Lower School Library

The Lower School Library collection houses over 12,000 items, with an overall collection copyright date of 2002. Our goal is to keep the Fiction and Everybody (picture book) sections fresh and updated with current children’s literature. Our ultimate goal for the non-fiction section is to have an average copyright date in each of the 10 numbered Dewey sections to be no older than 5 years from the current date.

The CCES Lower School has an open library; all students may visit any time during the week, as often as they would like, to exchange their books. Each week, primers and first graders visit the library for a 30-minute scheduled time.

The Lower School Library Team

Melissa Adair, Lower School Librarian: 299.1522, x1260, adairm@cces.org

Tracy Breazeale, Lower School Library Assistant, 299.1522 x1260, breazeat@cces.org

Primer (K)

Library topics are integrated into their classroom studies. Students learn about dictionaries, encyclopedias, and atlases as part of their studies.

First Grade

During first grade, students study the seven continents. They spend 4 weeks on each continent, reading 2 fiction books from each continent as well as the non-fiction book about that continent from the series Our Amazing Continents (April Pulley Sayre). During the fourth week, students label their own maps with important countries from that continent. At the end of the school year, the students will make their own world atlases using these maps.

Second Grade

Formal research begins in second grade. The students use their non-fiction reading strategies to answer questions and take notes on what they read using the Trash ‘N Treasure method of note taking. Second graders use these skills when researching their animals for the ecosystems research as well as their planets for the solar system research. The entire research process is demonstrated to the second graders using the Independent Investigation Method (IIM) and the Super3 (three steps to successful research). The students research (brainstorming research questions, taking notes by highlighting and then writing treasure words, organizing those notes, writing sentences/paragraphs from those notes) a particular habitat, an animal, and a planet using the IIM and Super3. During the research, the students are reminded how to use encyclopedias, tables of content, and indices to help them with their research.

Second graders also learn how to quickly and easily find words in the dictionary by playing the Mystery Word Game. They then use this knowledge to find words in a thesaurus, a resource many second graders will hopefully use more often to enhance their word choices in their writings.

The second graders learn how to use the Everybody and Fiction sections of the library independently, relying on call numbers to help them find books on the shelves. Students are also taught how to use the online library catalog.

The rest of the year is filled with exciting activities like creating and filming book commercials and using hand-held GPS units to do geocaching on campus during the unit on communities.

Third Grade

Formal research continues in third grade. They continue to take notes using the Trash N’ Treasure method learned in 2nd grade, but this year the emphasis is on using synonyms for “treasure words,” thus allowing students to truly put notes in their own words.

In addition, they learn how to highlight important information in articles.

During third grade, the entire research process is once again demonstrated using the Independent Investigation Method (IIM) and the Big 6 (six steps to successful research). Research projects include research on a famous artist, an entrepreneur/inventor, a human body system, and a natural disaster.

Fourth Grade

Formal research continues in fourth grade. They continue to take notes using the Trash N’ Treasure method that they learned in 2nd and 3rd grades, with continuing emphasis on using synonyms for “treasure words,” thus allowing students to truly put notes in their own words. This year, they are allowed to use note cards for note taking. As in previous years, the entire research process is again demonstrated to the 4th graders using the Independent Investigation Method (IIM) and the Big 6 (six steps to successful research). The students research (brainstorming research questions, taking notes, organizing those notes, writing sentences/paragraphs from those notes) famous explorers, Revolutionary War notables, a type of communication, and their exhibition topic.

NOTE: Not only do we have an open library where children may visit at any time to check out, we have a flexible library schedule, meaning classes may come as often as they need for research purposes. Mrs. Adair may see one class anywhere from 1 to 3+ times per week, depending on their information literacy needs. Mrs. Adair prefers teaching in the classrooms, which minimizes transition time and helps the children focus more on the topic at hand.

We are fortunate to have Mrs. Breazeale, the full-time assistant librarian, who is typically in the library most of the day assisting children with book selection, checkouts, book processing, research, weeding, etc. We are also fortunate to have a number of faithful volunteers who come each week.

Hours of Operation

The library is open during school hours from 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Circulation

Primers check out 2 library books per week after Christmas break (1 book before Christmas break), one they can read to a parent and one a parent can read to them. They usually return the books the following week to check out 2 more books. Children in grades 1-4 may take out up to 2 books or magazines at a time and may have up to 4 books/magazines out under their names. Books are due 2 weeks from the checkout date. Overdue books are not fined, but children may not check out until overdue books are cleared. Overdue notices are sent home once a week with students. Notices and charge slips will be given for any books considered lost, and once the charge slips are signed and returned, the students’ accounts will be charged for the lost books. (Note: Books that are 2 months overdue are automatically marked as lost and charged to the students’ accounts.)  Lost and paid books that are found and returned are credited to the accounts. Parents with questions or concerns are encouraged to call the library office at 864.299.1522 x1260 or e-mail us at breazeat@cces.org.

Book Fair

The school book fair is an opportunity for children to build home libraries with current books, while assisting our school library financially. A committee of parent volunteers working with the library staff publicizes and operates the fair. Volunteering for the book fair is a wonderful way to get to know other parents and children. A Scholastic Book Fair is held in late October/early November each year, and each class has a scheduled time to attend. Parents are invited to attend the fair at their children’s scheduled times to view the books with them. During the month of May, we also have a weekend book fair at Barnes and Noble at the Shops at Greenridge. This is an all-school event.

Author Visits

To encourage appreciation of literature, the Lower School Library sponsors bi-annual author or illustrator visits. The visits usually occur in the late winter or spring, and parents are invited to attend. Prior to the event, families are given the opportunity to purchase autographed books for home libraries. Parents will receive publicity and ordering information prior to the event.

Useful Links

Lower School Library On-Line Catalog (OPAC)

Independent Investigation Method 

6 Steps to Successful Research