[Publib] Re: Thoughts on library programs from a retired teacher

[Donna Block]

I have to jump in with my 2 cents because I have a good story.  At least
I think it's funny; maybe no one else will.  

Oral book reports, presented to the entire class, were required
throughout my grade school education.  One day in fifth grade, I
delivered a report on "The Secret Garden."  Then, as required, I had to
answer questions from my peers.  Could there be a tougher bunch of
critics than snarky pubescent girls?  Several of the girls all pointed
out that a movie-version had aired on PBS a few nights before, and that
I could have just watched that instead of reading the book.  I insisted
that I hadn't watched the movie, but I was accused of cheating, and my
teacher said that the book report would not count.

I'm not sure which was more embarrassing: the unexpected assault from my
classmates, or what happened later.  I ran home, crying, and told my dad
what had happened.  He was so angry that he came to school the next day
and chewed out my teacher.  She apologized to me later (I think that may
have been the worst part, from a social standpoint) and told me that the
report would be counted.  That incident led to a new policy for the rest
of the school year: if the book you reported on had also been adapted
for the movies or TV, you could say, "I haven't seen it" when asked
about it during your report.

That's just one of the many childhood incidents that helped to instill
in me a fear of public speaking.

In contrast, my memories of the summer programs at the public library
are of watching movies and putting puzzles together, and also checking
out books to read at home, for fun.

Donna Block
(Library Assistant and MLS Student)


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It's time consuming but maybe librarians who offer rewards should ask
children to tell them about the book or write a paragraph in answer to
question given in advance. 

Margery