Library - 4th Grade

The library program fosters a love of reading, supports the school’s curriculum, and promotes curiosity and critical thinking. Fourth graders have a weekly library class, which includes storytelling, read-aloud, book talks, research and other learning activities, and time to choose and borrow books.

Units of Study

• Review and expand on all K-3 skills
• Introduce model research pattern (P.L.U.S. - Plan, Locate, Use, Self-Evaluate)
• Pursue inquiry-based research projects related to classroom curriculum
• Introduce use of the San Francisco Public Library (catalog, hold system, online resources)
• Different strategies for researching in print versus online
• Introduce how to select sources (relevant, appropriate, and reliable)
• Emphasis is placed on evaluating information rather than just accepting what is written as true.
• Work in groups to problem solve or research answers to questions
• Debate different resolutions to a situation (in fiction or real event)
• Write new endings for a story
• Write short book recommendations

Approaches to Learning

• Storytelling
• Read-Aloud
• Book Talks
• Listening skills
• Critical thinking
• Text-to-self, text-to-world, and text-to-text connections
• Exposure to diverse experiences and perspectives through literature
• Exposure to different genres of literature
• Hands-on exploration of the library
• Field trip to San Francisco Public Library
• Research activities
• Author visits