Liz Perriello, Librarian & Teacher
perrielloe@wellesleyps.org
All children, K-5, come to library every week. Grades K and 1 spend 30 minutes each week; Grades 2-5 have 50 minute classes. All children are able to select books and are responsible for their care and return.
Our curriculum focuses on five units that are vertically and horizontally aligned through grades and across schools. Using the profile of a graduate, we also use the National Library Standards, MA Digital Literacy & Computer Science Frameworks, and ABAR standards. Below is a brief synopsis of the five units and some of the areas we concentrate on with our students. These graduate in difficulty and complexity with each successive grade.
Library Use & Digital Literacy:
~Students learn to navigate the library and its resources both in our physical spaces and online, to appropriately use technology, and to navigate and use the online library catalog and ebook websites.
Research Process & Information Literacy
~ Students learn to research important topics using online databases, websites, and texts. They will learn the research process including gathering data, citing sources, and synthesizing data to create a product of their own.
Media Literacy & Bias
~ Students learn to identify valid sources of information and look for bias in media and news stories, to use the Internet safely, to recognize and avoid cyberbullying. Many of our elementary lessons come from the Common Sense Media.
Makerspace & Computer Science through Literature
~ Through exploring literature students will gain confidence in problem-solving, computational thinking, design challenges, innovative and creative thinking, and applying the design/engineering process.
Literature Appreciation
~ Students will explore diverse, multi-cultural, literature to learn more about their heritage and a multitude of ideas from around the world and in our nation.
Elementary Schools
In the elementary library program, one important goal is to support students in their learning while helping them develop an understanding and love of literature. Additionally, we support our teaching staff by acquiring online resources and books to support the daily curriculum. Students in grades K-5 attend library class once each week where they are encouraged to think, create, share and grow through inquiry, inclusiveness, collaboration, curation, and exploration. In all libraries, students are encouraged to check out reading materials that will challenge, inspire and interest them.