Library - 4th Grade
The library program fosters a love of reading, supports the school’s curriculum, and promotes curiosity and critical thinking. Fourth graders have a weekly library class, which includes storytelling, read-aloud, book talks, research and other learning activities, and time to choose and borrow books.
Units of Study
- Review and expand on all K-3 skills
- Introduce model research pattern (P.L.U.S. - Plan, Locate, Use, Self-Evaluate)
- Pursue inquiry-based research projects related to classroom curriculum
- Introduce use of the San Francisco Public Library (catalog, hold system, online resources)
- Different strategies for researching in print versus online
- Introduce how to select sources (relevant, appropriate, and reliable)
- Emphasis is placed on evaluating information rather than just accepting what is written as true.
- Work in groups to problem solve or research answers to questions
- Debate different resolutions to a situation (in fiction or real event)
- Write new endings for a story
- Write short book recommendations
Approaches to Learning
- Storytelling
- Read-Aloud
- Book Talks
- Listening skills
- Critical thinking
- Text-to-self, text-to-world, and text-to-text connections
- Exposure to diverse experiences and perspectives through literature
- Exposure to different genres of literature
- Hands-on exploration of the library
- Field trip to San Francisco Public Library
- Research activities
- Author visits