Teacher Tea
Silent Reading, Loud Learning: Teaching Library Etiquette for a Better Classroom
The fundamentals of library etiquette contribute to a respectful and productive learning environment. By teaching students to handle books carefully, be mindful of others, and follow library rules, teachers are setting the foundation for essential life skills and preparing students for success beyond the classroom.
What are our explicit expectations for our students with regard to library behavior? Have those expectations changed, along with the function of libraries themselves?
In The School Library Journal’s “Mind Your Library Manners: Teaching Kids to Treat Books and Others with Respect,” Jess deCourcy Hinds explains the importance of teaching library etiquette to children, and provides various strategies employed by librarians to encourage respectful behavior. Visual aids, storytelling, and consistent routines are among the effective methods used to guide children in understanding and practicing appropriate library manners. The article also emphasizes the role of parents in reinforcing these skills through the selection of suitable books that address topics like manners and social interactions.