How to visit our school library catalog
and conduct a search from home!
And, also see PD Library Philosophy on Book-levelling and Book Selection (further below)
Peace Dale School Library is a member of a state-wide school library consortium called RILINK that shares
cataloging records and allows for remote searches of the catalogs. Here's a link to the catalog:
Then, scroll down until you see Peace Dale School, click on it, and it will bring you to our catalog search screen, which looks like this (double-click image to enlarge and show at full-screen size for largest view):
Please note that, as shown in this screenshot, searches can be narrowed down to specific reading and interest levels to show only those books that are in a child's reading level. Your search will also show whether the book is currently checked out or available in the library.
Please also note: Here is link to a very handy reading-level conversion chart. In our classrooms in SK, we have standardized on the Fountas and Pinnell method of leveling readers. Please note that there is a range of letters for each grade showing the average range of reading levels for any given grade. However, our catalog identifies reading level by Grade. You can use the conversation chart to see how these various methods correlate.
PD Library Statement about Choosing Library Books: To Level or Not to Level?
Here's a direct quote from one publisher's website about why it is important not to level each book in the school library:
We do not write specifically about school libraries because our work addresses mostly classroom libraries and leveled-book collections. We do believe that the library is extremely important and should provide a dynamic and rich program for students. School librarians are a wonderful resource for recommending books to read aloud. In Teaching for Comprehending and Fluency, Grades K-8, we write extensively about the role of the interactive read aloud. Also, of course, the school library is a great resource for independent reading.
We recommend that you do not level or label the books in the school library or the classroom library. (You can find this recommendation in the text mentioned above and in Leveled Books, K-8: Matching Texts to Readers for Effective Teaching.) We would not want students to self-select books by level or to think of themselves as a "level T reader," for example. They need to be taught to choose books using many different criteria.
It is advantageous, however, if the school librarian knows the approximate levels of books. That knowledge can help the librarian develop a collection that will meet the needs of the diverse group of students in the school and make appropriate suggestions to particular students. The librarian can also help teachers make choices for classroom libraries.” (Source: http://www.heinemann.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=46 ).
And here's the PD School Library approach to this matter:
In the classrooms, we are concentrating
on identifying student's reading levels and having them work at their
level. For every grade there is a range of letters that are most
typically seen in that grade.
In Library, however, we loosen up the reading level requirements a bit.
Sometimes, for instance, with a non-fiction book, a child may mostly enjoy the
pictures/captions, but only skim the book, which might be at a reading level higher than
theirs. However, they have chosen a book that interests them, and good value
is still gained- they've had an enjoyable experience with a book. If the reading
level is only a little above their level, it may provide a stretch for them, and of course
that is a good thing also. New words acquired, etc. Ideally, an adult might have time to
sit with the student to look at their library books, and in that wonderful interaction, the adult
can bridge the comprehension gap for the child. Again, that child has then had an extremely
positive and rewarding experience with a book.
In works of fiction, we have to pay a little more attention to the issue of reading level.
I teach a lesson about choosing a "just right book", using five finger method
(if you read a page and there are more than five words that you
are having trouble with, it's most likely too hard). We also try to catch the really glaring
cases of children taking out books that are way too hard for them at the circulation desk
(ex. kindergarteners with Harry Potter books). Sometimes some slip through by mistake.
We do our best to make sure that the books will add value rather
than simply frustrate a student, thereby creating a negative experience with a book.
One thing that I will say to higher-level readers is, don't be ashamed to take out a
book that is technically below your reading level- no shame in it. In fact, the ease of
reading will "free up" the student to simply enjoy the story. The idea with library books
is to enjoy the reading experience, free of the normal classroom constraints about level
(within reason, of course). I will also tell students who always want to take books at the
highest reading levels to save some books to enjoy in the next few years. A book they might
be able to read today and like pretty well, might be a book that they would LOVE in a couple of years,
because the child's perspective will change as they grow, and their understanding of stories will only
become richer with experience. I encourage students to relax and read around a range of different levels.
Kids rush themselves so much to grow up! And of course they like the cache of being "an advanced reader",
but I don't want them to feel that they must always read at a high level, which wouldmake them miss
the experience of reading widely and for enjoyment at a range of levels, particularly those stories that are most
enjoyable for younger readers.
All that said (phew!), if a child is having trouble finding books at their level, one thing they can do when
searching books in our catalog, is to delimit the reading level for themselves (screen shot and instructions above).
This can also be done with parent-support at home. And of course, ask the Librarian and/or friends to recommend
a book for them! Please also note that I am very happy to take time with individuals to show them different books
that match their interest and reading level. This is more easily done between classes, since the class periods are very
short and don't always allow for relaxed and thorough shelf-browsing. If parents would like to be involved, this can also
be done after school- please contact me at 360-1660.
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