Standard 2: Teaching and Learning 2.1 Knowledge of Learners and Learning 2.2 Effective and Knowledgeable Teacher 2.3 Information Literacy Curriculum
Being in the same position for several years has enabled me to watch not only the growth of the students at SCCS but also the impact of my collaborative instruction on their achievement. One situation in particular comes to mind. Last year I worked with three first grade teachers to plan and teach an integrated research unit focusing on insects. The students learned note-taking and summary skills, how to use books to find primary source information, and basic citation. They used their research to complete a presentation in technology class, which was then exhibited to their parents at an insect celebration. This year, as second graders, the students came to the library already knowing how to do basic research and were able to extend their learning even further during an animal research project. Students commented that they wanted to “use encyclopedias, just like last year” while working on this year’s project!
A lesson I teach showcases “Banned Books Week” in conjunction with a class on censorship for US History students. Not only do we discuss the ethical issues surrounding censorship, but we also discuss freedom of thought, expression, and First Amendment rights. The students are amazed at the popular titles on the banned book lists and really get into the discussion of who makes “norms” for the society to follow in regards to what is deemed “acceptable” for a library. For high school students, it is a good lesson on what is a legal and/or ethical practice. With Elementary school classes, I teach lessons on plagiarism and citing sources during their research report writing projects. I have also taught lessons on how to take notes by using key words/phrases with the 2nd grade classes.
Each quarter the SCCS Director sends out a school-wide newsletter and for the past four years I have written articles highlighting library programs. I also send monthly notices home to encourage participation at our Family Reading Night events and update our school’s Facebook page with announcements about library events.
My use of choral work, using the refrain “look, listen, repeat”, has been an effective way to address the academic needs of our youngest students. I choose books for their weekly visit that reteach concepts which they have learned in the classroom, such as colors, shapes, and numbers. The reinforcement of English vocabulary through choral work with Pre-Kindergarten students is just one example of how I support the ELL curriculum at SCCS.
Finally, an example that shows how I connect literature with the curriculum is from High School Economics classes on a unit related to microlending. Starting with the picture book One Hen and following up with Small Change, the students engage in research to show their understanding of a concept that is not discussed in depth in their textbook.