Field Experience Journal - Observation One
For my first observation, I visited a small, public elementary school library. I knew I was going to assist the librarian in developing curriculum for her gifted students. As I have been working with the gifted teacher in my own school, I took advantage of the opportunity to ask questions specific to working with gifted students.
1. How does teaching gifted students in the library differ from other students?
2. What are some ways in which the library can best support gifted students?
3. Does the library host resources especially for the gifted students?
The librarian had answers for all three questions, but I did do a little research on my own after the visit to follow-up on my own professional curiosity. Much of my research backed up the actions and beliefs of the librarian.
For instance, when addressing differences between gifted students and other students, the library pointed to the seemingly endless curiosity of the child. She also said that they typically like to read much more than the average student. These two character traits feed into one another and can be fully supported by the librarian. The gifted student wants to know why, the librarian can provide them with the tools they need to find out. Other ways in which the librarian supports her gifted students is by being aware of her collection of reading materials and knowing what to recommend and when. The librarian wants to be able to challenge the student by providing them with materials that provide new, rich information on a plethora of subjects.
As far as other resources, the librarian does keep a collection on engaging board games on hand specifically for her gifted students.
The overall experience at this library was a positive, if a little overwhelming one for me. The librarian was very helpful and friendly. I can tell she loves her job and I find that to be very encouraging. What I found to be overwhelming was the shear amount of work that was expected of her as an elementary librarian. This librarian wears many hats. I am not sure I would enjoy being an elementary school librarian.
1. How does teaching gifted students in the library differ from other students?
2. What are some ways in which the library can best support gifted students?
3. Does the library host resources especially for the gifted students?
The librarian had answers for all three questions, but I did do a little research on my own after the visit to follow-up on my own professional curiosity. Much of my research backed up the actions and beliefs of the librarian.
For instance, when addressing differences between gifted students and other students, the library pointed to the seemingly endless curiosity of the child. She also said that they typically like to read much more than the average student. These two character traits feed into one another and can be fully supported by the librarian. The gifted student wants to know why, the librarian can provide them with the tools they need to find out. Other ways in which the librarian supports her gifted students is by being aware of her collection of reading materials and knowing what to recommend and when. The librarian wants to be able to challenge the student by providing them with materials that provide new, rich information on a plethora of subjects.
As far as other resources, the librarian does keep a collection on engaging board games on hand specifically for her gifted students.
The overall experience at this library was a positive, if a little overwhelming one for me. The librarian was very helpful and friendly. I can tell she loves her job and I find that to be very encouraging. What I found to be overwhelming was the shear amount of work that was expected of her as an elementary librarian. This librarian wears many hats. I am not sure I would enjoy being an elementary school librarian.
Comments