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From: "PUBYAC: PUBlic librarians serving Young Adults and Children" <pubyac@prairienet.org>
To: "PUBYAC: PUBlic librarians serving Young Adults and Children" <pubyac@prairienet.org>
Sent: Monday, January 06, 2003 11:01 PM
Subject: PUBYAC digest 972
PUBYAC Digest 972
Topics covered in this issue include:
1) Re: Kids turned-off reading
by Aurora Martinez <Aurora.Martinez@euclidlibrary.org>
2) Turned off reading?
by Angela Reynolds <angelar@wccls.lib.or.us>
3) RE: Kids turned-off reading
by "Beverly Bixler" <bbixler@sanantonio.gov>
4) Re: Harry Potter etc.
by "Mary Jo Smith" <msmith@gateslibrary.org>
5) small soldiers
by "jennifer friend" <jenfriend@hotmail.com>
6) STUMPER--The Shoemaker and the Elves
by "Patt Colwell" <pcolwell@jcls.org>
7) Lego Contest
by "SHIRLEY CREAGER" <s.creager@wrlsweb.org>
8) Re: Children's Books on Witchcraft, Wicca, Paganism
by Erin Helmrich <helmrich@tln.lib.mi.us>
9) Books
by "Nikeda Webb" <nfwebb@wilmingtonlibrary.org>
10) Re: Kids turned-off reading
by Cassie Wilson <cwilson2@woh.rr.com>
11) Re: Kids turned-off reading
by "Barb Thompson" <barbt1956@attbi.com>
12) Re: Kids turned-off reading
by Rebecca Smith <read2yourbunny@yahoo.com>
13) accellerated reader
by Jennifer Baker <jbaker93711@yahoo.com>
----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Aurora Martinez <Aurora.Martinez@euclidlibrary.org>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Re: Kids turned-off reading
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Date: Mon, 6 Jan 2003 19:05:54 CST
My two cents: In children's lives there have always been alternative
ways to spend time other than reading, but it seems like the
competition has never been more intense than now. Example: Say I'm a
kid between the ages of 7 and 12 and it's after school or a weekend.
Hmmmm..should I watch Nickolodeon, Cartoon Network, Kids' WB, or a
video/DVD? OR...play my Game Boy or PlayStation or GameCube, etc.?
OR...get online and then play some CD-ROM games? Being on a sports
team, even as a 7-year-old, means you now can get your photo on your
very own trading card - what an incentive to join the
soccer/basketball/baseball team! So - where does reading come into the
picture? Well, unless I'm going to be reading something trendy like
Harry Potter or Capt Underpants, which is something I can feel hip
talking about with my friends later, it's probably pretty low on my
list of alternatives. Also, programs like Accelerated Reader are well-
intentioned but turn reading into drudgery for so many kids because
while they're reading, in the backs of their minds they know they'll
have to take a test on the book later - or they're worried that they
won't read enough to earn enough "points", etc. Great way to reduce
the
joy of reading to something about as appealing as going to the dentist.
I'm not saying I (or anyone) should *calmly* accept the above as an
unchangeable reality of the times - but I do believe that it's just not
enough anymore for a parent to model good reading habits or to take her
child to library programs every month. As a working parent, I (and I'm
sure many on PUBYAC) know that it's often difficult to regulate your
kids' time spent on electronic games, computer, talking on phone, etc,
because you're either not home, the kids are in before- or after-school
care, or you're just glad the kids are busy with something so you can
make dinner, watch the news, etc. It may not be award-winning
parenting, but then who's capable of that day in and day out? Parents
who are more able to actively structure their kids' time, especially in
this age of so many free-time choices, so that it includes time devoted
solely to reading - whether that be the whole family reading together
or just the child freely selecting something and spending 30 or 60
minutes reading for sheer enjoyment (no tests, no points, no
expectations) - are probably doing the most to influence kids to become
lifelong readers. Unfortunately, having that kind of consistent control
over your kids' free time is not that easy for a lot of parents, even
passionate booklovers like myself!
Original message:
------------------------------
From: "Gail Roberts" <groberts@sailsinc.org>
To: "PUBYAC" <pubyac@prairienet.org>
Subject: Kids turned-off reading
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Date: Sun, 5 Jan 2003 12:10:55 CST
This is a question that has been puzzling me of late, and I'd like to
see
what the group thinks. What is it that turns a kid off of reading? When
we
get them in the first grade (or even earlier), they are eager and
excited to
get books and start reading. But 3-4 years later, some kids would
rather be
hung by the neck for a few minutes than be caught with a book. What
happens
in the meantime? Why is it mostly boys? I've read what Jim Trelease
thinks
(worksheets, lack of role models, etc.), but some kids seem to be able
to
rise above all that and love reading. And some have a house full of role
models, yet refuse to read. I'm still formulating my ideas, but would
like
to see what a discussion brings. I've been a children's librarian since
1978, 14 years in my current position, and it seems to be getting worse.
