Greetings from Turner Library!
First graders visit the library four times in the twelve-day rotation. Class time during two visits will focus on developing literature appreciation and information literacy skills, i.e., the ability to identify an information need and access a variety of information resources. Students will discover the organization of materials in our library and learn to search the online Kids’ Catalog – Scout, in November. In December students will learn to access and use our online reference resources: Pebble Go and World Book Kids. We recommend students practice using these resources frequently using a computer at home.
Book selection visits are an opportunity for students to browse the library collection and check out books. Students are encouraged to choose at least four books to check out to read and share at home. One of those books will be a book they can read independently, the rest are free choice. Occasionally, a recommended chapter book will go home with the hope that it will be read aloud. As the year progresses students will be allowed to check out five books at a time.
Free choice book selection is motivated by a variety of factors. Peer influence is especially strong for young children, as well as the desire to imitate the practice of people they love and respect. It is not uncommon for students to check out books because they believe a friend or someone at home will greatly appreciate their choice. Also, young students make strong connections to illustrations and their visual literacy skills will benefit greatly from hours of noticing details to make sense of complex illustrations. In both the library and the classroom, our goal is to empower and encourage students to develop their interests as well as to learn how to read and select books.
Please initiate positive conversations about all books that come home. Rediscover with your child the joy of finding out about our world through all kinds of information resources. By engaging in a shared literary experience, students will develop a lifelong love of reading and research. Gently encourage selection goals, while keeping in mind the importance of making independent decisions and learning at a comfortable pace.
Books may be returned any day of the week to the library or the book-bin found in all classrooms. If students forget to return their books by the next book selection class, they will be invited to select fewer books until the overdue books are returned. Overdue notices will be delivered to parents via email. Students are welcome to renew books anytime by talking with our library assistant, Anne Neilson, or by sending an email to , or by calling 484.424.1438.
All first graders are given a book bag, which they keep until the end of first grade. It is very important students transport their books to and from the library using the book bag. Travel between floors is much safer when students use their bags. Bags also help students keep track of their library books.
Please visit our library web pages to search our online catalog or access our online magazines and reference resources appropriate for all of our community, including young children. You may look up contact and volunteer information, explore recommended websites, and find book recommendations and library news, as well.
Wishing everyone a happy new school year!
Mrs. Simon
484 424 1438
How to get to Turner Lower School Library webpages
www.episcopalacademy.org >Academics >Libraries >Turner Lower School
Reference resources Pebble Go and World Book Kids encyclopedias are highly recommended.
The username and password for our online reference resources are:
Username: episacadem Password: ea1785