Suzanne Stewart
Staff Writer
McClintic Library and Hillsboro Library have been acting as the home libraries for Marlinton Elementary School and Hillsboro Elementary School, respectively, providing a space for students to explore books and learn more about reading and literature.
For the past 20 years, the libraries have also provided an educational program for the students that goes above and beyond just teaching them how to check out books and find books in the catalogue.
As they are learning about the subjects in those books – whether it be spiders, the food chain, dinosaurs and even a local author – the students are learning in a creative way at the libraries.
At McClintic Library, Sharla Sherman works with the students three days a week – kindergarten through fifth grade. At Hillsboro, Susan Arbogast meets with preschool through fifth grade two days a week.
Both follow a curriculum which was developed by previous library educator Deborah Johnson, as well as educational material Arbogast received from the University of Virginia.
The educators read poetry and provide vocabulary words for each grade level.
In addition, the students learn how to search the library catalogue and shelves for the books they want to read.
“I’ve been teaching them how to use the catalogue here in the library,” Sherman said. “It’s automated. They can get on the computer and use the title or use the author’s name to look up a book. They can use the computers in the library, and they can easily get on to the catalogue.”
While Arbogast awaits the children’s catalogue update at Hillsboro, she has shown the students how to peruse the stacks and find a book the old-fashioned way.
“Sharla is starting this year, and we’re getting it set up for Hillsboro so we can teach each class how to use the catalogue, how to find a book in the library, how to find a book that you like in the library and kind of establish those skills so they can use them for research, as needed, for recreation and also familiarity with the public library system,” library director Hallie Herold said.
Among the lesson plans is a special local book for the fourth grade at both schools. Green Bank Elementary-Middle School’s fourth grade is also doing the lesson with its in school library.
Arbogast and Sherman said they will be doing a lesson with the fourth grade on “The Big Wave,” by Pearl S. Buck, who was born in Hillsboro. After the lesson, the students will take a field trip to the Pearl S. Buck Birthplace where they will learn more about the Pulitzer Prize winning author.
“That’s a new addition, doing a more in-depth unit on Pearl Buck that will culminate with a field trip,” Herold said.
Also new this year is the addition of art lessons provided by local artist and educator Vivian Blackwood.
At the moment, the art lessons will only be offered at Hillsboro, but there is hope it will grow to include Marlinton classes, as well.
“We’re going to be dipping our toes into this in Hillsboro this year,” Herold said. “Vivian has a background in art education, so we’re excited to have her come in. She’s put together a really great curriculum focusing on different artists for each grade.”
The Hillsboro Library Friends group has purchased materials for the program and Blackwood has selected artists from all over the world for the curriculum. She will teach the students about the artist and their style of art, then lead them in a project where they will create a piece of work in the artist’s style.
“I’m used to one grade having 130 students and teaching them all in one day, which was brutal; whereas, now, one class has six students, making it so luxurious,” Blackwood said. “Being able to connect with students, this is really lovely. We’ll be able to have nice, deep conversations and talk about the artwork and the artists and what was happening historically to inspire the artwork.”
As the program continues to grow and evolve from its humble beginnings, Herold said she has enjoyed learning about how it started and is excited to see where it goes.
“It’s always exciting to see what new things will be incorporated each year and the impact it will make on the students that come over.”
Arbogast and Sherman agree. They both said they love working with the students and are glad to get input about the students’ experiences.
“The children really look forward to coming to library time,” Sherman said. “For me, it’s exciting to see them and to see them enjoy the books they check out.”
Herold said that if anyone has memories they would like to share about their experience with the education program, they are welcome to contact her or the librarians at their local branch.
Those interested in making donations to support the education program may do so by including a note that it is to be earmarked specifically for the program.
