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Library

Welcome to the St. Dennis School Library

The following is a very abbreviated sketch of concepts taught in the library. In addition to these topics, students in all grades pick out books during this time to read on their own.

Kindergartners through third graders spend 30 minutes once a week in the library. Fourth and fifth graders spend 40 minutes once a week. Middle school students spend approximately 25 minutes in the library at a specified time, but they are encouraged to come to the library during their study hall at the end of the day.

At right is a drawing of our school librarian, Mrs. Laessig, as drawn by her student, Katie.

Kindergarten:

Story time
Learn how to choose and check out their own books
Visit the public library and receive their own library cards
Discuss the moral or lesson that a book is teaching them

First Grade:

Story time
Learn to figure out the message or moral of a story
Learn the responsibility of taking care of books and of returning them on time


Second Grade:
Story time Some independent reading time Learning some basic library skills such as knowing about the card catalog Practice refining their storytelling skills

Third Grade:

Group reading and class discussion of specific chapter books
Learning the library skill of using the card catalog
Learning how to give an oral book report
Some play-acting is done


Fourth Grade:
Group reading of specific books such as *Sarah, Plain and Tall* Encourage vocabulary development Play-acting of stories which they have read Introduction to the library reference skills of using an almanac and an atlas

Fifth Grade:

Group reading of specific books such as Shiloh, From the Mixed-Up Files, Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler and The Library Card
Students experience in-depth class discussion of the above books
Students learn the different genres of books in a library
Students are encouraged to read non-fiction as well as fiction and biography books
Students are able to use advanced methods of reference materials


Middle School (6th, 7th and 8th Grades):
Students are encouraged to: Use the library during their assigned times to continue assigned reading, chosen by the teacher or librarian Use the Internet for completing specific reports or assignments Write book reports or deliver oral reports of the books which they are reading

Thoughts from our Librarian:

"My basic beliefs as a school librarian in a K-8 setting are that all children should be reading and enjoying what they read. No one can make a child pick up a book and read. It is the job of the librarian to present a variety of books to students in such a way that every child, even the most reluctant reader, will want to read. In order to accomplish this, a library must have a carefully selected, varied book collection.

"The library setting also contributes to how children relate to books and reading. The library must be an exciting, inviting, and fun place to visit."

Mrs. Laessig, Librarian