Library
The Lower School Library curriculum proceeds on two tracks: information literacy and literature appreciation. The two tracks are inextricably intertwined. Learning experiences in Library are developed with important principles in mind, for example, to be developmentally appropriate, integrated with the curriculum, mirrors of diversity, and meaningful to students. Learning experiences in Library are structured around important teaching strategies, for example, to include modeling, guided practice, incremental instruction, increasing challenge, hands-on learning, authentic assessment, and continual integration of new abilities and understandings.
Kindergarten through Fourth Grade
Kindergartners come to the Library once a week for fifty minutes. First, second, and third graders come to Library once a week for forty minutes. Fourth graders come to Library once a week for fifty minutes. During Library, students enjoy many kinds of learning experiences: hearing books read aloud; engaging in literature and research related activities; and independent reading. Students also select and borrow books.
Information Literacy
From kindergarten on, students have many opportunities to practice research skills/strategies.
They learn to
- define information needs.
- develop search strategies.
- find information.
- use information.
- interpret information.
- evaluate the research process.
From kindergarten on, students have many opportunities to practice social responsibilities with regard to Library use and research.
They learn to
- share space and resources.
- engage in thoughtful and thorough independent and collaborative learning.
- produce original work.
- respect intellectual property.
- use electronic sources in responsible ways.
Literature Appreciation
From kindergarten on, students have many opportunities to develop an appreciation of literature. Literary experiences in Library have to do with concepts about
- reading in general-making choices, varied literary experiences, and so on.
- literature-role, quality, structures, genres, literary elements, and so on.
- reading and responding to text-comprehension, support, interpretation, and so on.
The Lower School Library curriculum is designed to develop confident, competent, curious, and personally connected learners, able to fully and responsibly process information and to fully and enthusiastically appreciate literature. I look forward to a great year.
Teacher-Librarian: Susan Faust (415) 751-0177; ext. 311 susan.f@kdbs.org
Work schedule: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
