Collaboration on the K-5 level by Eileen Broderick
In the ideal world, Teacher-Librarian collaboration takes place in a school with a flexible library schedule and time for teachers and librarians to team teach. In many elementary schools, the reality is a fixed schedule set by administrators. Collaboration can take place under a fixed schedule but it is limited and more difficult. Below are some ideas to work around these limitations:
- Start with one enthusiastic teacher. Meet whenever time can be found (before/after school, lunch, in the hall, planning periods, etc.)
- Seek administrator support for time to collaborate. Could Staff meetings and/or workshop days be used ?
Publicize the resources you can share with teachers. Host an after school tea showcasing new materials.
- Advocate for a blend of a fixed and a flexible schedule.
- Join curriculum committees, study groups, school teams, and other groups of teachers. Share your expertise at these meetings.
- Provide assessments that show student learning as a result of this collaboration. Showcase student performances and products that result from this collaboration.
- Be aware of current classroom content. Do a monthly curriculum map to record topics. The map is a listing by class or current topics. Teachers may complete the map or the Librarian may fill in classes by asking students and teachers for current topics. Post the map in the Teacher's Room.
When teachers and administrators see the value of collaboration, more will want to collaborate.
The Planning Process:
When collaboration is possible, a template such as one created by Toni Buzzeo can help.
When collaboration is not possible, the following template may be useful.
Information Literacy Standard:
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Content Standard:
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| Teacher Activities
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Student Activities
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Assessment:
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When possible, a content standard that is currently being addressed in the classroom should be used.
VIEW EXAMPLES
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