Library Program
Monroe Consolidated School Library Program
In the school library program, Monroe students in grades Pre-K through 8 learn how to appreciate all elements of children’s and young adult literature. For example, the following are introduced, discussed, and class activities are built around: author, title, illustrator, various mediums of artwork, how the illustrations best support the text, fiction, non-fiction, a wide-variety of current reference materials, and critical use of the Internet as a resource. Intellectual property, fair usage, plagiarism, social media, and the effects of advertising are also addressed with students in the upper grades. State and national library media and educational technology standards are addressed throughout the year and the library correlates its weekly lessons and activities with the classroom teachers and their expeditions.
Students in Pre-K through third grade are introduced to the idea of libraries and literature through in-depth use of the annual NH state-wide Ladybug Picture Book Reading Contest. Children are read to and have hands-on access to 10 new and exciting picture books chosen by The Center for the Book at the New Hampshire State Library. After all 10 titles are read and investigated, children then vote for their favorite. Votes are compiled from all across the state and a winner is announced in the spring.
Fourth through sixth graders are treated to The Great Stone Face Book Award Contest that is sponsored by the Children's Librarians of New Hampshire (CHILIS) and is given each year to an author whose book receives the most votes from students across the state. Each year a committee chooses 25 recently published titles, which children then use as a guide for voting. The vote takes place every April during National Library Week, and the winner is announced in May. The purpose of the award is to promote reading enjoyment, to increase awareness of contemporary writing, and to allow children to honor their favorite author.
The Isinglass Teen Read Award was begun in 2001 by the (NH) Barrington Public Library and the Barrington Middle School in order to promote teen reading. It was developed by actual 7th & 8th graders (as opposed to their parents, teachers, or their librarians...) who continue to nominate the books, read the books, and choose the winner each year.
For a current list of any of the above book award titles, click here. The Isinglass books are available in podcasts as well.
Students in Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 1st Grade may borrow 1 library book for a period of 1 week during their weekly library visit, while students in grades 2-8 may borrow 2 titles per their weekly library visit, and often more, depending on their assignments and reading appetites. Families are asked to please help their student(s) care for their borrowed materials properly by keeping them in a safe place while in the home, transporting them in a clean environment, returning them on time so they can check out another, and most importantly…enjoying the library book(s) together!
Parents are encouraged to stop in and browse the school library, chat with the librarian, and please offer suggestions for their child’s reading. Parents may also check out library materials for their own use or their family’s use. The school library works in conjunction with the Monroe Public Library to ensure Monroe students have the best possible experience in reading and exploring a wide variety of children’s literature.
Happy Reading!
Interesting Links:
These have been reviewed and recommended by Kathy Schrock, a well-known teacher, technology consultant, speaker and website developer.
Phillip Martin's Free Classroom Clip Art
http://www.phillipmartin.info/clipart/homepage2.htm
...a subject-categorized collection of clip art for use in your classroom, newsletter, or any non-profit publication
Multicolor Search Lab
http://labs.ideeinc.com/multicolr/
This link is good if you need a certain colored picture or " hue" for a project. Twould be good for art teachers.
In the color chart, just click on the color you are looking for & many corresponding "Creative Commons" (free) images will pop up. Hit the "Back" arrow to clear that color from the screen