Barbara Steinmetz - Librarian 10 years at Holy Family - 12 years teaching experience Library Ext.229 steinmetzb@archmil.org
Philosophy of Education
My goal is to provide all of my students with a positive and safe environment to explore the various types of reading. Reading for pleasure and reading for knowledge are two important skills that our children need throughout life.
Curriculum Summary
Accelerated Reader
Accelerated Reader is a program that is used nationally to promote reading comprehension. The students may take quizzes on the literature books they read in the classroom and on the books they choose to read for pleasure. These quizzes are on the library computers. We have about 3,000 quizzes on well known books at all levels for the students to choose from. Our students begin using this program by the end of K-5 and continue on through eighth grade. They take these quizzes during library time or when time is available.
The Golden Archer Award
Each year Holy Family School participates in the election of Wisconsin’s favorite children’s books. The Wisconsin Educational Media Association provides a list of books and the students vote on their favorites. The Golden Archer Award is given to the book at the Primary, Intermediate, and Middle School Level that receives the most votes from students throughout Wisconsin. This is the only national award that has children elect the winner.
Primary
Our youngest students learn a variety of library skills. I introduce them to library manners, care of books, the parts of a book, fiction/non-fiction and a variety of other library skills. We have story time, an activity and check out books weekly.
Intermediate
The intermediate students learn more about the Dewey Decimal System. They learn to use the computerized catalog and are able to locate books by call number. We practice research skills using the encyclopedia and dictionary. We learn how to make basic outlines and how to research for a report. We read chapter books at story time and students are able to check books out.
Middle School
Our Middle School students come to the library to work on research projects, to study, and to choose books when class time is available or on their lunch recess. They are always welcome.
About Holy Family Parish School Library
The books in our library are catalogued by computer. We also have computers available for studying. We host a program called Accelerated Reader which involves reading a book and taking a quiz on the computer. The program encourages reading for fun. This is available to grades one through eight.