The WPS PreK-12 Library Media Program Curriculum
Our curriculum focuses on five units that are vertically and horizontally aligned through grades and across schools. Using the profile of a graduate, we also use the 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 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, citing sources, and synthesizing data to create a product of their own.
- Media Literacy & Bias
~ Students learn to identify valid sources of information and look for bias in media and news stories, to use the Internet safely, to recognize and avoid cyberbullying. Many of our elementary lessons come from the Common Sense Media.
- 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 from 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. In all libraries, students are encouraged to check out reading materials that will challenge, inspire and interest them.
Certified library media specialists teach students in grades K-5. Grades 2-5 classes 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
At the middle school level, students continue to develop the strong information literacy skills they were introduced to through the elementary library media program. Every middle school student visits the library throughout the year for lessons that have been collaboratively planned between classroom teachers and the school librarian. Students explore source evaluation to help them be able to select from a wide variety of materials available in today’s world to suit their specific needs. Students are educated on media literacy and media bias and provided with the tools to be confident and discerning information consumers. Through projects and activities, students are able to find resources to answer their own questions and conduct their own research.
Additionally, students are encouraged to visit the library to get book recommendations and choose books for their own reading pleasure, as well as titles that support the school curriculum. By the end of eighth grade, WMS students have experienced the information and media literacy skills needed to help them become independent, critical-thinking and self-motivated learners.
Wellesley High School
Wellesley High School librarians are certified teachers who assist students and teachers by developing and maintaining a library collection that is aligned with the curriculum. Collaborations occur with teachers of all content areas for large and small scale projects. Librarians also help provide creative programs, activities and events that help foster a strong community environment that is conducive to learning in the library.
Students interact with the librarians in the classrooms, clubs, programming and individual encounters such as research appointments to help them strengthen research skills.
In addition to these responsibilities, the library teachers teach AP Capstone courses and Makerspace and Design Thinking. AP Capstone is a certificate program that consists of AP Seminar and AP Research, where students consider and evaluate multiple points of view through inquiry and investigation to develop their own perspectives on complex issues. The program provides a process framework that allows them to develop, practice, and hone their analytic and creative thinking skills. Makerspace and Design Thinking allows students to learn the Design Thinking process to problem solve using both digital and analog tools to create a solution. Librarians also provide their colleagues with a central location to find up to date inform