The WPS PreK-12 Library Media Program Curriculum
Our new curriculum focuses on five units that are vertically and horizontally aligned through grades and across schools. Using the profile of a graduate, we also based our curriculum on National Library Standards, MA Digital Literacy & Computer Science Frameworks, and ABAR standards. Below is a brief synopsis of the five units and some of the areas we will concentrate on with our students. These graduate in difficulty and complexity with each successive grade.
- Library Use & Digital Literacy:
~Students learn to navigate the library and its resources both in our physical spaces and online, to appropriately use technology, and to navigate and use the online library catalog and ebook websites
- Research Process & Information Literacy
~ Students learn to research important topics using online databases, websites, and texts. They will learn the research process including gathering data (note-taking), citing sources, and synthesizing data to create a product of their own.
- Media Literacy & Bias
~ Students will learn to identify bias in media and news stories, to distinguish fact from fiction, how to be safe online, to recognize and avoid cyberbullying, and more. Many of these elementary lessons come from the Common Sense Media lessons the technology department identified. Librarians have chosen specific lessons that correlate with our curriculum.
- Makerspace & Computer Science through Literature
~ Through exploring literature students will gain confidence in problem-solving, computational thinking, design challenges, innovative and creative thinking, and applying the design/engineering process.
- Literature Appreciation
~ Students will explore diverse, multi-cultural, literature to learn more about their heritage and a multitude of ideas around the world and in our nation.
Elementary Schools
In the elementary library program, one important goal is to support students in their learning while helping them develop an understanding and love of literature. Additionally, we support our teaching staff by acquiring online resources and books to support the daily curriculum. Students in grades K-5 attend library class once each week where they are encouraged to think, create, share and grow through inquiry, inclusiveness, collaboration, curation, and exploration. Literature appreciation, information literacy skills, and critical thinking skills are emphasized. In all libraries, students are encouraged to check out reading materials that will challenge and interest them.
Certified library media specialists teach students in grades K-5. Grades 2-5 are 50 minute periods, while kindergarten and first-grade students have thirty-minute classes. Although school library collections vary in size, all include a diverse selection of books, ebooks, databases, magazines, videos, and audiobooks.
Wellesley Middle School
Students arrive in the fall of sixth grade with a love of reading and a strong foundation of information literacy skills they have learned in the elementary library media program. Although students do not have a regularly scheduled library class in middle school, they begin very soon to apply the research skills and knowledge learned in elementary school through teacher-directed research assignments.
Through flexible scheduling and collaboration between the Library Media Specialist and classroom teachers, middle school students use our library to find, evaluate and use informational resources to answer questions and conduct research. In addition, students visit the library to choose books for outside reading projects.
A goal of the library media program is that students be able to select from a wide variety of materials that most nearly suit their specific needs. All eighth-grade students should leave WMS as independent, critical-thinking and self-motivated learners.
Wellesley High School
As certified teachers, Wellesley High School librarians assist students and teachers by developing a library collection that is aligned with the curriculum, collaborating with teachers, and creating a library environment conducive to learning.
Although it is common for teachers to schedule just one or two class periods in the library, students then return on their own to seek individual assistance with using databases and print materials to continue their research.