During this time the children return their library materials and check out new materials. I am also struggling to teach a library skills curriculum to these 40 classes each week. A flexible schedule allows the classroom teacher and the librarian to schedule when a class uses the library. The library is open all day long for students to return and check out books as needed. When a class needs to use the library to complete a research project or class assignment they arrange the time with the librarian who then can conduct skill lessons or small group instruction as needed to incorporate library skills into a real learning experience.
Flexible scheduling involves more cooperative planning between teacher and media specialist.
It works best in schools where the teachers are already using cooperative planning, and where the media specialist is viewed as a member of the educational team. The remainder of the school day is then reserved for flexible class scheduling. Morris, Betty J. 1992. This article discusses the problems and successes of two elementary schools in Kentucky when they went from a fixed to a flexible schedule. Donham van Deusen, Jean. 1993.