Why Libraries??

Summary

The idea is to give students a larger view of the importance of libraries as preservers of history and information. Also help them see the importance of being involved.

Materials

1. Access to the eBook 100 People Who Made History [electronic resource] : Meet the People Who Shaped the Modern World,written by Ben Gilliland (on FollettShelf eBook, or the printed version Published London; New York: DK,2012. Format 128 p.: ill. ISBN 978-0-7566-9866-9 0-7566-9866-9
2. We Are in a Book by Mo Willems ISBN-10: 1423133080 ISBN-13: 2901423133086

Intended Learning Outcomes

Students will understand the importance and impact of reading, books and literacy in history. They can consider why it is important to have libraries and the value of sharing media experiences.

Instructional Procedures

Show the eBook 100 People Who Made History [electronic resource] : Meet the People Who Shaped the Modern World,written by Ben Gilliland.

How do we know about these people? Ask if they think any of them had anything to do with libraries. Highlight Aristotle, born in 384 BC who wrote more than 200 books(p.60-61). Cai Lun who invented paper in 105 AD (p.32), and Johann Gutenberg who invented the movable type printing press in 1454 and "put a book in everyone's hands"(p.33).

The majority of these 100+ people had some connection to books and learning.

All of them were important enough to have been put in this particular book, and other individual books have been written about their accomplishments. Ask the students if they would like to be in a book?

Read "We Are in a Book" by Mo Willems.

You could have a couple students read the parts of Gerald and Piggie. Observe how exciting it would be to be in a book!

Have the students think for a minute about their favorite book, then have them turn quietly to the person next to them and recommend it to them.

Extensions

Upper grades could go to the shelves and get a book they want to recommend to another student.

You could have the students fill out a Book Review form, or just make a list of their favorites to leave in the library for other students to see. You could also create a wall display of favorite books from your students.

Assessment Plan

Listen to the students sharing their favorite books. Encourage them to do that often.