My Experience as a Lead Resource Person

My tasks as an Assistant in the Libraries in School Program (LiS) include preparing for the sessions by making sure that all the resource materials required are packed. It also includes providing support to the Lead Resource Person (RP) during the sessions in every possible manner and taking charge of the returning and borrowing of books by children.  I have always observed the Lead RPs and wondered how it would be to step in their boots and lead sessions. And very soon, I had the opportunity to find out. There was excitement and nervousness about this too as I had never led a session before. My colleagues helped me in selecting a story from the LiS syllabus. The suggested story was ‘Knight and the Dragon’ by Tomie de Paula. This is a story that has less of text and the entire story happens through illustrations that are very vocal.

I prepped and practiced for the Read Aloud and tried to incorporate all the observations that I had made as an Assistant. I was fortunate enough to have a very supportive Assistant during this session who supported me and bolstered me during the session. I felt that it was a nice session and this experience gave me some confidence that I can also lead sessions. But I also know that it is not easy as there is a lot more practice and reflection is required. I was given another opportunity to lead another session in Immaculate Heart of Mary School. This time, I was much better prepared for the session but not so prepared in class management. It was difficult for me to manage the children here and I could not finish my session in time.  I learned from this session that one has to not only prepare for the session but also be prepared for any eventuality that happens during the session.

After our sessions, we have to submit daily session reports about how our sessions happened and reflections about what could have been done better. Initially these reports were very tough for me to write as there were many errors and I would get confused about sentence formations and how to present my thoughts in a structured manner. I would double check my reports and even get them checked by a senior before submitting. But now, I am learning to get it in order by trying to include the children’s responses so as to give an insight on how my sessions happened. Having said this, I know I have learned a lot but there is more to learn and it’s a long way ahead for me to grow.