Meaningful and Fun Programming

Tweens information needs are varied.  In order to be most successful at planning library programs for tweens, librarians should try to couch information needs in fun activities that help build information literacy, technical expertise, and a connection to the library. 

Creating book trailers with tweens is an excellent way to extend the story read in a classroom setting, or in the monthly book discussion group held at the public library.  There are many copyright friendly resources that permit students to use images and music.   These are essential to a book trailor program.

Another good idea is to start a postering project around a current event or socio/political issue.  Or better yet, let kids pick their own campaign.  Help them research an important topic and then help them express their own ideas by allowing them to create posters or blogposts.  The idea is to honor the creativity and inclinations of the group while engendering higher levels of reasoning and critical thinking skills. 

This blog has been part of a semester long project in the field of library sciences.  I have been so honored to work with a group of students who believe in librarianship and can see past the vocation to the altruism.  I've learned an immense amount in this semester and look forward to a time when I can implement some of the ideas we've shared with the tweens I serve in the library.  Thank you.

Media Messages

The messages we receive from mass media outlets influence the formation of our identities and perceptions.  For tweens, this can be both good and bad.  Take for example drug use.  The use of drugs is portrayed as normal, even cool, in music, movies, and in the off-screen lives of many cultural icons.  Exploited by the media, the lives of young start like Lindsay Lohan, Ke$ha Kaitlan, and many others are portrayed and over-portrayed in a manner that makes it seem as though the use of drugs is normal and exciting.  Case in point: the new trailer for the tween movie based on Jeff Kinney's Diary of a Wimpy Kid.  The boy in the trailer lip-sings a song by Ke$ha.  The lyrics he goes on to perform say "before I leave, brush my teeth with a bottle of Jack...trying to get a little bit tipsy."  Even tweens who don''t see the movie are left with the idea that emulating the lifestyle expounded in the song is cool and funny.   For some kids, underage drinking is a normal part of adolescent development.  For others, though, it is far from cool or funny and poses a serious problem. 

Because tweens have not yet developed the critical thinking and information literacy skills they need to see past the media hype, they misinterpret the messages they receive from the media and may begin to internalize some of the more destructive ideas.  Their perceptions are not based in reality, but in the story created by media outlets.

This phenomenon is important to recognize and address.  With access to information and resources, librarians are in prime position to help balance out the messages received by youth.  Media projects, discussion groups, and academic assignments create teachable moments when critical thinking and information literacy skills can be modeled and discussed.  Librarians can also help to balance out media messages by emphasizing alternative ideas online, and in print.  Librarians should not shy away from recommending sources like the Points of View or Opposing Viewpoints series.  Access to information from all sides will help tweens filter and process the media messages they receive.