Learning Objectives

As a future librarian, I’ve got some pretty specific things I want to get better at. For the sake of my DFW, they’re called learning objectives. Here they are and how I’m meeting them:

1. Improve my storytelling and story reading skills

  • Nearly every Wednesday I read to the 2nd graders and Kindergarteners
  • I prepared and performed the story “The Monkey’s Heart” for K, 2nd, and 3rd graders

2. Create effective displays

  • My first display was for Tall Tales directed at 4th graders studying them
  • I planned and created the “Let’s Get Trivial” display
  • I helped create and maintain the Award Winners display
  • I created the Poetry display
  • I regularly pull books on particular subjects (Valentine’s Day, Black History, Chinese New Year) to display in the Story Room

3. Improve my instruction skills by teaching and observing lessons

  • I planned a lesson to teach the 3rd graders how to use the library catalog
  • I observe Lisa’s Research Methods class and sometimes assist her students
  • I led a group of 3rd graders in a Readers’ Theatre project

4. Provide reference and reader’s advisory support

  • I answer dozens of questions after every K, 2nd, and 3rd grade library class when the students have time to check out books
  • I give book talks to 5th graders on Fridays
  • I spend time at the desk taking questions from students and teachers

In addition to my stated learning objectives, I’ve also helped Jenine with weeding, learned about cataloging from Lindi, helped Jody with collection development, and observed Lisa acting as an intellectual freedom advocate for the school.