Shhhhhh!
I've got a little secret. Its very, un-school-ly. Very anti-learn. Very uncool, for a homeschooling Mama!
As a kid, I HATED going to the library! HATED!!!
It may be difficult to believe, considering I have books in nearly every room of our home. Not to mention, how many times have I droned on about "READ! READ! READ" ? lol
I remember tutoring a young boy years ago. His mother wanted to help him, but really didn't feel as if she could. My answer? Read to him, everyday. Let him see the words as you read, whether its from a magazine, a comic book, store sign. Read to him, read with him, and let him read to you!
Wow, another tangent. How, very Melinda of me!
As I was saying, as a child, I hated going to the library. Shhhh! (Don't tell my Mom, I think her heart would break!) Its not the books fault. I like that part. I knew getting books meant we were going to read, and that was cool. It was the quiet part. Typically, it wasn't too difficult for me to honor the "SHHHHH" policy, my parents stressed the respect of others and cause and effect, too. So, I got it.
However, I did get thrown out of libraries twice. (i actually think it may have been three times, but since i don't readily remember why, it must have been so horrible that i had to block it out.) The first time, I was 6. I ran into my friend. He just happened to notice those brightly colored wedge foam blocks resembled a slide, if propped up. I tried to discourage him, after all, we were in a library. So, Shhhhhhh!
Well, he was far too convincing, and I was far too weak, to pass up an opportunity to play on a makeshift jungle gym! It didn't take too long, before I was being ushered out. Yikes. (he didn't! He was Not goofing off the precise moment I got busted!) That was embarrassing. Yeah, I was little, but I also KNEW better. My Mom wasn't too thrilled, either. Which I can't blame her. She was mad, too. In fact, I don't really recall seeing her face that shade of red, until then!
The second time, I was much older. In all fairness, I don't think I deserved that booting. If you put a large number of middle schoolers in a library, meant to work together and do research, noise will happen. I got sent back to my classroom, with classmates shocked that Miss Quiet (aka Goody Two Shoes), got booted. Yaknow, that librarian scared me.
Because of the quiet credo, libraries stressed me out. Sad, I know. The thing is, I'm the gal that knocks over displays and bumps into things that are seemingly nowhere near me. "I can't take you anywhere" phrase was written about me, donchaknow.
I'm not sure when I started to love libraries. But, I do. A building full of thinkers! Plum full of info and inspiration. Homeschooling doesn't have to cost a cent, if one fully utilizes the library. Which, not surprisingly, are the same reasons I love the internet!
In early elementary, my school had the best librarian ever. She was helpful, kind, and respectful. She could read anything and make it sound beautiful. She introduced me to Shel Silverstein, whom I love. (although I must say the poem "Melinda Mae" is gross. I know I'm stubborn, but I would never eat an entire whale! hmmf!)
Ms.C would usher us IN and read to us. She was everyone's Grandma--old and quiet, with a scent of medicine and cookies radiating from her polyester-coated self. She was Extra old, really. Which probably meant she was 30. (funny, the older I get, the younger she seemed!) Ms. C read like my Mom did, with feeling and proper pauses. Just a bunched up ball of goodness, that made the pressure of silence, rather welcoming.
Dang, I totally lost my point. That happens to me frequently. This time, I'm blaming it on having to stop and go--laundry, lunch, dishes, homeschool direction, email catch-up. Yaknow, the usual. One day, I will video the day and watch it in fast-forward. I imagine its rather funny looking. Or, I could record each step, as I step, but that would add another step. I dunno, if I'm stepping THAT much, I should be learning a new dance! Right?
So, my library experiences weren't all bad.
Truly, they're really ALL GOOD! I'm not nervous about being Shhh-ed into silence jail. Now, I'm nervous about my kids being Shh-ed! lol. A whole new type of torture! However, the joy I feel bringing my kids to libraries completely outweighs my silly concerns!
My children are eager to read, and be read to, to learn and to be entertained. I love it! They love it! Our librarians rock! Our late fees do not--but what better way to raise money for FREE resources! lol
Have you hugged your librarian, today? Don't know if ya should, really. Although I do recommend a hearty "Thank YOU!!!"
Melinda
P.S. My girl has been very sick, recently. She is showing signs of improvement today, thank God
! Now, I have a lot of catching up to do! ...did ya miss me? i missed you!! ;o) 
Posted by Mama Bear at 3/10/2010 10:02 AM 
Categories: Homeschooling,I Was Thinkin'
Tags: homeschool confessions childhoo library love library book love teaching children to read love of books
Categories: Homeschooling,I Was Thinkin'
Tags: homeschool confessions childhoo library love library book love teaching children to read love of books
I wondered where you were of late. I hope Miss S continues to improve. It's so hard when they're ill.
We too, love the library. I have a sneaky trick for you. When I want to check out a new fiction book written one of my favorite authors, and IT'S NOT THERE, I check the LARGE PRINT section! More often than not, I can snatch it right up.
Now, don't anyone give me a lecture about taking a book from someone who really NEEDS the large print.
I am almost 50. That someone is me!
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Boy, did I love, love, love that comment.....oh hey wait a minute, I am getting there quicker than you. Okay now laughing with tears coming out!! Good times!
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that is a GREAT tip lynette!
no lectures--promise!
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Our Mom has the "bestest" reading voice, ever! My sister the Rebel, who said you had to be a noisy one?! Question! Shouldn't we all know who first "came up with" the library concept, it's every bit as necessary as other inventions! So why do I remember Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin which I am not sure I would recognize?
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yup!
me? a rebel? huh. i didn't know you felt that way.
i'll look into that for you
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library history:
http://www.history-magazine.com/libraries.html
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