The purpose of this learning experience is to engage students in understanding the multifaceted role libraries play in serving community needs. Through hands-on activities and collaboration with the San Francisco Public Library, students will explore library functions and design their own library space that reflects community inclusivity and accessibility. By the end of the project, students will have developed critical thinking and design skills, culminating in a 'Community Library Walkthrough' where they articulate their ideas and solutions to peers and community members.
Learning goals
Students will explore how libraries serve diverse community needs by engaging in hands-on activities that include designing a library space. They will develop skills in collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity as they work in teams to identify community needs and translate them into functional library areas. By the end of the project, students will be able to articulate the role of libraries in communities and present their designs confidently during the Community Library Walkthrough.
Standards
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.2.1: Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about grade 2 topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.7: Conduct short research projects that build knowledge about a topic.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.4: Report on a topic or text, tell a story, or recount an experience in an organized manner, using appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details to support main ideas or themes.
Products
Throughout the project, students will collaboratively design and create a model of a library space using materials such as cardboard, paper, and art supplies. They will also produce informational posters and digital presentations that highlight how different areas of their library model serve various community needs. By the end of the project, students will have developed a comprehensive plan for their library space, including a layout and purpose for each section, which they will present during the 'Community Library Walkthrough.'
Launch
Kick off the project with a dynamic station rotation where students explore the history and evolution of libraries through interactive activities. Set up stations featuring artifacts, digital timelines, and storytelling sessions with a librarian from the San Francisco Public Library. Incorporate a creative station where students build a simple model of a library using blocks or recycled materials, sparking ideas for their own community-focused library designs.
Exhibition
Students will host a 'Community Library Walkthrough' where they present their library designs to peers, family, and community members. During the event, students will act as guides, explaining how each section of their simulated library addresses specific community needs, such as reading areas, digital resource stations, and community event spaces. This exhibition will allow students to showcase their understanding of library functions and their creative solutions for enhancing community engagement.
