Go to the children with a big smile and say: "Hi, great books! What did you think about them?" Then move them to the focal point you've made for summer reading. Let them tell you what they think about the books for 10 minutes or so, avoiding distractions like
having to answer the phone or feeling pressured by adult customers, or even parents in a hurry.
Children love adults who are interested in what they are reading. By making time for them to talk with you have created quality time. Remember, this is as valid as anything else you have to do. It is good that you have moved with the children to avoid any distractions.
A big smile will make children feel welcome, as will getting to know them by name. Letting them know they have a reading friend at the library is all about creating an ambience conducive to encouraging children to open up and enjoying talking about their books to you.
This is also about listening skills and maintaining eye contact with a smile. Listening is not a passive act - keep interested and ask a couple of questions relating specifically to what they have told you. You could also use comments like "I really liked that bit too!" If you've read the book, great, it means you can ask specific questions to get some interesting debate going. And if you haven't there are still lots of ways to talk with young people about what they've read, using more general 'interested' questions (eg. "That sounds funny - is that how it made you feel?") This will ensure that children feel you are absorbed and interested in what they have to say.
And don't forget to encourage the children to keep on with the Challenge. Maybe say "That's great, what do you want to read next?"
The impact will last long after the Summer Reading Challenge is over, because they will always know they can come and ask you for reading advice.
<< begin again
Now try the next Scenario: Talking with Young People About Their Reading with Respect.