Library
Every child at Fayerweather has one scheduled library time each week and the opportunity
to use the library, at other times on an informal, individual basis.
Library for the PreK is the students’ first introduction to using the school library
and their time in library follows the same format that they will continue throughout
their years at Fayerweather. Library class begins with a structured group to read
aloud and talk about books. During browsing time students choose books to take back
to their classroom. They take an active part in checking out the books by scanning
their choices into the computer, thus introducing them to the automation system.
In kindergarten students extend their knowledge of where various books are shelved,
learning that nonfiction books are ordered by subject. Some students begin to learn
to use the card catalogue portion of the online catalogue to find more books on
a subject. In first and second grades children build on this knowledge. Some learn
about the Dewey decimal system. They learn the differences among atlases, dictionaries
and encyclopedias and learn when to use them.
Third and fourth graders become adept at using the computer catalogue to look up
books and locate them in the library. They also use the internet for research. Each
year students do a research project. In fifth and sixth grades, students continue
to develop their research skills, both in the classroom and in library. As part
of the Biography Project they learn to take notes, outline and write a paper. The
project culminates in a living wax museum where students give an oral presentation
of what they have learned. Seventh and eighth graders use the library books and
computers to work on research projects assigned by classroom teachers and other
specialists.