Parent's Page
Link to MSD's Acceptable Use Policy
What do we teach in "Library Class?"
Students and their families are responsible for returning the materials that they borrow.
Students must return the materials they have borrowed, or arrange to pay for lost items, before checking out something new.
Please help your kids develop responsibility by choosing with them a safe place to keep their books at home--a place away from food, pets, and younger siblings!
If an item is lost or damaged beyond repair, students will be expected to pay for the item. We may or may not use the money to replace the exact item, but the money we collect helps to conserve the very scarce resources we have. Please do not make donations of books to cover damaged items. We make all decisions about what to collect very carefully--not all books are created equal! If you need to discuss payment with Mrs. Linehan, please call the school or email Mrs. Linehan
1st First graders leave all library materials at school. They may check out one item of their choice each week. The books are due the following week during their library class.
2nd Second graders may check out one item of their choice each week. The books are due the following week during their library class. Second graders may begin to bring items home after Christmas vacation if the librarian feels that the classes have demonstrated responsible care of books.
3rd-5th Third, Fourth and Fifth grade students alternate book selection/checkout weeks with library/information skills lesson weeks. Books are due 2 weeks from the date of checkout. Fourth and Fifth grade students may check out more than one book if they have shown that they can be responsible for them. Students may their books home, although we reserve the right to revoke this priveledg for the rest of the year if there are multiple lost books.
We try to purchase books that will appeal to all kinds of kids!
Drawing books, graphic novels, new magazines and other items in high demand usually may not be renewed.
"Everybody" Books, Fiction, and Non-fiction books may be renewed at least once, with the permission of the librarian or library assistant.
Any student may check out one or more items for school research in addition to their recreational reading with the permission of the librarian or library assistant. Usually it is best to keep this book at school.
What do we teach in "Library Class"?
In some schools, the library is a resource that is visited by students and classes on a flexible schedule whenever they need to find books or information. "Information Literacy Skills" (finding, using and evaluating information from many sources,) are taught on an as-needed basis. At Henry Wilson Elementary School, and the other elementary schools in Manchester, students visit the library as one of their "specials" once a week.
"Library Class" usually begins with a short lesson or activity. These lessons are focused on helping students learn to find and use information in libraries and on the internet. Some of the topics that we cover are: book care, the difference between fiction and non-fiction, finding a book on the shelves, using our computerized catalog to find a book, using reference books such as dictionaries, encyclopedias, and almanacs, media literacy, how computers work, using computers to type reports, finding things on the internet, how to be responsible about citing information that you find for your report, and more! The best lessons are when the librarian and teacher are able to collaborate to plan instruction that fits in with what students are doing in class at that moment.
Probably the most important thing that students do during library time is select a book of their own choosing. Every bit of literature and research about helping kids learn to read suggests that the more kids read, the better readers they become. A good portion of our library time therefore, is spent helping kids find a book that sparks their interest. Sometimes this can be quite a challenge!
Class usually ends with a read-aloud. This is where we really get to make books and stories come alive! The library is the home of several puppets who make their appearances during lessons and storytimes, including "Katie the Librarian" and "Rodney the Book." (see pictures on the Kids' Page of this website.) We also act out stories from books and kids may get to tell their own stories. Since kids need a tremendous amount of background knowledge to understand what they read, this time of day is also used to share information about the world. Mrs. Linehan may bring in objects to examine and discuss, such as tools, natural objects, and photographs. You never know what might happen in a library!