MCDONOUGH SCHOOL CIRCULATION GUIDELINES and GOALS

KINDERGARTEN:  The kindergarten students are read a story aloud each week followed by an activity.  As a class we discuss the parts of a book and how to take care of books.  At the beginning of the year the kindergarten students do not choose their own books, they are chosen by library staff and given to the teacher for the class to borrow for the week.  By the end of the year it is the goal of the library for the students to choose their own books from the EASY FICTION section of the library and sign out their cards. Kindergarten books do not go home.

GRADE 1:  The first grade students complete a book exchange each week from the EASY FICTION section of the library, they are taught at the begininng of the year how to select their own books and sign out their cards.  It is the goal of the library to move the first grade students into the FICTION section of the library and make appropriate book selections.  During their library period the first grade students complete their book exchange, listen to a read aloud and learn about the parts of a book and proper book care.  The first grade books do not go home.

GRADE 2:  The second grade students complete a book exchange each week from the EASY FICTION OR FICTION sections, it is a goal for the second grade students to move into the NONFICTION section of the library by mid year.  Second grade students are taught the FIVE FINGER TEST to choose appropriate books and continue to practice library skills like parts of a book, story elements and genre.  The second grade students read a fiction chapter book each week as a class and use it as a learning opportunity to discuss story elements.  The second grade books do not go home.

GRADES 3, 4 & 5:  The students in grades 3, 4 and 5 complete a book exchange each week.  They are allowed to borrow two books.  The first is a chapter book from the FICTION section and the second can be a book of their choice from any other section (EASY FICTION, NONFICTION, BIOGRAPHY).  Following the book exchange students may read quietly or work on the weekly riddle until all students have chosen their books.  After the book exchange the class completes a lesson based on a variety of topics like technology, library skills, the Dewey Decimal System or research skills.  By the end of the year it is the goal of the library for the students to be using the library independently and utilizing learned research skills.  Books in grades 3, 4 and 5 are allowed to go home.

LOST/DAMAGED BOOKS:  Students are not allowed to borrow a book if one is overdue until it is returned.  Please notify the library staff if a borrowed book has been lost or damaged.  A note will be sent home if a book is three weeks overdue.  Please make every effort to return books to the library.

LEVELED READING:  Some of the books in the library collection have been color coded by reading level to help students self-select books. Not all books have been coded so students can make their own choices and evaluations.  Only books in the EASY FICTION and FICTION sections have been coded.  The levels are as follows (from easiest to hardest): yellow, red, light blue, dark blue.  We encourage all of the students to make a book selection that is challenging but fun!