[LM_NET] HIT: A/B Scheduling in Elementary Library - January 2006

[Scott-Seantele-Spencer-Shane <4sforeman@SBCGLOBAL.NET>]

Two weeks ago I posted a HIT for A/B Scheduling in an Elementary Library. 
   
  I see my PPCD class (morning and afternoon), PreK, 7 K classes, and 8 1st - 4th 
grade classes every week for 30 minutes. I also have a 45 minute lunch (because I 
read to PreK, K, and 1st graders every morning in the gym as my duty) and a 45 
minute conference. I was told that we will be adding at least two more classes next 
year. I have no place to put them into my schedule, so I am going to have to go to 
an A/B schedule. 
   
  Here are the reponses that I received that I thought I would share with the group:
  
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  Our five elementary buildings are on an A/B schedule. I don't know if 
yours will be similar but this is how mine works:

We are K-5. Each class is 30 minutes.

Kindergarten Comes every week - story/activity/book selection

First   Comes every week - story/activity/book selection
   Comes a second time on A weeks only for an extended lesson

Second  Comes every week - story/activity/book selection
   Comes a second time on B weeks only for an extended lesson

Third  Comes on A weeks - lesson/book selection

Fourth  Comes on B weeks - lesson/book selection

Fifth   Comes on A weeks - lesson/book selection

The students are encouraged to come back any time during the week to 
exchange books. No one needs to wait until their next library class to 
exchange. A good handful come first thing in the morning and some 
throughout the day.

This schedule helps to open up the library more so that I can schedule 
extended time to collaborate with teachers on projects.
   
  
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  I will be on A/B scheduling next year, too, and this is how I think it'll be:
  K-2 every week for 35 minutes.
  3-5 every other week for 45 minutes.  If possible, we will schedule the classes 
so there is an open block on either side of their class--that way, they can come 
early or stay late as needed to work on research.
   
  
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  In my school we have almost 900 k-5 students, including 6 special ed classes and 
only one librarian.  In order for me to see everyone we have a day 1-5, week A & B 
schedule.  I see k,1,2 & 5 every other week and 3 & 4 every week for 30 minutes 
each.  At the beginning of the school year I post a chart outside the library 
(having first blocked out my lunch and a PREP period every day) and the teachers 
come and sign up for library time.  The A & B, day 1-5 schedule is hard enough but 
I can have 4 classes in a row, k then 4 than 2, etc.  You really have to learn to 
set your day up first thing and juggle.   When we have a snow day, I know not a 
problem in Texas, we just pick up the schedule the next school day.  My plan book 
is then shot, adding one more confusing element to my schedule.  I am constantly 
checking my schedule to see who I have next because you can't say, "Ok today is 
Tuesday therefore I have Mrs. Smith, Mr. Jones, etc.  I am planning to talk to my 
principal in t!
 he spring
 about having one grade level each day, but it is very hard for teachers to break 
up their instruction time for library.  I find they like to come first period or in 
the afternoon.  Also I post a sign on the library door each morning stating what 
day and what week it is.  The office has one on their door and it is posted in our 
weekly staff newletter.  
  
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  At the beginning of the school year I set up a folder with an A and a B 
week schedule. I put in any set periods like lunch duty, lunch and 
prep. Then the teachers choose a period themselves to sign up for their 
regular library time. We are on a fixed schedule for Pre-K, K, 1 and 2 and 
a flexible schedle for 3-5. 3-5 signs up for books selection only on 
this first day. I try to plan it so I see the primary grades during one 
week and 3-5 the next. This plan leaves open periods to schedule 
research classes for the older children and some resource periods to keep up 
with things. 
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  If by A/B scheduling you mean having A week and B week then here's what 
I do.  I'm not a teacher prep and all other specials are on a M-F 
schedule.  I make my own schedule with teachers at the beginning of the 
year. I have a half hour of open time at the beginning and end of each day 
so students can check out books everyday if they would like - I think 
this is important because thye only come with their class every other 
week.  Classes are half an hour long and meet every other week.  I skip 
vacation weeks when assigning A & B weeks.  THere is some free time in 
my schedule so I do reschedule classes that are missed due to snow days 
or holidays.  I also let classes sign up to come down whenever there 
isn't a class in the library.  
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  I'm the only librarian in a K-6 school of nearly 700 so A/B was the 
only
way to go.  We have 2 1/2 hours of open checkout a day--where teachers
can send the students a few at a time to return and check out new 
books.
Classes K-3 come one week for a 30-minute class and 3-6 come the next.
I see 3rd every week because I do a skills lesson one week and a story
the next.  I do an "around the world" curriculum with 3rd and we read
folktales, tall tales, and fairy tales from 398.2.
   
  Seantele Foreman
  Librarian
  C.J. Harris Elementary
  Pearland, Texas



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