Library

The purpose of the library program is to provide children with the opportunity to develop skills, knowledge, attitudes and concepts towards books and resources, which help them cope efficiently with the demands of their education. The library program also encourages life-long learning. The library provides a program incorporating teaching, service and resource management, which supports the curriculum program of the school.

All students are timetabled for one hour per week with the teacher-librarian who works in conjunction with the classroom teachers for co-operative planning and teaching to occur. A sequential library program is based on integrated units of work planned at each level. Literary skills, including reading for pleasure are developed in first and third terms, with the focus on Bookweek texts for the latter. Information skills are developed in terms two and four, which include use of the computer catalogue, correct use of the internet, non fiction books, encyclopedias and electronic encylopedias.

The Lexile Program was introduced at Pinewood Primary School in 2008 (see http://www.scholastic.com.au) for more details on the program). All children from grades 3 to grades 6 are on the program, where they read recommended books for their reading level. The library continually sources new books to support the program.

The children are encouraged to borrow weekly. The number of books borrowed increases as the children progress through the school. Equal access and assistance in a friendly environment is given to all students, staff, and parents to the library facilities and resources. Requests for purchases may be submitted at any time by all users, and new resources are continually added to the library.

The library is open at lunch times to enable children the opportunity for further borrowing, to use the learning technology and play games for enjoyment.

The library program also supports the Premier’s Reading Challenge. Every student is encouraged to complete this Challenge each year, which promotes a love of books by encouraging children to read more widely (see http://www.education.vic.gov.au/prc/ for more details).  As new books are released and added to the Challenge, many are also added to the library shelves.

I have been the teacher-librarian at Pinewood Primary School since 1999 and am always happy to speak to any parent or child, to offer suggestions for new reading material.

Bernadette Jackson

Teacher-Librarian