Bedsworth

By Maria Bedsworth During a recent Needs Assessment conducted at Ingram Sowell School the school librarian and the fourth grade teachers were interviewed. The librarian reported that the reference materials available in the library are not being checked out or utilized by teachers and students. The fourth grade teachers have a few of these materials in the classroom. The science/social studies teacher refers to almanacs and atlases as they relate to her lessons. The reading teacher teaches dictionary and thesaurus skills. The students practice these in the classroom through various activities. From this information I concluded that students need to be taught how to utilize the other reference materials for research. Students will also be given a pretest prior to the lesson. [|Pretest Reference Materials.doc] Uses a variety of reference sources (e.g. dictionaries, thesauruses, almanacs, atlases, encyclopedias, newspapers, and magazines). Select sources from which to gather information on a given topic. (Reading 4.1.spi.23) ** Instructional Objectives ** TLW view a power point about reference materials in the library. TLW become aware of some of the materials besides books available in the library. **B.** TLW describe almanacs, atlases, encyclopedias, newspapers, and magazines. TLW construct questions to be answered using one of the resources listed above. TLW will match the reference material to a description and task it can accomplish. TLW be in the library under the instruction of the librarian and library assistant. The materials will be provided for the students. TLW be able to create a question for a certain resource. Teacher will provide help by asking guided questions for those who need assistance. TLW be able to answer questions written by their peers and participate in a discussion about them. TLW score 80%, 8 out of 10 on the posttest. Box of chocolates for set induction LCD Projector Laptop and power point Almanacs Atlases Encyclopedias Newspapers Magazines Variety pack individually wrapped candy Pretest, to be given during a class period prior to this lesson Strips of paper Pencils Basket (one for the class) Posttests The teacher will display a box of chocolates with a variety of flavors included. One will be missing from the box. The teacher will tell the students that the candy missing is her favorite, with caramel in the middle. She will tell them she always eats that one. She will then put the box aside as if she is finished with it. When the students protest that there is still some good candy inside the teacher will say ‘You’re right. We will get to that candy later. The library is like the box of candy. We often think that the library only has one thing to offer, books. But just as my box of candy has many more delicious flavors than the caramel, the library has a wide variety of materials that we can use to find information. We are going to discuss them today.” 1. The teacher will introduce the lesson using the set induction. 2. The teacher will present “Where Do I Go?” power point to class. [|Reference materials power point.ppt] 3. The teacher will review the use of each source as she displays some of the types. Students will name the use of each resource. The teacher will display information in the source and discuss the types of information or the questions that could be answered with each source. 4. The students will be given strips of paper and asked to write one research type question. They will be placed in a basket. 5. Students will choose a question from the basket, read the question aloud, and tell which source will be the best to find the answer. The class will discuss the answers. Teacher will guide the discussion. 6. The students will complete the posttest. [|Posttest Reference Materials.doc] The teacher will say, “We have learned how the library has many resources that we can use to find information. Like my example with the candy, I need to examine those resources to see if it is a “flavor” that I could use or enjoy. As you leave today, please take a piece of candy to remember to utilize all the resources that the library has to offer." This lesson is taught by using power points which will appeal to the visual learner. Students will also be able to view the different types of sources firsthand. They will also be able to look at these after class. Students who have IEPs that state that tests will be given orally will have the test read to them. The assistant will read both pre and posttests to these students. A challenge question will be issued to the class. As a follow-up, the students getting it right could explain it to the rest of the class. This will address the gifted students. There are no ELL students in the 4th grade. Class discussion will be used to determine if the objectives were met or not. A posttest will be given to determine mastery as well. The responses given on the challenge question can also be used to assess the learning. I have not taught this lesson at this time. I will make adaptations as needed after the first time I teach the lesson. This lesson could also be a lead-in to other lessons using one of the sources mentioned to teach a skill.
 * Information Literacy Plan - Teaching Reference Materials, 4th Grade **
 * Pre-Assessment **
 * Standards and goals **
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 * D.**
 * Materials, Media, and other Resources **
 * Teacher:**
 * Students**
 * Set Induction: **
 * Instructional Sequence: **
 * Closure **
 * Adaptation and Extensions **
 * Assessment **
 * Reflection **