So I’ve done it. After 10 years in the classroom, I have transitioned to the library. I have to say I am loving it… no papers to grade, no ridiculous tests to shove down the throats of blossoming 8-10 year olds, no more figuring out schedules and when to cram in which district-mandated program. I just teach and be with the kids. I love hearing them gasp at the suspenseful ending in Library Dragon, or
laugh at the wittiness of Shel Silverstein, or widen their eyes in awe at the spectacular sights of Planet Earth. This is why I went into teaching, and why I left the classroom.
It’s great, although my first couple sessions with kindergarten have been reminiscent of the beginning scenes in Kindergarten cop… YIKES! They’re cute, but 25 at once is a bit much for me. Add to that trying to get books checked out and explain to them the concept of “borrowing” books as well as not pounding and pushing random buttons on the computer… and, well, the cliche “herding cats” springs heartily to mind. It has been fun getting to know all of the kids though… to see them running vivaciously toward me on the playground yelling “I know you! You’re the book lady!” It’s quite touching!