Selecting+books

=Selecting Books for Your Child =


==The library serves students from pre-school through pre-teen. Not every book is appropriate for every child. In addition, family standards vary widely. These two factors, varying ages and varying standards, sometimes make it a challenge to match books and children. ==


==Children's reading skills will improve as they explore books they truly want to read. I support students' growth by teaching them that their library has a wide selection of information and intriguing stories. I try to show them they have access to an amazingly diverse world of reading. For nonfiction topics, I buy books at varied levels. ==


==I work with students to find books that are developmentally appropriate and at their reading level. However, there is not enough time for me to work with every child during class. I discuss book selection guidelines with the children. The children are taught that before checking a book out, they should examine it to be sure that they will enjoy it and that it is an appropriate choice. Most children follow this guideline. It is also important for children to experiment with making their own choices. ==


==Please know that I take book selection very seriously. When a younger child is interested in a book that is clearly very difficult for them or age inappropriate, I try to redirect his/her interest to one more on his/her level, but I seldom refuse a child's request for a specific book. If they really want to check out the book, I offer my advice about substitutions, but if they are insistent, I let them make the final decision. I will also send the book home with a note. ==


==I try to respect students' choices, but also challenge them to break out and try new things. It has the biggest impact on them when they make the choices themselves. I am here to help them learn how to choose wisely. ==


==The best thing parents can do is set the standards for their own children. While I try to ensure that the materials students are checking out are not developmentally inappropriate (even if they are of a difficult reading level), there may be a time when your child will bring home a book that you feel your child should not be reading. If you have strong feelings about what your children should be reading, be sure to let them know your expectations, and please contact me. I have more leverage with your child if I can say, “your parent would like you to make another choice.” Please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments you may have. I believe that by working closely with parents, that together we can guide children to make appropriate choices and help them to become more engaged readers. ==