What happens in the library?
Welcome to Allen's library program! Our students visit the media center as part of their specials rotation. Here they will listen to stories, check out books, and explore technology and digital information skills. Our young learners are surrounded by an ever-growing amount of information, and time in the media center is designed to guide students in their use of both digital tools and print media. The curriculum is crafted to empower Allen’s students to be critical thinkers, enthusiastic readers, skillful researchers, and ethical users of information and modern technologies.
Reading
Allen students love to read! With almost 15,000 titles on the shelves, students are encouraged to explore new choices. Books are not organized by a reading level system; instead, our goal is to match students with books that make them want to read, look at pictures, turn pages, laugh, and share with friends. We simply want them to love books. Library books are meant to be taken home and, when appropriate, read as a family. Therefore, while the library staff and volunteers try to steer students toward books with age-appropriate content, you may find your Kindergarten non-reader bringing home a text-heavy book about baseball because, as one student said last year, "My Dad's favorite player is on the cover -- he will be so excited to read this with me!" Stories from home confirm students love to read with parents or even younger siblings and will make library choices accordingly. This is encouraged and supported as we support classroom reading instruction while also allowing great opportunity in reading choices.
Technology
Students use computers almost every week! Our youngest students learn mouse and track pad control while keyboarding instruction begins in second grade. Computer-based instruction may involve exploring games that reinforce classroom topics and skills, learning how to properly access student-friendly research material, or trying new skills such as computer coding or graphic design. All students learn about Internet safety and being a good digital citizen.
Welcome to Allen's library program! Our students visit the media center as part of their specials rotation. Here they will listen to stories, check out books, and explore technology and digital information skills. Our young learners are surrounded by an ever-growing amount of information, and time in the media center is designed to guide students in their use of both digital tools and print media. The curriculum is crafted to empower Allen’s students to be critical thinkers, enthusiastic readers, skillful researchers, and ethical users of information and modern technologies.
Reading
Allen students love to read! With almost 15,000 titles on the shelves, students are encouraged to explore new choices. Books are not organized by a reading level system; instead, our goal is to match students with books that make them want to read, look at pictures, turn pages, laugh, and share with friends. We simply want them to love books. Library books are meant to be taken home and, when appropriate, read as a family. Therefore, while the library staff and volunteers try to steer students toward books with age-appropriate content, you may find your Kindergarten non-reader bringing home a text-heavy book about baseball because, as one student said last year, "My Dad's favorite player is on the cover -- he will be so excited to read this with me!" Stories from home confirm students love to read with parents or even younger siblings and will make library choices accordingly. This is encouraged and supported as we support classroom reading instruction while also allowing great opportunity in reading choices.
Technology
Students use computers almost every week! Our youngest students learn mouse and track pad control while keyboarding instruction begins in second grade. Computer-based instruction may involve exploring games that reinforce classroom topics and skills, learning how to properly access student-friendly research material, or trying new skills such as computer coding or graphic design. All students learn about Internet safety and being a good digital citizen.
Meet Mrs. Woelmer, School Librarian
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, BA
University of Michigan -- Ann Arbor, MA with Teaching Certification
University of North Texas, MLS
Every day is a great day to read a book! I was a middle and high school English teacher before deciding to pursue my love for reading children's books and earning my library science degree in 2010. This is my second year at Allen and my seventh year as an elementary school librarian. I believe I have the best job in the school! I see every Allen student each week and spend my days sharing stories and helping curious learners locate information or solve problems. As computers and hand-held devices spark new ways to learn and create, I get to try new things as I guide students through media projects. Library time has evolved since my own childhood. The information age is an exciting time to be a young learner, and our media center reflects new possibilities while embracing the importance of holding and discovering a beautiful book. I hope every student feels that sense of excitement I remember when they see a brand-new or well-loved favorite on the shelf. For me, it was Nancy Drew and the Secret of the Old Clock and the novelization for The Empire Strikes Back. I had so many overdue fines for these two books that my parents eventually bought me my own copies. I work each day to help more students find books that will influence how and what they read.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, BA
University of Michigan -- Ann Arbor, MA with Teaching Certification
University of North Texas, MLS
Every day is a great day to read a book! I was a middle and high school English teacher before deciding to pursue my love for reading children's books and earning my library science degree in 2010. This is my second year at Allen and my seventh year as an elementary school librarian. I believe I have the best job in the school! I see every Allen student each week and spend my days sharing stories and helping curious learners locate information or solve problems. As computers and hand-held devices spark new ways to learn and create, I get to try new things as I guide students through media projects. Library time has evolved since my own childhood. The information age is an exciting time to be a young learner, and our media center reflects new possibilities while embracing the importance of holding and discovering a beautiful book. I hope every student feels that sense of excitement I remember when they see a brand-new or well-loved favorite on the shelf. For me, it was Nancy Drew and the Secret of the Old Clock and the novelization for The Empire Strikes Back. I had so many overdue fines for these two books that my parents eventually bought me my own copies. I work each day to help more students find books that will influence how and what they read.
Meet Ms. Rinehart, Library Clerk