BMUFSD: Second Graders Learn How To Take Care Of Books

Press release from the Briarcliff Manor Union Free School District:

2024-09-18

How many of us are guilty of reading a book while eating, accidentally spilling coffee on it, or dog-earing a page when we can’t find a bookmark?

Although many of us read online, holding a physical book certainly has its own magic that we are not ready to give up on just yet. Making sure we take care of paper books is important, though; even more so when it is a library book.

Second graders in Erin Kassas and Jade Palancia’s class learned the ABC’s of book care during ENCORE class in the library.

Todd teacher-librarian Melissa Iaria began by discussing basic rules for taking care of books, such as washing hands before touching them, keeping food and drinks away, keeping them in a safe place, using bookmarks instead of dog-earing and keeping them away from babies and pets.

“It is important we keep books clean and dry and in good shape, so that others at the school can enjoy them,” Ms. Iaria said to the students.

Next, students cut out drawings of symbols for book care, sorted them into two categories – thumbs up or thumbs down, and glued them in the correct spot on a paper.

“It is important to tell an adult if our book is damaged,” Ms. Iaria said.

“I have a big bookcase at home, and then I have a special bookcase for my favorite books,” Izzy said. “If I wanted to eat and read a book, I would probably read on my iPad.”

“I have my own library in my house,” Raphael said. “I think I have 600 books.”

“We focus on discussing book care for students in grades K-2 because it helps to know the rules, not only with shared library books, but to give their own books at home a longer shelf life,” Ms. Iaria said.

This press release was produced by the Briarcliff Manor Union Free School District. The views expressed here are the author’s own.