Most parents want to know their childs library day. My reply, Every day is your child's library day. The Salem Elementary media schedule allows students to circulate books when they need them. Our program allows integration of information skills and classroom instruction. A typical day in the media center consists of students doing independent research, individuals or small groups of students checking out books with the help of parent volunteers, students using computers to work on projects, classes being taught, and storytelling conducted in the media center.
Teachers have the freedom to schedule whole classes or send small groups to the media center.
Our program is student centered and encourages the natural curiosity of children. Other parents asked about age appropriate reading materials for their child. Reading instruction shifted from the primary use of basal readers to encouraging teachers to use literature as the basis for teaching reading. Previously, teachers were responsible for teaching children reading skills and media specialists for helping children enjoy reading. Our roles now are to collaborate and create the best possible experience for the students here.