Portugal – Cego do Maio school
How do we promote values at school?
Between the several activities our school develops in order to motivate students and promote values we chose to present a set of activities which take place at the school library, a place that aims to strengthen the interest and motivation of students to stay in school. Becoming the heart of school life, welcoming and stimulating, school libraries are places for learning and thinking, and play a key role in supporting and developing enjoyment of reading and multiple literacies.
In what way does our school library promote Values?
The library welcomes and supports all learners and the high value placed on education and learning encourages and grows respect.
Its dynamic environment is a key source for motivating learners and igniting a spirit of curiosity, discussion and debate by developing it as a place of sharing and cultural engagement.
It promotes equity through/by:
- supporting the needs of all learners and providing services to all students and teachers
- ensuring that books and other resources are available at all reading levels, supporting a wide range of learning needs and personal interests
- giving every student the opportunity to learn, to enjoy reading and to create new knowledge and understanding.
The library is a welcoming place for the whole school community. Pre-schoolers, students from all levels and parents are encouraged to visit, and use the library. It is also a place for inclusiveness.
Students’ new learning and ideas are valued and they are actively involved in selecting resources and planning library events and displays.
Some activities organized by the library besides the curricular support it gives to students and teachers:
1) Boxes of books
All students can go to the library and take books home to read but besides that each class at the primary school and preschool (33 classes) have a box with 25 different books that can be used for reading just for pleasure in class or to take home.
2) Visit of writers / illlustrators and storytellers and other personalities
During the school year several personalities are invited to go to school and talk with students.
3) Local and national contests
Scheduling special school events that focus on reading, such as "reading campaigns," "reading awareness week," and "reading celebrations."
Reading competitions come in many shapes and sizes, with the aim of spicing up literature and giving children an incentive to open a book.
A relaxed atmosphere and a positive ethos around reading is really important. Promoting reading as a form of escapism from the general pressures of school and their social lives encourages students to see reading as a form of relaxation, instead of another intelligence test.
4) Exhibitions/fairs
School library helps to prepare students exhibitions and invites parents to open days /night to see/buy students works
5) Extra curricular Workshops
This year the library promotes a workshop of Origami and Christmas ornaments made with recycled materials. During school breaks or after classes students can participate in these workshops at the library.
6) Storytelling – Listen, Tell and…Read
"If children do not enjoy reading when they are young, then they are unlikely to do so when they get older."
Pre-school classes and primary classes are invited to go to the library for short storytelling presentations. After the session children are invited to do different kind of follow up activities – retelling using mimic, illustrating,…
7) Library volunteers ( a way to spend time at school when not having classes)
Shelving: Shelving books for is a very important task because students and teachers can’t check out a book that is not on the shelf!
Cutting/Crafting: From time to time we’ll have laminated items or storytime materials that will need to be cut out, glued, or folded – such as research activities or felt board stories.
Special Events: Help with special days and events such as our Author Visit, Children’s Book Week/National Library Week, or inventory or to help with Book Fair
