Knes Family Library

Traditional storytelling is a unique part of Lab Schools'  Library programs, begun in the Early Childhood's Lim Library with kindergarteners and continuing in our Lower School's Knes Family Library. Lower School students enjoy extending their active listening skills as librarians share traditional tales from around the world along with occasional literary tales.  Stories are told without any books or props to distract attention from the story itself. In addition to being a great deal of fun, storytelling enhances language acquisition and attention span, as well as reading, writing, memory, and visualization skills.

As students progress through the LS grades, they advance their ability to independently access library resources, learning to use the online library catalog along with a wide variety of print and online research resources.  The concepts of fiction vs. nonfiction are reinforced along with an introduction to distinguishing between reliable and unreliable sources of information. 

During weekly library class times, through specially curated bibliographies, and with individual reader's advisory and research support provided by librarians, students are introduced to a wide spectrum of literature, including fiction, poetry and folklore, along with non-fiction. Lower School students participate in evaluating literature critically as part of the Sutherland Award program.   Every year, authors and/or illustrators visit Lower School students to talk to them about the creative process.