Library Media Program at SFDS

In this section: Kindergarten 1st Grade 2nd Grade 3rd Grade 4th Grade 5th Grade 6th Grade 7th Grade 8th Grade

Teaching students how to locate, interpret, and use information is central to the learning process. The SFDS Library Media Program focuses on four related areas: information literacy, cultural literacy, media literacy, and reading world literature. At each grade level, students are introduced to age-appropriate concepts, activities, and materials designed to help them achieve the objectives outlined below.

Information Literacy

Information literacy is the ability to find, evaluate, and use information independently. Information literacy is the keystone of lifelong learning, empowering students to be self-directed learners. Creating a foundation for lifelong learning is the heart of the SFDS Library Media Program.

Objectives

• Develops an understanding of how information is organized
• Accesses information efficiently and effectively
• Evaluates information critically and competently
• Uses information accurately and creatively
• Learns independently by pursuing information related to personal interests
• Appreciates literature and other creative expressions of information
• Strives for excellence in information seeking and knowledge generation
• Contributes to the learning community and to society, and recognizes the importance of information to a democratic society
• Promotes ethical behavior in regard to information and information technology
• Participates in groups to pursue and generate information

Cultural Literacy

Cultural literacy is the ability to understand cultural differences and personal bias. This form of literacy enables students to gain perspective and appreciation of culture in a global context. Students develop a critical understanding of bias, cultural differences, and universal experiences through literature, discussions, visiting authors and illustrators, non-print media, and grade-appropriate projects.

Objectives

• Appreciates cultural differences
• Understands bias and perspective
• Places learning and experiences in a cultural context
• Develops an appreciation of literature through a diversity of stories
• Participates in a community of inclusive learners

Media Literacy

Media literacy provides students with the ability to communicate competently in all media forms, print and electronic. The approach to media literacy arises from a perspective that media are powerful communication tools that are important components of the modern world.

Objectives

• Accesses forms of print and electronic media
• Understands the power and purpose of media
• Analyzes the effects of media on an individual, a community, society, and democracy
• Evaluates the information provided through various forms of media

Reading the World in the Library

Reading literature is one of the first ways children appreciate the variety and depth of perspectives outside one's own experience. One's understanding of culture, language, and thought expand tremendously through reading literature. Reading educates our imaginations to create new possibilities in the world.

In the SFDS Library Media Center, students learn how to choose, evaluate, and select varieties of literature to inform, illuminate, and inspire themselves.

Objectives

• Experiences different formats of expression by choosing a variety of genres of literature
• Selects material effective for a particular intent by learning to select literature for content and style
• Evaluates material for personal readability based on its vocabulary and sophistication
• Reads deeply to understand literature as an inner dialogue between reader and author
• Experiences literature as a mirror of the reader's feelings or a privileged glimpse through a window to others' feelings