Library Curriculum

Curriculum in the library changes frequently, but here are some basic guidelines for what to expect at each grade level. Curriculum decisions are informed by the Washington School Library and Information Technology Framework, the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) National School Library Standards, as well as site-specific needs and grade-level curriculum support. Our students participate in a variety of programs created by the School Library division of the Washington Library Association. While technology and research are important, the primary purpose of an elementary school library program is to inspire a lifelong love of reading in all students.

Kindergarten: Fox Kindergarten students learn how to be responsible library users. They learn how libraries work (books are borrowed, not purchased, and belong to all Fox families and teachers). They learn how to take good care of library books and how to return them on time. Kindergarten students also learn to use shelf markers (a paint stirrer with their barcode attached) to hold a book's place on the shelf while they are previewing it. Students practice taking good care of our library shelves by returning unwanted books spine facing out, spine label on the bottom, and safely carrying the books they need. They also have the opportunity to read to a "furry friend," a stuffed animal. Our main focus in Kindergarten, other than responsible library behavior, is on enjoying books for a variety of purposes. We will read primarily fiction, but also nonfiction, and focus on picture books. Activities relate to the books we read and support important Kindergarten standards, such as letter recognition, elements of story, retelling a narrative, and reading fluency. We may also practice skills such as cutting, writing, and coloring. As part of our digital literacy efforts, all Kindergarten students have basic lessons about being safe online.

1st Grade: In first grade, we continue to support a love of reading by participating in the Washington Children's Choice Picture Book awards. We review how to be responsible with library books and how to take good care of our library. First graders also begin exposure to chapter books, ending each library by hearing different early chapter books. We focus on using the five-finger rule to find "good fit" books (though students may always check out any book they choose). Students continue to learn basic online safety and use technology (iPads) to access books and demonstrate knowledge. Our main focus is still on enjoying books for a variety of purposes, with an emphasis on identifying the books students enjoy and why they enjoy them. Students begin sharing book recommendations as a way to create a community of readers.

2nd Grade: Fox 2nd grade students are still responsible library users, but we begin to focus on becoming independent library users. Students learn to use Destiny, our library card catalog, as a way to manage their own library use. They learn to see how many books they have checked out and to place holds on books they'd like to read. Our main reading focus is on transitional chapter books. Students are exposed to the O.T.T.E.R. nominees and are encouraged to read at least 3 nominees to be eligible to vote for their favorite in the spring. As students become stronger readers, they are encouraged to explore the Just Right section and sometimes even the Fiction section (although they may check out any book they choose). Series fiction is also a focus in 2nd grade, as series often "grow" with readers and help students read increasingly challenging books. Our digital citizenship lessons expand from being safe online to showing respect and kindness online, and students continue to use technology to access information and to demonstrate knowledge.

3rd Grade: 3rd grade represents a shift in library. Though we still enjoy a read-aloud most weeks, this often focuses on shorter chapter books by a variety of authors to encourage a love of reading. Students may also choose to participate in the O.T.T.E.R. awards and/or in book clubs. Our main goal is for students to become completely independent library users and to know who they are as readers. They continue to use Destiny to manage their accounts, but now also learn to use call numbers to find the books on our library's shelves. The expectation is that before winter break, all 3rd grade students can independently log into Destiny, look up a book they'd like, and locate it on the shelves. In 3rd grade we also learn to use our online tools, such as World Book Online, to find information. Basic research skills, such as creating good research questions, taking research notes, finding resources, and using information from a variety of sources to create a finished paper or product, are introduced. Digital citizenship continues to focus on showing respect online, and students use technology to access information and to demonstrate knowledge.

4th Grade: 4th grade students are expected to be responsible, independent library users. They continue to use Destiny to manage their own library accounts and to access books independently, and using call numbers to access books on the shelf is reviewed. Read-alouds focus on specific topics, often nonfiction, that allow students to explore the world in which we live. Research becomes more self-directed, as students continue to practice creating research questions, taking research notes, finding resources, and using information from a variety of sources to create a finished paper or product. In 4th grade, students may participate in the O.T.T.E.R. awards, the Sasquatch awards, and/or The Great Book Bowl. Our digital citizenship lessons again focus on being safe online, but with a shift toward creating strong passwords and preventing online bullying. Students continue to use technology to access information, to demonstrate knowledge, and to connect with others.

5th Grade: Fox 5th graders are expected to be responsible, independent library users. Use of Destiny to manage their accounts, place holds, and access books independently is reviewed, as well as how to use call numbers to find books on the shelf. Read-alouds are often picture books for older readers, previews of chapter books or longer nonfiction titles, or excerpts from longer works. In 5th grade, students focus on honing their research skills--learning to ask good questions and then how to use the tools in the library (including books and digital resources) to find the answers to those questions. Students are expected to become part of our community of readers, making recommendations, and recognizing their own reading preferences. Digital citizenship lessons focus on strong passwords, preventing online bullying, and recognizing media bias, while technology use becomes more self-directed and focused on product creation as well as research.