The library exists to serve all students in grades K-8, and the collection of books (especially novels-- see Tawnya's Recommendations for some examples) reflects this. Library programs, however, currently serve only students in grades K-5. This may change next year, when Prop H funds for middle school librarians become available.
All K-5th grade classes visit the library once a week on a fixed schedule, during which time students choose and check out books. Students are also taught information literacy skills in accordance to the standards developed by American Association of School Librarians.
During library visits, students in grades K-5:
- hear stories related to their Project or Family Time curriculum
- learn to use the computer catalog to search for books of interest to them
- learn to locate books in the library by call number
- learn to identify the external parts of a book (front and back cover, spine, barcode, call number)
- learn to identify the internal parts of a book (title page, table of contents, index, glossary)
- learn to differentiate between fiction and non-fiction books and different genres of literature
- work with print reference materials such as encyclopedias, atlases, dictionaries, and almanacs
- cultivate a love of reading and literature through author and illustrator studies and focus on award-winning books
- gain exposure, through literature and activities, to holidays, festival, and special events not covered in the classroom curriculum
The Future: Authentic information literacy skills necessary to function in today's technologically-immersed world cannot be effectively taught without collaboration between teachers and library media specialists, nor without access to technology. My hope is that in the future funding will become available for more librarian time to collaborate with teachers, and more access to technology (see Library Technology page) with which to implement this collaboration.
