Library Science Update

The Reader's Theater American Idol Finals were great!  Both the Fifth and Second Grade students performed a fractured fairy tale of "The Ugly Duckling" titled "The Ugly Woodpecker."  Students created their own props and scenery to help audiences better understand their plays.  Both classes worked so hard and did such an amazing job!  The 2nd grade students are the Reader's Theater American Idols this year, but the 5th grade sure gave them a run for their money!

Storytime is back during the month of February!  Join us on Wednesday mornings from 10-10:45 as we read stories, sings songs, make crafts, eat snacks, and play in the Early Childhood classroom.  We hope to see you and your little ones there!

Students in Early Childhood through Senior Kindergarten have been reading so many great books lately!  The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney is a Caldecott Award winner that they have recently read during library time.  Using almost no words, the beautiful illustrations tell this classic story of friendship.  We all really enjoyed this book!  Other titles we've been reading are:  The Hidden Alphabet, Five Little Monkeys, Mr. Brown Can Moo!  Can You?, Snow Day, Tacky and the Winter Games, and Baby Bear, Baby Bear, What Do You See?  Most recently, these students read and acted out books made of songs like the "Itsy Bitsy Spider" and "How Much is That Doggie in the Window?"  Watching them act out "Ten in the Bed" was adorable and entertaining!

Students in First through Third Grade are trying to finish reading the Show-Me Award Nominees in time to vote for their favorite in March, along with the rest of students in Missouri who are participating.  The first grade read Finding Lincoln this week, about a young African-American boy determined to check out a book from his town's segregated library in the 1950s.  The students asked thoughtful questions about why segregation ever existed and were impressed by the boy's bravery.

The Fourth through Sixth Grade students continue to make progress on their research posters.  Everyone is working at their own pace, so while some students are still researching, others are creating graphic organizers and finding pictures to include on their posters.  Students independently chose their topics for this assignment, and the range of topics is amazing.  From cupcakes to rabbits to the Roman Empire to David Beckham, it will be wonderful to see the finished products!  

 

Library Links You'll Like

Rohan Woods Library Catalog - Access our school library catalog from home 

Pete the Cat Books Website - Listen to both Pete the Cat stories and songs!

Longmeadow Rescue Ranch - Learn more about Twister and the other animals at Longmeadow.

American Library Association's 2010 Great Websites for Kids

Funbrain.com – For ages 6 and up, this site offers fun, clickable educational games with problem-solving, math and literacy skills.

Exploratorium -  For ages 8 and up, this famous San Francisco science museum provides original online exhibits and intriguing interactive activities.

Activity TV – For ages 6 and up, this site has how-to videos, printable materials, and games.

Starfall.com offers lots of fun opportunities for children from birth through second grade to improve their phonemic awareness and reading skills.

The Saint Louis County Library Website's Kids' Page

 


 
 

 

Meet Colleen Piel, Librarian
 

Colleen Piel began her career at Rohan Woods School in 2007. With more than six years of teaching and tutoring, Colleen loves getting students excited about reading and bringing books to life! In her spare time, Colleen enjoys running, reading, playing with her boys, and spending time with family and friends. Colleen holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and a Master of Arts degree in Library Science from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

E-Mail Librarian Colleen Piel


 
 
Library Curriculum
 

The Information Literary Skills Curriculum at Rohan Woods School provides our students with learning experiences that enable them to:

  • become efficient at locating, evaluating and reporting information
  • improve their literary and overall academic achievement
  • learn about and pursue their interests
  • achieve success in our information-savvy society
  • have exposure to high-quality literature and other forms of written expression

Early Childhood Program - Senior Kindergarten
Students will be introduced to library procedures. They will select and check out materials on a routine basis. Story time and read-alouds will facilitate an awareness of the joy of literature as well as spark their imaginations.

Grades 1 & 2
Students will continue mastering the previous goals as they become more independent in the library. They will have open access to the library as individuals and in groups. They will work on locating books of interest independently and using alphabetical order. Students will begin to use reference materials as well as some electronic resources.

Grades 3 - 6
Students wll review library procedures and will continue to select and check out materials on a regular basis. Students will be introduced to using technology to gather information, the Dewey decimal system, the online catalog, reference tools, and Internet resources. They will be given research assignments that require them to locate information from more than one source. Students will begin to critically evaluate what they have read, reviewed and heard. Students will begin to develop their understanding of intellectual property rights. Book talks will introduce new materials and award books to encourage students' appreciation of literature.