September Whirlwind

September is a whirlwind of classes in the library because we introduce or remind all students about the rules and procedures for using the library, encourage them to explore various areas, and offer techniques for book selection.

Kindergarten students have learned how to select books using the "Special K" box or using "shelf keys" to keep the library shelves in order. To learn about book care they heard a story about "Mr. Wiggle" and saw examples of books that have been mistreated. They've been given a plastic book bag to carry their book home, and were encouraged to find a spot at home to keep their library book out of the reach of pets, and younger brothers and sisters who may not know yet how to treat a book.

Students use shelf keys when they select books to keep the shelves in order

First grade students listened to I Took My Frog to the Library and then were challenged to place the animals mentioned in the story in the library places named in the book. This introduces the students to new vocabulary and different areas of the library.

To learn about book care, they heard a story called The Shelf Elf and then looked at posters and saw examples of damaged books that illustrated the book care rules mentioned in the story.

Second grade students listened to a story called I. Q. Goes to the Library, which reviews sections of the library as well as book care rules. They were shown objects related to book care and had to determine whether the object belonged in the "Yes, Yes Always" box or the "No, No Never" box.

In addition, second grade students listened to the story, Goldilocks and the Three Libearians, and learned how to select a "Just Right Book" (also know as a "Good Fit" book). They should be able to tell you about the Five Finger Rule.

Student uses the 5 finger rule when selecting books
(hold up a finger for every word on a page you don't know, if you get to 5 the book is too difficult).

We have also talked about the Features of Nonfiction, and then had a scavenger hunt to find the various features in a nonfiction book and label them with post-it notes. Some classes have also begun researching Backyard Animals, and are learning to take notes.

Second grade students use sticky notes to label nonfiction text features in their books.

Third grade students have completed a Fiction Book Hunt, a Nonfiction Book Hunt, and have had a lesson on using the Library Catalog to find books. This gives third graders practice finding books in the "Everybody," "I Can Read," "Fiction," and "Nonfiction" sections when given a set of call numbers. This is a great way to get students browsing in sections they might not usually peruse, and we can also check for a student's understanding of alphabetical order.

Third graders use call numbers to hunt for books.

We are finding that students in third and fourth grade can use some more practice with alphabetical order.

Fourth grade and sixth grade students have come in to use the Accelerated Reader program, which tests their comprehension of books they've read. The fourth grade students have had a refresher lesson on using the library catalog to find books by participating in our Accelerated Reader Book Hunt. A couple of fourth grade classes have also started research on Ocean Animals. The sixth grade classes have come in to hear about a book selection technique called CAN IT BE FOR ME? Each letter in that question stands for something to think about when considering which book to read. They also had a lesson on using the EBSCO database (one of many databases available through the NH State Library). They will be using the database for a science assignment with Mr. Miner.

Fourth Graders listen to the story, Help Me, Mr. Mutt before learning how to take an Accelerated Reader  quiz.

 There's lots more ahead for the month of October .... stay tuned!