Greetings!
I have thought about a few things that I missed throughout the postings this year or thought of some items that really didn’t fit in the theme of the post each week, so here is my catch up day.
Dictionaries
It is my opinion that dictionaries for children or ones that say “Student” on them are often almost useless. Words that children want to know how to spell aren’t in them and they feel frustrated. I recommend that your school have a few copies of a really good dictionary. I bought The American Heritage Dictionary, 4th edition a couple of years ago and just love it. Yes, the children can go to the internet and find the words they need, but knowing how to use a dictionary is a life skill that is useful. This particular dictionary has lots of extras that you won’t find in most dictionaries. The pages before the dictionary words actually begins has lots of information. Regional Patterns of American Speech, Variation and Change in Our Living Language, Indo-European Roots, Semitic roots, and word history notes. I used this dictionary for a small group and we studied etymology of words and found some very interesting and very cool things. The dictionary also has many color photos and illustrations throughout the entire book. I really think you need one or two of these.
Encyclopedias
It is so easy to find information on the internet now, that encyclopedias are mostly online now. We all have access to the ones that the NAD or our unions subscribe to for us, but if your internet is not reliable at all times, you might want to keep one set. Keep your newest set. Toss the others. If anyone protests, ask them if they want their child learning from encyclopedias that are 25 + years old. If they do, give them the set!
Bibles
I know there is a particular Bible recommended for the Bible curriculum and it is great for each student to have their own Bible to use for the schoolwork. I also think it is good to have copies of other versions for comparison. I also recommend the Andrews Study Bible. One or two copies in your library will really be helpful. Each chapter begins with a page or two of historical information about that particular book. The footnotes are what I really love about this Bible. Cultural notes are included so I have learned a lot about the time period and it helps me better understand certain passages. Keep an eye out in a few weeks for campmeeting specials.
I hope you have had a great year. I enjoy meeting you when the occasion arises. Please introduce yourself to me if we do meet and let me know that you are on my list. I was returning from the last NAD Teacher’s Convention in Nashville and while waiting in the airport, I noticed a group of teachers that seemed to be going to where I was going. We started talking and eventually introduced ourselves. When I said my name, one of them cried out, “You’re the LIBRARIAN!” Why, yes I am. It was fun to meet them.
Have a great summer! Let me know if you have any questions. I occasionally check this email and I am looking for new material to write about.
Audrey
