Planning Your Preschool Field
Trip
Preschool tours at the library generally consist of a brief introduction
to what is found in the building and how libraries work, followed by a
story and film or a play period in our Learn and Play Space (LAPS). The
entire tour generally takes approximately 45 minutes.
Tours are arranged on a first come, first served basis, and are subject to
staff and room availability. Requesting a trip at least two weeks in
advance gives the Children's Department time to arrange for staffing.
To arrange a tour, use our online form to Schedule a Library Visit, or call the
Children's Department at 349-3100.
A FIELD TRIP PLANNING GUIDE
BEFORE THE TRIP:
- Ideas about the library and words to learn and use
| Library
|
Books
|
Librarian
|
Borrowing |
| downtown
|
reading
|
helpers
|
sharing |
| community
|
stories
|
questions/answers
|
check-out |
| shelves
|
author
|
storytime
|
due date |
| exit
|
information
|
computers
|
library card |
- Show and tell
Show the children your library card and ask if any of them visit the
library. Explain that your library card allows you to borrow books and
other materials to take home for three weeks. When you return those items
you may select others.
- Bring a library book to class
How can your class tell that this book came from the library? Note the
spine label, date due slip, etc. After you share the book with your
class, explain that you will take it back to the library when your class
visits.
- Question and answer
A library is also a place to find answers to your questions. Librarians
can help you find answers or good books to read. Questions often begin
with the words Who, What, When, Where, Why and How. Option: can your
group think of a question that they would like the librarian to help them
answer?
- Check Out!
If you wish children to check out books on their own library cards on the
day of the tour, you'll need to arrange for card applications to be sent
home and returned to the library prior to the tour to allow staff time to
process the applications.
- Behavior
MCPL has produced a separate handout for adults who work with children
with helpful tips for explaining the Children's Department policies for appropriate behavior while in the library.
The general rules have to do with being considerate of other people, taking care
of shared materials and shared space, and acting in a safe way.
It's best to remind children before they come that the library is a place
used by many people, some of whom are studying or reading. We speak in
an "indoors" voice instead of yelling, we act in a safe manner
by not running or climbing inside, and we take care of the library by
handling books with care, not banging on computers, and putting away puzzles
or puppets used in the room.
THE DAY OF THE TRIP:
- Outside the library
- Notice the library's setting. It's on a major street
in downtown. On the south (Kirkwood) side of the building, take note of
our limestone bears.
- Point out the signs in front of the library. There's the general sign
that says what this building is, as well as signs that post the library's
hours and the word "open".
- There are also places to return books and videos when the library is
closed -- bookdrops at each entrance and a drive-thru pick-up and
return window on Grant Street.
- How do people get to the library? There's a parking
lot in back for cars, a bus stop directly in front of the library, bicycle
racks near the entrance, and many people walk to the library, too.
- Inside the library
- Enter from the south (Kirkwood) side of the building.
- After coming down the steps, you'll see the first
floor checkout desk and our large atrium. The atrium is a good place to
pause and gather your group (be forewarned that sound reverberates loudly
in this space!). Explain that the library is used by all types of people;
books for grownups are on the second floor, children's books are
downstairs.
- It's also a good place to pause and remind the children about the
behavior that is expected in the library. When in this building we use
our "indoors" voice since many people use the library as a
reading place. We'll stay together as a group, act in a safe manner,
and take care of shared books or toys.
- Next, come into the Children's Department for your
tour -- we're glad to have you visit!
- FOLLOW UP:
Talk about your trip to the library. Who remembers seeing:
- a place to check out books?
- a puzzle table?
- a place to ask questions?
- a drinking fountain?
- an outdoor observation area?
- a bathroom?
- a train table?
- a place to hang up jackets?
For more suggestions on preparing for a field trip, see:
Redleaf, R. Open the Door - Let's Explore More!
