Overview: Our library serves as an engaging and nurturing environment for students from preschool through 8th grade, designed to inspire a lifelong love of reading and learning. Grounded in our Catholic teachings, our carefully curated collection includes a wide variety of genres and formats, encouraging students to explore literature that aligns with their faith and personal interests. We prioritize student choice in reading, and utilize the Texas Library Association's award reading lists to enhance our collection with high-quality, age-appropriate books.
Curricular Goals:
Foster a Love of Reading: Encourage students to explore diverse genres and formats, helping them develop a passion for reading and storytelling.
Promote Literacy Skills: Equip students with essential literacy concepts, including comprehension, analysis, and critical thinking, to enhance their understanding and appreciation of texts.
Integrate Faith and Values: Provide literature that reflects Catholic teachings, fostering moral and spiritual growth through engaging narratives.
Develop Research Skills: Prepare older students for academic success by teaching effective research methods and information literacy skills.
Program Components:
Curated Book Collection: Our library features a diverse array of books that align with Catholic values, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and graphic novels. We regularly refresh our collection based on the Texas Library Association's award reading lists, ensuring access to the latest and most celebrated literature.
Student Choice: We empower students to select books that resonate with their interests, promoting autonomy in their reading journey and encouraging exploration of new ideas.
Preschool Story Time: Our preschool program includes weekly story time sessions that combine literacy, music, and movement. Through engaging read-alouds, songs, and interactive activities, young learners develop foundational literacy skills while fostering a love for books and storytelling.
Library and Literacy Skills: Older students participate in regular book checkout sessions where they are taught essential library concepts, including:
Navigating the library and understanding its organization.
Exploring various genres and formats of literature.
Developing comprehension strategies and critical thinking skills.
Conducting research for projects, learning how to locate, evaluate, and use information effectively.
Research Projects: As students progress, they will engage in research projects that encourage them to apply their literacy and information skills. These projects will foster collaboration, creativity, and a deeper understanding of how to effectively use library resources.
Learning Environment: Our library is designed to be an inviting and inclusive space, featuring cozy reading nooks, collaborative work areas, and access to technology for research and creative projects. We aim to create a welcoming atmosphere where all students feel comfortable exploring literature and sharing their discoveries.
Assessment: Student progress will be assessed through observations, participation in library activities, and completion of reading and research projects. We encourage students to reflect on their reading experiences through discussions, journals, or presentations, helping them articulate their insights and connections.
Conclusion: Our library program enriches the educational experience by fostering a love for reading grounded in our Catholic identity. By providing access to diverse literature, teaching essential literacy skills, and promoting student choice, we empower students to become thoughtful readers, critical thinkers, and compassionate individuals ready to engage with the world around them.