Fifth graders have been learning about different fiction genres.  This included Fantasy fiction, mystery, realistic fiction and historical fiction.  We discuss the characteristics that put a book in each subgenre.  In the process, students discover that a love of history might mean they will enjoy historical fiction books.  A desire to see real life problems in books might lead a student to read realistic fiction books.

Silent reading/partner reading is an important part of every library class.

Fifth graders can come to early morning check out any morning of the week.

Fourth graders are learning research skills.  This quarter, we spent some time learning about primary and secondary sources.  Primary sources are first hand experiences and are the most reliable sources of information.  We analyzed photographs from the Industrial Revolution to discover what kind of work children did, what kind of clothes they wore.  We made observations and stated questions about the photos.

Silent reading/partner reading is an important part of every library class.

Fourth graders can come to early morning check out any morning of the week.

Third graders have been learning about fairy tales which connects with their writing unit in the classroom.  Do you know the six elements of a fairy tale?  We also explored fractured fairy tales which are retelling of familiar fairy tales.  

We learned about the state of New Hampshire through a letter from students who live there and did some research to learn facts about that state.

Silent reading/partner reading is an important part of every library class.

Third graders can come to early morning check out any morning of the week.

Second graders learned how to research a state and write a fictional letter to students their age.  We gathered information using Culture Grams within Discus Kids on Class Link.  Discus Kids has excellent research sites for specifically designed for students.

Students learned the difference between facts and opinions so they can better discern what they are reading.  Is an author trying to persuade us to think a certain way or are they stated undisputed facts?  It's important to know this when we are reading. 

Silent reading/partner reading is an important part of every library class.

Second graders can come to early morning check out any morning of the week.

First graders have been working on fluency in the classroom during reading time so we learned about Reader's Theatre.  Reader's Theatre is a play without costumes.  Students read from a script with expression.  We used the Elephant and Piggie stories which are so funny.  They were perfect for bringing out expression in our reading.

During Women's History month, we learned about biographies and how they are part of the nonfiction collection.  We learned about Sonia Sotomayor's career as well as her challenges in life. 

We practice silent reading as part of each library time.

First graders can come to early morning check out any morning of the week and explore all sections of the library.

Kindergarteners enjoy listening to stories which coordinate with weekly lessons.  They also respond to literature by drawing or writing about the day's read aloud.  

Kindergarteners have been learning about nonfiction topics.  We have learned a lot about groundhogs and also bears.  Did you know there are eight different kinds of bears?  We got to learn how bears are similar and different.  Ask your child if they remember what omnivore means.

Kindergarteners can come to early morning check out any morning of the week and explore all sections of the library with a #shelfie helper.  These older students walk kindergarteners to the library, help them find a book and walk them back to class.