What do you think? You can respond to me, but it might be better if you
respond to PUBYAC.
Gail E. Roberts
groberts@sailsinc.org
Coordinator of Youth Services
New Bedford Free Public Library
New Bedford, MA 02740
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Aurora Martinez
Community Outreach Services
Euclid Public Library
631 E. 222 St.
Euclid, OH 44123-2091
(216) 261-5300 ext. 125
------------------------------
From: Angela Reynolds <angelar@wccls.lib.or.us>
To: 'pubyac' <PUBYAC@prairienet.org>
Subject: Turned off reading?
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Date: Mon, 6 Jan 2003 19:06:02 CST
There's an excellent pull-out article in BOOK magazine, Sept/Oct 2002
issue-- all about the literacy (more about the illiteracy) of older readers.
It talks about how kids fall off the reading cliff around 4th grade. The
article might give some insight for libraries planning programs for this age
reader, and could answer some of your questions.
Angela J. Reynolds, Youth Services Librarian
Washington County Cooperative Library Services
111 NE Lincoln MS58A
Hillsboro, OR 97124
503-466-1894 fax: 503-615-6601
angelar@wccls.lib.or.us
www.WILInet.wccls.lib.or.us
------------------------------
From: "Beverly Bixler" <bbixler@sanantonio.gov>
To: "Gail Roberts" <groberts@sailsinc.org>,
Subject: RE: Kids turned-off reading
Date: Mon, 6 Jan 2003 19:06:09 CST
If I knew the answer to this question, I would be a millionaire. As a =
Children's Librarian, I raised both of my children, one son & one =
daughter, partly by reading to them every night before bedtime. For many =
years. And what happened? My son became an avid and voracious reader (he =
is the older of the two). In fact, he has read the Harry Potter books so =
many times he practically has them memorized. My daughter, on the other =
hand, never liked reading much. As a teen, she did read "Blood & =
Chocolate" and liked it, but I couldn't get her interested in anything =
else, even similar stories or other books by the same author. She did =
good just to look through "Seventeen" magazine every month. I don't
have =
a clue as to why my son became a voracious reader & my daughter an =
indifferent one. I don't think it has anything to do with their =
personalities, either. My son has a totally different personality from =
me, while my daughter's personality is similar to mine, and I am a =
voracious reader. If anyone can explain to me what happened here, I =
would be eternally grateful!
Beverly Bixler
bbixler@sanantonio.gov
San Antonio Public Library, TX =20
------------------------------
From: "Mary Jo Smith" <msmith@gateslibrary.org>
To: <pubyac@prairienet.org>
Subject: Re: Harry Potter etc.
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Date: Mon, 6 Jan 2003 19:06:17 CST
Okay, I was going to stay out of this discussion, but I feel compelled to
make one quick statement. I have no problem with parents deciding FOR
THEIR
OWN CHILDREN what literature they wish to have them read. Isn't that what we
as librarians hope will happen , so we can provide a wide range of
materials, as we should, for the wide range of values present in our
society? My problem lies with those--and I would place those who make
videotapes decrying Harry Potter as witchcraft among them--who feel that
they should decide for EVERYONE'S CHILDREN what they can and cannot read,
and what should and should not be present on the shelves of a public
library. People who seek to have access to materials restricted for anyone
other than their own children are not being respectful of our professional
opinions as librarians or my personal opinion as a parent.
I feel it's important to make this distinction. We are all different, and
we all live together in this world, so maybe we should do our best to listen
to one another and try to get along. Mary Jo
----- Original Message -----
From: "Melody Allen" <melody_allen@gw.doa.state.ri.us>
To: <Bonita.Kale@euclidlibrary.org>;
<pubyac@prairienet.org>
Sent: Saturday, January 04, 2003 11:11 AM
Subject: Re: Harry Potter etc.
>
> I am shocked by this message. As the defenders of intellectual
freedom,
> we should show respect to people of diverse viewpoints. I would be
happy
> to talk to parents who care enough about their children to make a
> complaint. These are concerned, committed parents, possibly afraid of
the
> many influences on their children. I may not hold the same values,
and I
> will explain that libraries provide access to materials for families with
> a wide range of values and therefore don't restrict what is available to
> suit any one family, but I give them credit for speaking up for what they
> feel is right for their own children. It is my professional
responsibility
> to serve all members of the community without standing in judgment of
> their questions, comments or viewpoints.
