It’s hard to believe, but here we are at the start of another school year.
While there is still an air of uncertainty around COVID-19 and its continued implications, this year feels much different.
At the beginning of last year, I wondered whether my son’s school would stay open the entire year, and what we would do if they closed. They did end up closing, and by the fall every other day became “bring your child to work” day. I wondered how he would handle masks and social distancing in the classroom. Much to my surprise, he just rolled with it.
While many of last year’s fears have abated, one thing I still see my fellow parents anguish over is the loss of learning that may have happened. I understand those concerns, but take comfort in the fact that my child is not alone in this. If he is “behind,” then so is every other child.
But will expectations for each grade level or standardized testing adjust to match the recent experiences of our kids during COVID? This is a question I do not have an answer to, but as a children’s librarian, I at least recognize the variety of resources available to my child should he need to supplement his learning.
The Kids Department at Greenwood Public Library has an extensive nonfiction section catering to a variety of reading levels. We also recently completed our transition to Subject Savvy to make it easier to find books on any topic. Rather than categorize books by numbers, we have organized them by topic.
Need a book about snakes for a school report? Simply head to the Animal section and look for the Reptiles subheading. Looking for a science fair project? Check out the Experiments subheading in Science.
Children learning how to read can take advantage of our Beginning Reader collection, which includes everything from decodable reader sets to easy-to-read books featuring favorite characters such as Spiderman or Elephant and Piggie.
Our VOX books collection features books with built-in audio players so children can listen along as they read their favorite books. Audiobooks can be found alongside print versions on our shelves, which often provide an enjoyable alternative for the most reluctant of readers.
The library is proud to partner with Paws and Think to offer their Paws to Read Program to aid children practicing reading. Their therapy dogs provide children with a non-judgmental listener as they improve literacy, comprehension and confidence.
Many families ask us for books at certain levels based on what their teacher has assigned. When this information is available to us, we place a yellow sticker on the spine label of our Beginning Reader books indicating the Fountas and Pinnell level (i.e. A, B, C, etc.). For our Jr. Fiction, Fiction, Graphic Novels and Nonfiction collection, we write the AR level and points and/or Lexile level inside the front cover when applicable.
Of course, if you have visited the library, you know our collection is so much more than books. Our STEAM kit collection offers a plethora of materials to supplement your child’s learning from math games to scientific discovery with items such as telescopes.
The library’s love of STEAM-based learning does not stop at kits. Children in grades K-5 can register for Miss Linda’s weekly Full STEAM Ahead programs. For those who can’t participate in person, we offer a virtual option on the Greenwood Public Library YouTube page.
Speaking of virtual options, you can also look to the library’s website for school and homework help. From the databases in the “Find Stuff” section of our website, to a list of local tutors and resources for learners with disabilities on the “Kids and Teens” section, the library has curated a wide variety of resources.
Whether the school year is a return to normal or finding a new normal, we hope you’ll look to the library for your child’s learning needs. For resources and program information, stop by the Kids Department or visit us online at www.greenwoodlibrary.us.
If we learned anything from our experiences with COVID, it is that even when we were apart, we were all in this together, and Greenwood Public Library remains committed to providing our kids with the tools they need to succeed no matter where they are on their learning journeys.
