We have a “book store” in our library for students to “purchase” their own books using book points.  After earning 10 book points, the student gets to pick out his or her own book to keep.  They also get to put a leaf on one of our “book trees” in the library with his or her name on it.  This has become very popular with the students.

Through our library program, we teach students to become independent users of the library.  Students learn to use OPAC, our online book catalog, to locate books and materials on the shelves.  They also learn to use a variety of reference materials, such as encyclopedias and almanacs.  Through our classrooms and our library media curriculum, we strive to promote a love of reading and a love of learning in our students.

Library for Preschool

Preschool and toddler students have library classes once each week.  Students as young as two-years participate in library.  During library class, we discuss books and learn about the library.  We also have story-time each week to introduce various authors and characters.  Children may also check out one book during class to take home for the week.  It is our goal to help encourage reading and help make children excited about books!

Below we have listed the Preschool class schedule:

Students in grades 1-3 meet each week in the library for one hour.  Approximately half of this time is spent on library skills lessons and the remaining half is spent on computer and typing skills.  The primary goals of the library are the promotion and appreciation of literature, and the support of the classroom curriculum.  Another goal of the library is to enable students to become independent users of the library, with the ability to locate desired books in the library and needed information in nonfiction and reference books.  Literature is promoted through reading and book talks.  

Library skills are learned through lessons in alphabetization, reading, and information location.  The areas covered include:

Circulation of Materials

• Length of time for checkout, reference books, fines, etc.
• Procedures for checking out or checking in books
• Using OPAC, the online book catalog

Review of Terms

• Fiction and Nonfiction
• Dewey Decimal System
• Author, Illustrator, Publisher, Copyright

Location of Materials

• Call Numbers
• Spine Labels
• Fiction—Location and alphabetical arrangement by author
• Nonfiction—Location and arrangement by Dewey Decimal Numbers
• Reference Books

Encyclopedias

• Selection and arrangement
• Guide words and Headings
• Location of various topics and information

Parts of a Book

• Spine/Title Page/Table of Contents/Index/Glossary/Bibliography
• Contents of Title Page
• Using Table of Contents
• Using Index and Glossary

Literature

• Share new books, books on a theme or specific authors
• Activities such as short plays and stories

Computer Skills

Approximately half of the library time is spent on computer skills.  These skills include:

Identification of the Computer

	Central Processing Unit (CPU)
	Monitor
	Screen
	Keyboard
	Mouse

Word Processing

	Opening a document
	Formatting options
	Undo typing and redo typing
	Tool bars

Print Shop

	Creating Calendars
	Creating Greeting Cards

Internet

	Address Bar
	Search engines

Typing (Using the Type to Learn Program and Typing Tutor Programs)

	Home Row Keys
	Accuracy
	Speed

Library for Grade 4

 The main emphasis at this level is on the research process, locating desired information, and developing a research paper.  Students will:

1. Work to broaden their thinking to determine additional “subject headings” or “research terms” to use in locating information on specific topics.
2. Use “Boolean” terms to limit computer searches for information.
3. Locate magazine articles with EBSCO’s Middle Search and be required to use information from articles with their papers.
4. Search the Internet for specific information.
5. Locate and Identify websites that contain accurate information
6. Use and become familiar with the format of various types of reference books.

In developing a research paper, the following areas will be covered:

.	First Person/Third Person formatting
.	Writing an essay
.	The Thesis Statement
.	Determining the relevance of the information located
.	Paraphrasing information and taking notes/plagiarism
.	Organizing information/Developing outlines
.	Developing a conclusion
.	Bibliography format, following the MLA guidelines

Time and emphasis on the above areas will vary depending upon the need of the students.  Fourth level or new students will focus heavily on the above mentioned areas during the first half of the school year.  Sixth level students who have previously gone through the research process and who have a basic understanding of the technique of developing a research paper, may require only a review of certain aspects and will be expected to develop more or longer papers during the year.  Timelines with due dates will be given to students for all papers due.  Papers must be submitted on the dates due or students may be required to remain after school to work on their assignment. 

At different times throughout the year, students will be given the opportunity to write persuasive and creative essays.  This gives students the opportunity to express their individuality and creativity through various writing styles.