
------------------------------
From: Amy Blake <ablake@kcpls1.vinu.edu>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Song Assistance
Date: Wed, 5 Apr 2000 20:16:39 CDT
Pubyac,
Greetings from Southern Indiana! Oh, Collective Minds a patron is looking for
the music to "I am Being Swallowed By a Boa Constrictor" for a program
she is
doing. She would like it on a cassette or CD. I checked 'Children's Jukebox'
but no such luck. Thank you in advance :)
Amy Blake
Knox County Public Library
Vincennes, IN
ablake@kcpls1.vinu.edu
------------------------------
From: "Fredda Williams" <freddawilliams@hotmail.com>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Stumper: Cobweb Walking
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Date: Wed, 5 Apr 2000 20:18:12 CDT
Again I need help from the knowledgeable folks on this list! A patron asked
today about a book she remembers reading in high school, about 8-10 years
ago. She thinks the title was "Cobweb Walking" (but isn't sure of
that.)
What she remembers is that the story is about a preteen girl with some sort
of disfigurement whose parents don't really know how to cope with her. The
book is set in WWII, possibly in England. At some point the family goes to
a bomb shelter in reponse to an air raid warning, and the girl refuses to
let them out. She is using this to act out her anger at the way she has
been treated.
The patron had vivid memories of the book, including that they had homemade
jams and jellies that the girl scraped mold off of before eating.
If anyone can help my patron, please respond directly to me at
freddawilliams@hotmail.com
Thanks,
Fredda
Fredda Williams
Children's Services Manager
Knox County Public Library System
freddawilliams@hotmail.com
______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
------------------------------
From: Christine Hill <chill@willingboro.org>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: neighborhood stumper
Date: Wed, 5 Apr 2000 20:19:39 CDT
I have had a preschool teacher ask for stories or non-fiction
books on 1. teaching a child his/her address 2. teaching about
his/her neighborhood. Please note the age level requirement and
that this is NOT for community helpers.
I gave her Anne Rockwell's The Way to Captain Yankee's, which is
not exactly what she wants, but on the right track.
Any suggestions?
Christine M. Hill
Willingboro Public Library
One Salem Road
Willingboro, NJ 08046
chill@willingboro.org
My new book! Robert Ballard: Oceanographer Who Discovered the
Titanic, Enslow, 1999
------------------------------
From: Farida Shapiro <fshapiro@kcls.org>
To: PUBYAC@prairienet.org
Subject: Ali Kazam
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Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII
Date: Wed, 5 Apr 2000 20:21:07 CDT
Greetings! A patron is looking for a book (or series of books) about a
character named Ali Kazam. She doesn't know how old the book is, whether
or not the character is in the title, or remember anything else about the
story. On the off-chance that this character name resonates with someone,
please send me any information you happen to recollect/find. I have
checked internet sources, the KCLS catalog, and the character section in
What do Children Read Next?
Thanks so much!
Farida S. T. Shapiro
Children's Librarian
Bellevue Regional Library
King County Library System
Bellevue, Washington
------------------------------
From: "teresa lee" <teresa_yh@hotmail.com>
To: PUBYAC@prairienet.org
Subject: Katherine Paterson's YA books
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Date: Wed, 5 Apr 2000 20:22:59 CDT
hello everyone!
i am doing a paper on katherine paterson's works for young adults, and was
wondering which of her many and wonderful titles are considered YA by your
library? in our library YA titles are:
1) Lyddie
2) Jacob Have I Loved
3) Rebels from the Heavenly Kingdom
have i missed any others?
------------------------------
From: linda.schlekau@co.fairfax.va.us
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Stumper:"I'll still love you"
Date: Wed, 5 Apr 2000 20:24:36 CDT
Hello PubYac Brain Trust,
Patron needs to replace her daughter's favorite picture book lost during a
move. It's about a little boy who does terrible things (or talks about
doing things) and his mother says she will still love him. He sends his
brother to the moon and trashes the bathroom.
It is not No Matter What or I'll love you forever. We've been to Amazon
and AtoZoo If you have any ideas please contact me at
Linda.Schlekau@co.fairfax.va.us
------------------------------
End of PUBYAC Digest 109
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