Big World, Little Library
in collaboration with Shelby Fuentes, 2nd grade HTeNC
Project Description
Being able to read is more than a way to stay entertained, it is a gateway into the world. During this project, second grade students at HTeNC will learn about literacy and the importance of access to books, through creating a book sharing library for the neighborhood. Together, they will go through the blueprint and critique process to create and build a small free standing structure to serve as the Free Library. Students will research locations where access to books are limited and pair with a preschool to help create a book sharing program on their campus. Students will use data collected on the wide variety of books represented in libraries as well as book preferences of children at the preschool in order to fill the free libraries. Students will also write a custom made book for each preschooler.
Below you will see a broad view of our project outline. Please note that plans are subject to change.
The project is broken into two chapters. Chapter one is focused on the importance of access to literature and building the structure that will be our library. Chapter two is focused on writing engaging books that are relevant to young readers.
| Chapter 1
(January 11- March 18th) Driving Question: How can we create a library that gives access to books for communities with limited resources? Math
Writing
Reading
Speaking and Listening
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| Week 1: Access to Literature
(January 11th-15th) |
-Launch the project
-Explain why it is important for people to be able to access books |
| Week 2: Free Little Library
(January 19th- 22nd) |
Monday 18th – MLK Jr. Holiday, No School
-Make a list of what we need to know if we are going to make a Free Little Library and well as questions we have Fieldwork: Thursday (21th) Visit the San Marcos Public Library |
| Week 3: Libraries and Book Deserts
January 25th-29th |
-What prevents people from getting books?
(use books about access to books to facilitate conversation) Fieldwork: Wednesday (27th) Preschool |
| Week 4: Designing the Free Little Library
February 1st-5th |
-In partners, draw first draft of blueprints with graph paper for little library figure
Expert: Bring in architect to teach about blueprints -Critique first drafts based on rubric we co create with Brandy our expert and begin 2nd draft Fieldwork: Wednesday (3rd) Visit the Preschool |
| Week 5:
February 8th-11th |
-Use 2nd drafts of critique to make a small group blueprint
-Brainstorm materials we will need to build the structure and measurements Friday 12th – President’s Day Weekend, No School |
| Week 6:
February 16th-19th |
Monday February 15th – President’s Day Weekend, No School
-Finish blueprints -Make Free Little Library Prototype -Calculate the cost of the materials we will need Fieldwork: Visit Preschool, interview for book interests. |
| Week 7:
February 22nd-26th |
-Write instructions on how to build a “Free Little Library”
Tentative Fieldwork: Maker’s Place to cut wood and put together |
| Week 8:
February 29th – March 4th |
-Painting Structure
-Finish instructions |
| Week 9:
March 7th-11th |
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| Week 10:
March 14th -18th |
-Prepare for exhibition
School Exhibition on March 15th |
| Driving Question: How can we write engaging books that are relevant to kids? OR How can we write a good story that kids will love? Chapter Two Learning Targets Math
Writing
Reading
Speaking and Listening
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| Week 11:
April 4 – 8 |
What makes a book exciting to read?
How do people choose books What kinds of books are there? How can we help other people love reading? SLC Prep |
| Week 12:
April 11 – 15 |
Genres to find in the library
Go on a genre hunt (use stickers to label different genres in our library) Mystery Fantasy Realistic Fiction Comic |
| Week 13:
April 18 – 22 |
Genres Study
Mystery Fantasy Realistic Fiction Comic Create big picture rubrics as a class for attributes of each genre expert: Children’s Book Author? |
| Week 14:
April 25 – 29 |
Story starters (6 ways)
One sentence per genre (+ informational and how to) -Choose direction for story (genre) Fieldwork: Preschool Final interview and choose direction |
| Week 15: | Write first draft plan on a storyboard
-Characters, Setting, Problem, Solution First Draft |
| Week 16: | Second and final draft writing |
| Week 17: | What makes good illustrations? |
| Week 18: | Send books to printer |
| Week 19: | Get books, exhibit,
Ribbon and installation of free library? |