When I was a librarian, popsicles were cheap. I could buy a bag of 18 double popsicles for $.99.
I would put a note in the teachers' boxes and explain that if their entire class had their books returned by June 1st, I would give the class a popsicle prize.
I would also explain this to students as their class came to the library during the month of May.
The teachers had to break the popsicles in half---but with 18 in a bag, one bag was usually enough for each class. I would stock up on the popsicles and put them in the freezer in the faculty room.
What are some tips or tricks or ideas that have worked for you in getting those last straggling books returned?
This is a dilemma this year. The PTA is giving popsicles this year for two different events. I am trying to decide on a treat for end of year. I talked with my principal and I think I may go with bubble gum balls this year. Otter pops are a pretty good purchase. I send them to the lunch ladies to put in the big freezer.
ReplyDeleteWow! I hadn't even considered this course of action! I was just relying on notes home, emailing, and calling parents! I am going to use up the rest of my popcorn on this new scheme! ;) I will admit to trying to bribe the younger sister of a student who I thought was too disorganized to find his very very late book. I offered her a free book if she could find it. Alas, she couldn't!!
ReplyDeleteI know that some of my teachers support this effort by making participating in end-of-year field trips contingent on having all library books returned. It works wonders!
ReplyDeleteI put notes in the student's graduation file so when they come to get their diploma, oops. Of course I notify them many times before. Does your custodian clean out lockers? If yes, there usually a bunch in there. I confess, I go into each teacher's rooms after all are gone and search for my library books. Only the library books.
ReplyDeleteI have an "in" with the Smarties man. We give every kid a smartie who is clear in the library on their last library class day. We will even give them a smartie if they get their book in by the last day (ceiling date). It's amazing what a kid will do for a Smartie. I also tell them that the Ogre Librarian will be around everyday after the last due day to find out where their book or money is and they don't want to meet the Ogre librarian. They kind of snicker at that, but there is a small hint of fear in their eyes and they get busy finding their books.
ReplyDeleteHere at my school, students grind them up and snort Smarties (you might want to check with your kids). Jolly Ranchers are my candy of choice.
DeleteI have very supportive teachers. And the kids do not get to participate in "Field Day" with the outdoor activities. It seems to work pretty well. Of course, I also tell the 6th Graders that the overdues will remain on their accts, and will affect what they get to do in Jr. High too.
ReplyDeleteJoseph, don't let this get out too much. One year I heard about another school in our district doing it so I tried it. I was only missing 3 BOOKS by the end of the year! Unheard of!! But a parent called the district and they put a kabosh on it.
DeleteThe same things happen here at my school. Students miss end of year activities. I also tell the students that the missing books / fines follow them to middle school. Marianne - they still follow them don't they? Or are we supposed to remove the fines and lost books when the students leave? I hadn't heard this.
DeleteI just tried "operation popsicle" for my 5th grade students. It has really helped getting books back before they leave Riley for good. I might try something for the entire school next year because the younger kids have been asking about the reward.
ReplyDeleteBribery!! WHY have I never thought of this?!? Thanks for the great idea!
ReplyDeleteOh and my teachers are the best! They are so supportive of the library. I hardly have to talk to parents because the teachers are so on the ball!!!
ReplyDeleteLove the popsicle idea! I've tried having kids work off books in the library, but I get too many kids with lost books. Love the positive reinforcement instead, then just delete lost books.
ReplyDeleteWhen kids don't get their books back they can't go to field day but I'm such a softy that I keep them for 1/2 the time working in the library then let them go have some fun. I also let those classes that get all their books returned come to the library to pick out one of my weeded books. The kids and teachers seem to really want to get free books so it works for me.
ReplyDeleteI have used popsicles for years but they aren't working. We have a lot of new teachers this year and they aren't helping. Keeping students from field day is a huge no no at our school. I am really at a loss. I go around every day but still have several classes with lots of books out. Maybe I will result to a popsicle for each kid that brings their book back instead of waiting for the entire class to get them back. Unfortunately, however, I had one parent threaten to sue me for not giving her child a popsicle. She was the only one in her class. Her mother claimed that they paid their taxes and didn't need to pay for lost books. I guess you can't win for losing.
ReplyDeleteI gave up on popsicles a long time ago. too messy. I may try the candy thing on the last day of library. Yes the fine does follow the student to Jr. High.
ReplyDeleteOne thing that I Try to stress in all my discussions about lost or damaged books is that the student/parent is not paying for the copy that was lost or damaged - that book was already paid for, But what they are paying for is a replacement copy or book, to take the place of the one they lost.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, I even had a parent who was so upset about having to pay $11 for a book that he has forbidden his 3 children from checking out books from school. It is sad, but these are the choices the parents make, and we can not let them prevent us from doing our best for all students - which includes maintaining the integrity of the loan system.