So, experienced librarians. Let's talk about LEAP programs.
I know we all struggle with this, but I'm about to tear my hair out trying to convince my after-school kids that it's worth their while to participate in planned, structured programs during LEAP hours. We are particularly having issues with those hosted by outside performers. On those days, our regulars mysteriously absent themselves from the building just as the programs are supposed to occur.
My (awesome) new LEAP leader and I have been trying to figure out how to create the expectation that they can and should participate in these programs. So far we have tried snacks and bribery, including offering coupons for 30 extra minutes of computer time if they attend a program from start to finish. Neither has worked. I repeat: not even 30 free minutes of computer time has worked. Everyone disappears from the premises just as the program begins.
I'd shrug my shoulders and simply decide not to book any more programs if not for statistical necessity - we have virtually no school-aged programming otherwise, because kids in this community are so completely overbooked. Plus, isn't part of the point of LEAP to involve kids in an afterschool community? We are working against several years of history where our regulars operate very independently, doing their homework and then playing on the computer until it's time to go home. This is fine to an extent, but I'm not ready to give up yet.
Your suggestions for enticing children to programs - or, better yet, structuring them and creating expectations so that participation is fun and agreeable - are much appreciated! Thanks from the n00b.
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3 comments:
We've had the same problem at Falls. Our regular ASL-led programs have moderate to good attendance, but the kids scatter when a booked presenter comes in.
The only thing that's worked for me was a series we did last year. We got additional funding from our community council, and had a different dance group in on the first Monday of every month. We had several regulars for that, but even then there was one program where we had a hard time herding 4 kids into the room.
I would rather have the programmer money to use for additional supplies, frankly, but I don't know if that would ever happen.
Liz (FAL)
Are the kids' lives so structured that this is the one opportunity for them to say no to a structured activity? To exert some control over their own lives?
Do the absenting regulars ever say (truthfully) why they disappear when a scheduled program is about to start?
Have the regulars ever told you what kind of program or performer would make them stay?
Are they concerned about being stuck in the planned program for longer than they (think) they want to be? Would a shorter (or longer?) program or activity be more attractive to them?
Sorry for all the questions, but this is a real challenge... Thanks for sharing the dilemma! Jeff :o)
GREAT questions, Jeff - the first one especially gets at something truthful.
Because I'm new to this branch, I had to get some programs in place before I really knew the kids and what they would like. I'm going to make time to talk with all of them (and my LEAP leader) in the next few weeks as I look at programs for early 2009.
I think length of program is also an issue. They seem to prefer programs where they can pop in for a little while and then leave, and our LEAP leader does a great job of providing these types of things on a regular basis. It may be that we just need to focus on arts&crafts-on-the-go rather than outside performers.
Thanks for getting my brain going, Jeff!
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