No "Shushing" in our Library

When you come to the Library to get your class at the end of their library time, you may have noticed that students are NOT sitting quietly at tables, looking at their books. And THAT'S A GOOD THING! In our Library, you will see students working together, having conversations, sharing insights or solving problems.

The 21st century library is an active place where learning takes lots of different forms. Students still come to the Library for books, but they are also curious about their world and practicing all sorts of new skills. The Library is the place where they can explore, find answers, and have the time to follow their interests.

The Library is the best-equipped classroom in the school; puzzles, paper, crafts, manipulatives, technology equipment and of course, LOTS of books!  It makes sense that we use these resources to engage and excite students to pursue self-directed learning. All the activities are based on standards and help to reinforce the expectations in the classroom. It allows me to connect with students on many different levels, and I can better assess their needs based on the activities they choose and how they differentiate their own learning. It also gives me a chance to conduct "Reader Advisory" where I can really help students who need support in choosing a good book, because the other students are engaged and busy. I don't need to spend time "managing" the class - they manage themselves.

Best of all, the centers give children a chance to be self-motivated learners who can take charge of their behavior and actions as they pursue their interests while connecting with books.  Centers are changed monthly so students stay interested and engaged while using a variety of skill sets.

Here are some of the centers we have introduced this year, and the "I Can" statements that go with them:

In this center, students learn that combining letters can make different words. They will also practice putting words in alphabetical order (an essential skill for locating books on the library shelves), and understand the purpose of reference books such as dictionaries and encyclopedias. Boggle Junior, words on duplo blocks, and alphabet connect-the-dot games are some of the resources available here. Two students can go to this center so they can help each other use the materials.

Children love to solve puzzles.  We have several different puzzles that connect directly to classic children's books like Madeleine, Clifford, Goldilocks and more.  We also have some puzzles that connect to non-fiction books such as helicopters.  Three students are allowed at this center, so there are lots of skills happening here!

This center encourages students to use language to connect to books by making bookmarks, writing letters, making cards, menus, etc.  Children love to pretend they are authors, illustrators, letter-writers, etc. so this center gives them all the materials they need to explore their creative side. Four students are allowed to go to this center at one time.

At this center are technology tools that connect directly to books or stories.  Students may be reading an ebook on an iPad, playing a story-connected game on a laptop, or using an iPod to access apps that support reading.  Only one student is allowed at this center at a time.

Although this was an option for library students last year, this year it has become one of the center choices.  At this center, students might be challenged to figure out an anagram, estimate how many in a jar, solve a logic question, answer a geography question, or anything else that will encourage them to stretch their thinking.  Resources are provided at this center (for example, a map of the USA to answer a geography question) so students practice locating information to help them answer a question. Two students can go to this center at one time.

This is really just reading stools under the Book Tree, but students love to go here with a buddy to read together or share their chosen books.  Some students prefer the chance to read quietly to themselves.


Coming Soon!  The Exploration Center, The Collection Center and The Book Review Center