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| Library & Technology
PHILOSOPHY The focus of this program is to teach students how to be discriminating, thoughtful and creative in their interactions with technology and information -- to know how to jump in with both feet and learn, confident that they can find valid answers to their questions and figure out any program. We encourage teachers and students to use many types of information and computer programs to suit their diverse learning styles and interests. Students learn keyboarding in the fourth grade and begin to type their work in fifth grade. In Middle School students create documents, spreadsheets, presentations and layouts. They also use outlining software and are taught techniques to help them keep organized. Our Library’s focus is on ethnic, economic and family diversity in support of the school’s Mission Statement. The collection has many books about peaceful conflict resolution, social justice and environmental sustainability. The library supports the curriculums of the classrooms and includes the winning titles from National and International Children’s Book Awards. LIBRARY & TECHNOLOGY BY GRADE Preschool-Kindergarten | First | Second | Third | Fourth | Fifth | Sixth | Seventh | Eighth OVERVIEW The Librarian and Technology Director at The San Francisco School work together as a team, delivering information and technology services to the school. A great amount of collaboration takes place between the Librarian, Technology Director and individual classroom teachers so that the work students do in the library and computer lab supports the work being done in the classrooms. The Technology Department uses a fixed desktop lab for scheduled classes and is open for students to drop in as needed. The middle school has three shared wireless laptop carts. Green policies are emphasized and the saving of paper and ink is encouraged. Students use and become familiar with quality software such as Adobe InDesign and Photoshop, Microsoft Office or Apple’s iWork, as well as many other unique and interesting programs. Preschool & Kindergarten Library & TechnologyThe school library is introduced to the students beginning at age four. The four and five year olds visit the library every other week for a story and book selection. Most students focus on picture books but begin to explore non-fiction books based on personal interest.
First Grade Library & TechnologyFirst grade students are deeply steeped in reading and primarily use their classroom library for book selection. Teachers collaborate with the librarian to choose a specific selection of books throughout the year to enhance and support the topics being taught in the classroom. Although the school library is the main source for the classroom library, all students still have access to the SFS library for their personal and academic needs.
Second Grade Library & TechnologySecond grade students visit the library once a week to select books. Reading aloud is a large part of the literary focus in all Lower School classes. Non-fiction books are formally introduced. Second grade students take part in research for basic reports. Students learn to check out books using the Online Catalog.
Third Grade Library & TechnologyThird Grade students visit the library once a week to select books. In third grade mysteries and tall tales are an important genre. Through their interest in these genres, students learn how to use the Online Catalog to find books by subject and keyword. As students exit third grade they receive a copy of typing software and instructions and expectations for summer practice.
Fourth Grade Library & TechnologyIn fourth grade, students form book clubs in their classroom. Their book selection is based on Book Talks, where students “sell” their choices to their classmates. Fourth grade students read non-fiction about Africa, California and Oceanography. Students are introduced to the computer lab and continue to learn keyboarding. Students learn a few trusted ways to search the Internet, how to access the SF Public Library Site, Encyclopedia Britannica, and the Student Resource Site. Students are given access to the computer lab to conduct research, type reports and search for images. They also have the option to type their creative writing stories on the Alphasmart keyboards. Students:
Fifth Grade Library & TechnologyIn fifth grade, students begin using the computer lab on a regular basis. Students improve their typing skills, type up their work, and learn how to safely and effectively research the Internet. Use of the computer lab supports classroom curriculum and technology is used for various purposes, depending on the topics being studied. Students make reading genre wheels and explore many types of non-fiction using the SFS and public libraries. Students:
Sixth Grade Library & TechnologyStudent use of technology greatly expands in the Middle School. Laptops and the computer lab are available for student use. In a weekly Library, Information and Technology class (LIT), skills are developed in research, organization and thinking. The sixth grade teachers meet monthly to discuss how best to integrate class curriculum and technology.
Seventh Grade Library & TechnologyWeekly LIT classes continue in seventh grade. The use of desktop publishing programs expands and students learn more details on creating spreadsheets and documents.
Eighth Grade Library & TechnologyWeekly LIT classes continue in eighth grade. Students hone their skills in preparation for high school and work on projects that are integrated with their academic subjects and courses.
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