Students researching with computer using graphic organizer
The librarian introduced research skills lessons on formulating questions with all grade levels. Lessons covered note-taking with Kinder through 4th grades using graphic organizers and developing timelines.
The librarian taught students how to do citations for books and various digital library resources. We started with books and then showed how easy it is to cite popular digital library resources such as PebbleGo and Britannica Online.
While celebrating Black History Month, the librarian worked to highlight library resources while investigating different types of biographies. Some resources were digital articles, some were online encyclopedias, and others were eBooks. Each resource had additional information and was accessed in Launchpad. Students were also taught how to cite each source they used.
This year to support learning, thinking strategies have been added to deepen the lessons taught. 3-2-1 is an example of one method used in the library for critical thinking. Using this technique with students has resulted in engaging more students in the discussion, and based on the students' responses, it becomes apparent whether they grasp the lesson. It has been very beneficial and added a deeper layer to the learning in the library.
One of the highlights of this year has been a lesson I have wanted to teach and lacked the confidence to “just do it,” so to speak. For several years, I have watched kids struggle with note-taking. It is a difficult and necessary part of research. After inviting a librarian to help with this new method, I implemented the tools myself and helped students learn another technique for note-taking or retelling called Sketchnotes. We studied the text, drew pictures, and wrote only a few keywords
to take notes. The results were incredible. Students could tell the story of their person using their drawings and words. Ultimately, that is the goal! I would say incorporating this simple strategy was a win and added another tool to the students’ toolbox. The kids expressed how it was a fun way to learn!