First impressions are so very important. When considering our libraries, children and adults both have very strong, emotional memories tied to those spaces and the people in those spaces. Some are very good, and some....well, the rumors of library dragons don't come from nowhere.
Recently, we had a student from Sweden attend our school for a few months. He had mastered very little English when he started, but jumped right in and learned so much that he was able to achieve quite a bit, especially in reading. Could I have read The Hobbit in Swedish in 3rd grade? Not sure if I could have managed it all. He read the book in English and loved it! His mother was a visitor to our school library, and even brought grandmas in (as they were visiting the family in America) to look around too. Now, after reading through a few of her blog posts about life in America, I realize school libraries as we know them are not a big part of the Swedish educational system. But us? We made a rocking first impression! The blog "Books in Between" is in Swedish, but thanks to Google translator and Chrome, the gist is understood.
Thank you Susanna and Björn for visiting our library. Glad we could help you!
Yes, we love your very welcoming library and the way you inspire to reading. We have some things to learn.
ReplyDeleteThe school my son attend in Sweden is a very small school, only 130 students, so the library is small. The students go there once a week. They have to borrow books, but there is no control if they actually read the books. It's very much up to the parents to get the kids to read, wich doesn't always happen. Not even in our family, even though we love books and read quite a bit. Ofcourse they read in school as well, both by them self and there is usually a loud reading every day as well. But there is for sure things to improve.
Thank you so much for your kind comments! I will truly miss your visits and your smiles. Björn has a bright future ahead of him, and I know he will take his love of reading and libraries with him where ever he goes.
DeleteI am happy to read that you have been able to take part in Böcker emellan through google translate! It has been truly enriching to learn about reading practicies in american elementary school and the role of the school library through Susannas writing this autumn. Keep up your good and important work!
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed dropping by Böcker emellan and reading posts. Reading traditions around the globe are fast becoming a special project of mine. Thanks for visiting my blog!
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