Lowell Library Newsletter

Hello Lowell Families and Caregivers!

Students are very happy to be back in our library and checking out books and finding cozy places to read. Our big circle seats are very popular. Students at all grade levels spend these first few weeks learning our new library. Starting from exploring, mapping different locations, learning the library catalog and sharing how we pick just right books.

Some notes on books:

• K-2 check out one book.
• 3-5 check out up to two books.
• Students can keep a book longer than a week if they are still enjoying the book.
• Students have the option to switch books or return books before morning meeting (with their teacher's ok) every day.
• If a student is sure they lost a book, a replacement copy is ideal so the book can return to the shelf. Books can also be paid for, if preferred.

Our curriculum is a combination of library, digital learning , and computer science. Each year we build on previous year's work and expand our understanding in all three areas.

Kindergarten

• Book Choice: I can choose a just right book for me.
• Parts of a Book: I can identify the parts of a book: title, author, pages, spine.
• Fiction: I can identify a book as fiction, a made up story.
• Nonfiction: I can identify a book as non-fiction containing facts and information about real things.

First Grade

• Book Choice: I can choose a just right book for me.
• Parts of a Book: I can identify the parts of a book: title, author, pages, spine.
• Fiction: I can identify a book as fiction, a made up story.
• Nonfiction: I can identify a book as non-fiction containing facts and information about real things.

Second Grade

• Book Choice: I can choose a just right book for me using I-Pick.
• Parts of a Book: I can identify the parts of a book: title, author, illustrator, pages, spine, barcode.
• Spine Labels: I am learning about the relationship between a book's spine label and its location in the library.
• Picture Book Call Numbers: I can identify picture books as having the call number E and the author's last name.

Third Grade

• Formatting Text in Google Apps: I can use menus and toolbars tools to change text in Google apps.
• Library Catalog: I can perform a search to locate information in the library catalog using two or more keywords.
• Locations in the new library: I can locate sections of our new library and label them on a map.
• Call number/ spine label review: I am learning about the relationship between a book's spine label and its location in the library.
• Lego WeDo

Fourth Grade

• Library Catalog: I can perform a search to locate information in the library catalog using two or more keywords.
• Locations in the new library: I can locate different sections of our new library and label them on a map.
• Call number/ spine label review: I am learning about the relationship between a book's spine label and its location in the library.
• Creator's Rights and Responsibilities: I can define copyright and describe how it applies to creative work.

Fifth Grade

• Library Catalog: I can perform a search to locate information in the library catalog using two or more keywords.
• Locations in the new library: I can locate different sections of our new library and label them on a map.
• Call number/ spine label review: I am learning about the relationship between a book's spine label and its location in the library.
• What is the Internet? : I can describe the structure of the Internet.

Raising digital natives can be a challenge for those of us not born to a world of computers. At home, grownups determine boundaries for kid's use of technology and media. As part of our digital literacy and learning curriculum in school we discuss how technology is used in our school community and how we can be safe using technology either at school or home. Our first lessons focus on being a part of an online community and the responsibilities that come with being part of that community. Many of our lessons include extension activities families can use at home to continue these conversations or start new one. All activities are optional. Many are available in English and Spanish. Below are links to resources discussing privacy online, a topic we have discussed with all K-5 classes.

Email: kelly.mccollum@watertown.k12.ma.us

175 Orchard Street Watertown, MA 02472

Find Us Online:

@jrlowellreads

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