> Melody Allen
> melody_allen@gw.doa.state.ri.us=20
>
>
> >>> Bonita.Kale@euclidlibrary.org
01/02/03 04:23PM >>>
>
> I agree with the person who said we have to be accommodating to parents=20
> who don't want their kids to read fantasy--but I think it's okay to=20
> make fun of them behind their backs! =20
>
> There have been a lot of nuts out there who are worried about Harry=20
> Potter, and, yes, Madeline L'Engle and C.S. Lewis, too. Probably
Diane=20
> Duane if they knew she was there. Meanwhile, the really bad stuff,=20
> from my point of view, goes unnoticed.
>
> Oh, well, we're all different...=20
>
> Bonita
>
> Bonita
>
------------------------------
From: "jennifer friend" <jenfriend@hotmail.com>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: small soldiers
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Date: Mon, 6 Jan 2003 19:20:16 CST
Our library district is debating how to catalog the movie "Small Soldeiers",
as children's or adult. If you have it in your collection (DVD or video),
we would appreciate knowing how you have cataloged it. Please notify me at
jenfriend@hotmail.com.
_________________________________________________________________
The new MSN 8: smart spam protection and 2 months FREE*
http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail
------------------------------
From: "Patt Colwell" <pcolwell@jcls.org>
To: <PUBYAC@prairienet.org>
Subject: STUMPER--The Shoemaker and the Elves
Date: Mon, 6 Jan 2003 19:20:23 CST
Dear Pubyacers,
A patron has asked us to find a book he read as a child (1980's). The =
story was similar to "The Shoemaker and the Elves" except that the
elves =
were mischievous and played tricks on the old man instead of helping =
him. We have exhausted our resources for similar fairy tales and =
fractured fairy tales without success. Can anyone help? Please
respond =
directly to pcolwell@jcls.org.
Thanks in advance for any assistance!
Patt Colwell
Jackson County Library Services
Medford, Oregon
------------------------------
From: "SHIRLEY CREAGER" <s.creager@wrlsweb.org>
To: <pubyac@prairienet.org>
Subject: Lego Contest
Date: Mon, 6 Jan 2003 19:20:46 CST
Our children's library has an Americorp member working with our staff.
Since Americorp sponsors a Lego contest, we thought it would be a fun
mid-winter activity. We would like to have a simple contest with
children from 6-10. Does anyone have any ideas on how to organize a
Lego contest. Our current sources, Americorp and the internet, only
seem to have ideas for much older children using robotics. Please
respond to: s.creager@wrlsweb.org
Thanks for your help.
Shirley Creager, Director of Youth Services,
McIntosh Memorial Library
118 E. Jefferson, PO Box 821
Viroqua, WI 54665
608-637-7151 ext 4
608-637-8608 fax
------------------------------
From: Erin Helmrich <helmrich@tln.lib.mi.us>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Re: Children's Books on Witchcraft, Wicca, Paganism
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Date: Mon, 6 Jan 2003 19:25:06 CST
Hi Again,
Here are the list of titles that I've been able to buy for our collection
in the last year - as you'll see they are not all "wicca specific" but
more "wicca friendly" and would appeal to others, but they have been
enjoyed by my more "crunchy" new age patrons.
1. Witches and witch-hunts : a history of persecution Meltzer, Milton New
York : Blue Sky Press, c1999
By Ellen B. Jackson
2. The spring equinox: celebrating the greening of the earth
3. The summer solstice
4. The winter solstice
5. The autumn equinox: celebrating the harvest
6. Celebrating the Great Mother : a handbook of earth-honoring activities
for parents and children by Johnson, Cait Rochester, Vt. :
Destiny
Books, c1995.
7. WiccaCraft for families : the path of the hearthfire / by Margie
McArthur. Custer, Wash. : Phoenix Pub., c1994.
By Maureen Garth
8. Starbright : meditations for children / Maureen Garth. Describes the
methods and positive effects of meditation and presents a
collection of
brief meditations
9. Earthlight : new meditations for children Simple visualisations for
parents to help children: release creativity, be free from fears,
enjoy
adventures, develop inner peace and strength
10.Moonbeam : a book of meditations for children Describes the methods
and positive effects of meditation for children who have difficulty
going to sleep, and presents a collection of brief meditations
11. Ancient Celtic Festivals and How we Celebrate Them Today by Clare
Walker Leslie and Frank E. Gerace Inner Traditions -
Rochester,
Vermont c. 2000
****************************
Erin V. Helmrich, M.L.S.
