The library binder for library sign-ups is located in the Library Assistant's office. You can come in and look through it, or call Mrs. Rice at x4437, and have her sign up your class. When signing up, please use a pencil!!

On block schedule days each period is divided into two sections each approximately 52 minutes long. You can sign up for the first or second part of the period. Usually the students' productivity starts going down hill if they spend longer than an hour in the library, but if you really need the entire period you must sign up for both sections. When you sign up please provide the library the following information.

Library sign-ups are on a first come, first serve basis. If another teacher has signed up for the time you are interested in, you are responsible for contacting that teacher to see if the library resources can be shared. If the answer is in the affirmative, please let the library know. When you bring a class to the library please type in the class section number in the computer by the turn style.

While your class is in the library, please remind them that this is a library and not their classroom. Library rules should be observed by everyone.

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If you are bring the students in for research on a project, please see Mrs. Bowen, the librarian. She is here to help your students succeed in information literacy and has several options that can make your life easier and your students' research more productive. She would be happy to work with you on any project and is willing to talk to your students in the library or classroom concerning their project. If you have time in your classroom schedule she is also available for book talks. Or, if you are interested in doing a project with your students, but can not decide what you want to do, she is available for brainstorming ideas and identifying resources available for your students.

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Any student coming to the library during class time must have their student I.D. and the goldenrod library pass. They will not be allowed in the library without these two items. Passes are distributed at the beginning of each year to all teachers. If you run out of passes, please call Mrs. Rice, x 4437 and we will provide you with more.

Each library pass has room for 5 students' names. Please do not send more than 5 students at a time unless you have made special arrangements with the library. Students must have an assignment to come to the library. Do not send students just to get them out of your class; those students are to be sent to supervision.

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A Guide to Effective Implementation

SSR (Sustained Silent Reading) is an easy and effective way to increase proficiency and interest in reading. It consists of a regular routine of silent reading, two to five times a week, in which the entire class (including the teacher) participates.

Goals
The goals of SSR are to increase interest in reading for pleasure and to improve reading and related skills. It will also provide students with an opportunity to discover what kinds of materials they enjoy reading. Because it provides a safe, non-threatening environment, this activity is ideal for second language students (who may read in either language.).

Strategies Into-
Explain SSR several days in advance of implementation. The two basic rules are simple: everyone reads and school books are not permitted. Some students may need help selecting a book, so a trip to the library might be in order. Reading materials may be limited to content area. Also, teachers should feel free to exclude such items as magazines and newspapers (the former can be too tempting to share and the latter can be very noisy).

Through-
Reading takes place at the same time everyday. Absolute silence is maintained and no other activities are permitted (including taking roll and grading papers). Students must bring their books to class each day. a silent, non-disruptive method of timing is ideal. Teachers and students should feel free to share what they are reading, before or after SSR, but not during.

Beyond-
Reading time may be increased gradually as days go by, from a minimum of about five minutes to a maximum of twenty-five. Teachers need not hold students accountable beyond the act of reading although additional elements like reflective journals and class discussion can be added without much difficulty. Such additions should not be so intrusive or cumbersome as to take away from the pleasure of reading.

Results
Again, the focus of SSR is twofold. First, by spending time reading materials of their own choosing, students will gradually gain interest in reading for pleasure. Even if this does not occur right away, the simple act of reading regularly will increase skills in the areas of comprehension, vocabulary, and composition. By modeling positive attitudes toward reading, teachers can make a lasting impression

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