Karen Kosko
A View From The Trenches by Mary Brigid Barrett
When the kids at the Daniel Haggerty School in Cambridge, Massachusetts returned this fall, they were greeted by foot high letters taped to the school's library windows stating "Let's Get Ready to READ." The slogan, posted by their library media specialist, Karen Kosko, not only indicated a goal for her students but alerted the entire community that the kids, and their teachers, were ready to learn. Karen says, "Reading doesn't end when school finishes. And reading isn't limited to printed mediums or books anymore."
Karen teaches a unit called "Media Literacy" where she shows kids how to read their environment.
"We spend time teaching kids to decipher the printed word but they also need the skills to decode the non-print in their lives. We examine computer screens, television, advertisements, videos, commercials, and printed materials from newspapers to billboards. My personal philosophy is to read your environment, to glean what is valuable, to detect what is inaccurate, and share what you have learned."
Haggerty School is an urban public school with over 200 students from pre-kindergarten ‚ 5th grade. Housed in a five story building with a playground on the roof, it services a highly diverse student population representing an incredible mix of ethnic heritages and economic situations. Haggerty is a dynamic "model inclusion school." Its students have a wide variety of learning styles and learning needs, including students who are advanced beyond their years, as well as students who are encouraged to participate in the learning process any way they can. Haggerty's school motto is "While everyone is different- everyone belongs." Their mission statement insists that the Arts be incorporated into the curriculum at all levels.
Karen has worked as a librarian in public library, corporate, and college environments but decided to work as library media specialist (LMS) at Haggerty School, because, "I have the opportunity to work with each child each school year and literally watch the learner emerge and flourish."
A library media specialist complements what is being taught in the classroom by providing students, teachers, and parents with print and non-print, traditional and electronic materials and sources. The support materials Karen supplies include: web sites, videotapes, maps, charts, music, artifacts, reference books, professional references, and real objects. Karen also schedules guest speakers and creates display areas for student and class projects.
Karen became a LMS because she wanted to help students develop their skills and enhance their curriculum by working with both traditional printed materials and advanced technologies. "We all have needs that make us different than the next person... be it glasses or height. I read aloud to each grade often. Some of the Haggerty students with learning disabilities may need to listen to a book or watch a video to enhance their learning process. The challenge to the students who read with difficulty is to keep them motivated and enthusiastic so that they will continue to strive and improve. Many adults- parents, grandparents, older sisters and brothers, teachers, coaches, and youth activity leaders- are needed to support this process."
Ideas and suggestions for teachers, librarians, and parents.
Karen's favorite childhood books were Little Women by Louisa May Alcott and Charlotte's Web by E. B. White. She recommends the following books for both home and elementary classroom use:
Pink and Say by Patricia Pollacco ‚ wonderful for initiating a discussion on the Civil War.
The Araboolies of Liberty Street by Sam Swope- a timeless, ageless book.
The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson- great story of friendship across racial divides.
Joyful Noise by Paul Fleishman- family or class room read-aloud book of poetry for many voices.
New Yorkís Bravest by Mary Pope Osborne- retelling of a 19th century legend of a heroic firefighter.
Pumpkin Circle by George Levenson,
Gotta Go! Gotta Go! by Sam Swope, and
Waiting for Wings by Lois Ehlert- three books which illustrate the circle of life.
"Read to our own heroes" helps school children celebrate local heroes.
Karen Kosko, the Library Media Specialist (LMS) at Daniel Haggerty School in Cambridge, Massachusetts has developed a great idea for celebrating local heroes. Many schools and classrooms ask local community "celebrities" to visit and read to the students to promote reading. After September 11th, Karen brought a new perspective to "celebrity" reading. She developed a special learning unit entitled, "Read to Our Own Heroes."
- A firefighter, police officer, or emergency medical technician was invited to meet with a class individually in the Library Media Center as a guest of the class. The guest was not asked to prepare anything for the visit and was not informed as to what was to unfold. The only request of the guest was that they relax and enjoy the experience of meeting informally with the class.
- The students prepared for the visit by writing letters, raps, songs and poetry, and they practiced reading and performing the pieces. Other students chose to learn songs, poetry, and stories from books and practiced reading those aloud. Students also created artwork and crafts for their hero. One class created a story quilt.
- At the visit, the guest was asked to sit back and enjoy. The children recited and presented their material, honoring the guest.
- The tribute was videotaped and shown on the local cable station.
The guests, the children, and the teachers found this to be a particularly moving and positive experience. Not only did it honor individuals who give to their community, it also provided an opportunity for the students to research and understand the importance of civic service. Although Karen created this unit in response to the events of September 11, 2001, this classroom activity can be used to raise the awareness of students to a variety of help professions and encourage literacy at the same time. Talk to your school librarian about creating a "Read To Our Heroes" event at your school.
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