St. Pat's library operates with block schedule in an open environment. Here are some typical questions.
Is my child able to get a library book during his class visits?
No. We utilize a system called "circulation at the point of need". Classroom teachers have times in their day for students to visit the library for books. The library is open all day for such short, independent visits that more closely resemble adult library behavior. Some teachers build a full-class library shopping trip each week. Ask your child's classroom teacher for the times she allows for book selection.Back to Top
How do I know when my child's book is due?
Students should return their books using the book bins in their classrooms as soon as they are finished with them. That way, more students have access to the most popular materials. Students who read quickly, or who check out a non-fiction book for quick reference will return them within a day or so. Students who are slower readers have all the time they need. The computer program alerts me when books have been out longer than average, and I contact the student (or you, if necessary).Back to Top
Are there fines for late books?
No. We try to encourage good library habits, but do not penalize forgetful students. The library charges a replacement fee for lost books.Back to Top
How can my child do a better job picking out books that he can read well?
In the library, I teach several ways for students to evaluate materials. 1. They use the "five finger rule", in which they test the difficulty of the material by reading a page and counting on their fingers the number of missed words. If they reach five fingers before the bottom of the page, the book is probably not a good match. 2. Students should know that the inside front cover (or back cover of some books) have a blurb, or synopsis of the book that helps them know the genre and general plot. 3. Students can share likes and dislikes with one another. 4. Young students should be sure that the book has enough pictures to ensure that they can enjoy it even if they can't read it. 5. In the "reading lists" section of my web page, you can see an example of a typical reference intereview.Back to Top
Should a child be reading his books all the way through?
Think of your own reading habits. Do you look through a magazine quickly before you sit down to one or more sections that interest you? Do you put a book down if you can't "get into" it at the first chapter? Do you have more than one book going at once--one in each room of the house? We should respect our children's "authentic reading". School is a different matter. Students should make sure they are meeting their classroom teachers' criteria for reading.Back to Top
How can I improve my child's comprehension?
Our recent DIBELS tests show that the speed and fluency with which children read does not assure they can remember many details of what they have read. Students should occasionally stop while reading, and think about what they have read. When words are difficult, students who sound out the words will learn a new word--those who skip over an unknown word will never learn it.Back to Top
What's the deal with Accelerated Reader?
We use Accelerated Reader as an enrichment program here at St. Pat's. Each classroom teacher has different requirements for his or her students. The A/R lab is located in the library. Mrs. Lehmuller is the contact person for any procedural or software program questions. Classroom teachers are the ones to contact if you have questions about your child's progress.Back to Top
YES! YES! YES! Our current AR system is web-based, and any computer with online access can be configured to allow access. We have recently made the decision to open the system up for at home test taking. With a few exceptions (teachers may limit test-taking on classroom novels), students can test at their leisure. The link is below. https://hosted95.renlearn.com/39772/ Use your regular log in and password.Back to Top