Youth/Teen Services Librarian
Royal Oak Public Library
222 East 11 Mile Rd.
Royal Oak, Michigan 48067
PHONE: 248.246.3734
FAX: 248.246.3705
EMAIL: helmrich@tln.org
*****************************
------------------------------
From: "Nikeda Webb" <nfwebb@wilmingtonlibrary.org>
To: <pubyac@prairienet.org>
Subject: Books
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Date: Mon, 6 Jan 2003 19:25:59 CST
A patron came in wanting a list of books that teens should have read by
their sophomore year of high school. She is looking for a list of at
least 10 books that may include classics. What books would you
recommend? Thanks in advance.
Nikeda Webb
Youth Services Coordinator
Wilmington Public Library District
201 S. Kankakee St.
Wilmington, IL 60481
815-476-2834
815-476-7805 fax
nfwebb@wilmingtonlibrary.org
Visit the world @ your libraryT
------------------------------
From: Cassie Wilson <cwilson2@woh.rr.com>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Re: Kids turned-off reading
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Date: Mon, 6 Jan 2003 22:50:44 CST
Hi, Dorothy, who used to live in my town!
I'm not familiar with the studies behind the "well-known fact" of
extrinsic rewards extinguishing intrinsic behavior, but judging by my
own experience, I don't think I agree that it's a fact, at least not as
I am interpreting the words. To me what you are talking about is the
prizes we hand out for summer reading, etc., i.e., material extrinsic
rewards, and maybe that isn't what you mean. I think that extrinsic
demands or even, let's say, requirements (like grades for Accelerated
Reading)can certainly extinguish an internal motivation. I've been an
avid reader all my life, but when, in library school, I was required to
read 57 books from certain lists and write summaries of them, in a
rather short period of time, I stopped wanting to read and took a long
time to get back to my previous enthusiasm. I saw this happen to my
avidly reading daughters when they were in public schools, too. And
when they read a lot and then were asked to read even more to "raise
their standards," they really lost interest.
Did your sons lose interest in being boy scouts when they were
presented badges for knot tying? Does a kid who plays sports lose
interest in that because he or she is given a letter jacket? If those
activities are done because of parental pressure, then interest is
likely to wane, although there is always the kid who is forced to
practice the piano or go to ballet lessons until one day something
clicks and some proficiency is achieved, and the chore suddenly becomes
a reward.
However, giving television viewing time as a reward for anything is
just dumb! Maybe talking time would be more appropriate, but that'll be
the day when that happens in school!
Just my 2 cents (because I really hate Accelerated Reader!)
Cassie Wilson
------------------------------
From: "Barb Thompson" <barbt1956@attbi.com>
To: <pubyac@prairienet.org>
Subject: Re: Kids turned-off reading
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Date: Mon, 6 Jan 2003 22:50:51 CST
Richard,
I read your posting with great interest. How telling that you felt the
women reading the posting would be offended with your findings. No need to
apologize. It is important that we recognize what is occuring so that we
can correct the problem in whatever way we can. In doing a paper for my
Children's Literature course, I came across other studies with similar
conclusions. At a certain age, boys seem to find reading to be a
"girls
thing". One of the key factors in successful reading for a young boy
is
having a male role model who reads to them and reads for personal enjoyment.
In addition, we need to change our attitudes toward the value of reading
non-fiction.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Richard Quiring" <richard_quiring@hotmail.com>
To: <groberts@sailsinc.org>;
<PUBYAC@prairienet.org>
Sent: Monday, January 06, 2003 6:56 PM
Subject: Re: Kids turned-off reading
> Dear Gail and other PUBYACers,
> How apropos that you are bringing up the subject of the very research I am
> presently doing through the University of Victoria, British Columbia.
Yes,
> the phenomena boys reading less is a reality. Check the national
reading
> scores of gender differences and you will find rather disturbing results.
>
> Allow me to informally summarize some of my findings and personal
> conclusions. I have been working with elementary reading for more
than
two
> decades-classroom, learning assistance, special education, and library.
The
> boys do start losing interest at approximately the 4th grade.
>
> Taking a bold step at being politically incorrect, permit me to continue.
>
> First of all, women mainly staff the primary and elementary classrooms and
> their school libraries. They choose different literature than most
male
> teachers would choose. Little boys want action, outdoors, survival,
sports,
> fast cars, danger. They aren't particularly interested in reading
stories
> with high moralistic themes or long descriptions. They want books
with
> active illustrations in bold colors (no pastel water colors for them!).
But
> what happens? The books selected for classroom and school libraries
are
> mainly "girls" books. ("Give us a break," you say
disgustedly. "We have
> lots and lots of books for boys." You think so? Take a shelf in your
> library, any shelf, and do a self-analysis of girl books vs. boy books.
