Literature Curriculum - Preschool and Lower School Library
In the Preschool and Lower School library classes the literature component focuses on traditional literature, fables, folktales and fairy tales, as well as classic books from children's literature. A brief summary by grade level includes:
Pre-K - We will share nursery tales such as The Three Billy Goats Gruff, the Three Little Pigs, and Henny Penny, using traditional versions and comparing them with variations. We also share stories related to the classroom units, exciting new books, and study several authors and illustrators.
Kindergarten - In addition to author studies and some titles related to the social studies curriculum, we share classic children's stories, often correlated with the letter book study. We introduce non-fiction books and a number of
I Can Read series.
First Grade - In first grade we read animal folklore from around the world, with an emphasis on Africa. We share trickster and pourquoi stories with an element of map study and habitat investigation. Students respond to the literature through writing and drawing activities. Formal research begins in first grade with an African animal project done in conjunction with Mr. Schaefer in the computer lab.
Second Grade - We start the year with several author studies, including authors Bill Peet and Robert McCloskey. There is an extensive unit on fairy tales from around the world. We also share Native American folklore and complete a research project on an animal native to North America, a project collaboratively planned and taught with Mr. Schaefer.
Third Grade - In support of the third grade study of the United States, we have a historical fiction unit on Immigration, talking about the reasons various peoples have come here and sharing some of their stories. We use a biography unit to again touch on the study of America and to introduce note-taking and other research skills. The oral tradition component continues in third grade with a comparison of many Cinderella stories from around the world.
Fourth Grade - Although fourth grade is a year where a substantial amount of library time is spent on research skills, we do start the year with North Carolina legends and also do an extensive unit on Jack Tales, traditional tales from Appalachia, comparing these tales with traditional tales from other countries.
Click here for chart of PS & LS Information Skills Curriculum