> Which pile is higher? Now don't cop out and say that there should be
a
pile
> for both girls and boys. Those books are rare. Harry Potter
doesn't
happen
> every year.) So little boys have been fed a constant line of girl
books
> selected by women. They don't object; they just aren't interested.
>
> Let me give you an example. A Grade 3 teacher is planning a unit on
> pioneers. Little boys are getting excited. "Yes, finally something
good!"
> they think. The teacher announces that the first book they'll read is
> 'Sarah, Plain and Tall.' The boys' hearts slows down. "Next
we'll read
> 'Little House on the Prairie,' won't that be fun?" Their hearts
have gone
> into hibernation. They struggle through making patchwork quilts and
pioneer
> cooking and butter churning and.well, you get the picture. Finally,
for
the
> writing assignment the teacher requests a story of their own experiences
and
> how that possibly could have related to the pioneers. The boys'
enthusiasm
> returns and one young fellow writes about his fishing trip with his dad
and
> how he was allowed to club the fish. His first KILL! The
teacher calls
in
> a counselor and the lad is sent to therapy. (You think I just made
that
up,
> don't you. Trust me, I didn't.)
>
> Now ask the kids in your library, "Who read to you last night?"
See how
> many name a male-Dad, Uncle, Grandpa. You'll discover there are very
few
> male role models.
>
> Next, let's look at the publishers. (Since I'm already in a hole, I might
as
> well dig myself deeper.) Because of the constant book selections made for
> girls, many publishers over the past two decades or so have promoted and
> produced less and less material for boys. The spiral continues-boys
have
> less from which to choose and so they read less. Because they read
less,
> the marketing is increased in favor of girls' literature and so on and so
> on. Fortunately, in the last 5 years I seen some publishers change
their
> philosophy, and produce more boys' books. Yet in all fairness, they still
> want to make a profit and they do need to sell to the people who are
buying
> the most.
>
> The boys' literacy interests, I believe, will change with awareness; but
the
> process will be slow.
>
> Thank you, Gail, for raising a pertinent gender-sensitive literacy
dilemma.
>
> Richard Quiring
> Teacher-Librarian
> Greendale Elementary School
> Chilliwack, BC
> Canada
------------------------------
From: Rebecca Smith <read2yourbunny@yahoo.com>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Re: Kids turned-off reading
MIME-Version: 1.0
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Date: Mon, 6 Jan 2003 22:52:57 CST
Gail,
I too am concerned and wish I had all the
answers. There is some stuff I'd like to share.
Jon Scieszka started a literacy initiative for
boys and offers some suggestions about why boys
get turned off and some things to do about it:
http://www.guysread.com/
I'm constantly struggling to find books that the
third graders at my school will want to read.
Their teachers often send them to the library to
get a "chapter book" and yet some of kids get
upset because what they *really* want to take out
is the latest book on dinosaurs. Sure, they may
look at the pictures a lot and end up doing less
reading, but my instinct is to give them the
books they are really excited about. There is a
book that my library school professor
recommended--Eyeopeners II by Beverly
Kobrin--that Booklist describes as a"stimulating,
informative book about creatively using
nonfiction...an easy-to-use reference for adults
working with children." It is a bit out of date
but still useful.
A lot of the third-graders have gotten into the
Dragon Slayers Academy series. And some of them
really enjoy Tintin. Others are into the whole
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark series.
It's constantly a challenge to discover what will
hold their interest and then have enough of it on
hand. I'll be interested to see what other
librarians have to say.
=====
Rebecca Verrill Smith
Lesley Ellis School Library
read2yourbunny@yahoo.com
"It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are,
far more than our abilities."
--Albus Dumbledore ( J.K. Rowling)
__________________________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now.
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------------------------------
From: Jennifer Baker <jbaker93711@yahoo.com>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: accellerated reader
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Date: Mon, 6 Jan 2003 22:53:04 CST
In the "what turns kids off to reading" thread I have
since read at least three different comments about the
terrible evil of Accellerated Reader. I also hate this
program and I have over the years talked to many who
agree that it is killing good reading habits in kids.
I don't want to start an arguement over the merits of
this program because I'm sure there are a few people
out there who agree. What I'm really wondering is
whether anyone has ever made any real effort to
convince schools that these are bad programs?
~jennifer
Fresno Co. Library
=====
~jenniferbaker
"If an item does not appear in our records, it does not exist."
~ Jocasta Nu (librarian from "Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the
Clones")
------------------------------
End of PUBYAC Digest 972
************************ |