Library and Technology

Norwood School is fortunate to have two large libraries, one in the Lower School and one in the Middle School, that are well stocked with a rich selection of books and online resources to serve the community. The librarians, who offer guidance to students individually and in class, work consistently and diligently to encourage a love of literature with the goal of creating lifelong readers; ensure that students acquire information literacy, including age-appropriate research, library, and critical-thinking skills; stimulate intellectual curiosity, open minds, and a sense of wonder about the diversity of the world.

Our libraries are much more than quiet places where students passively obtain information. Rather, the Norwood libraries are hubs of activity in which students are accessing resources – both print and digital – that advance learning and innovation. Librarians serve as media specialists who support the integration of information literacy, technology skills, and educational technology to enhance learning and innovation across the curriculum. Working closely with the technology department and the director of curriculum and instruction, the library media specialists collaborate with teachers in all grade levels and subject areas to connect students with the best resources (print, digital, and emerging media) while developing strong research and information literacy skills. Norwood seeks to empower students to be ethical, independent, and innovative users of technology throughout their lives, and the School is committed to the use of educational technology as a means of extending and enriching teaching and learning. A priority in Norwood’s technology program is teaching students how to find, decode, evaluate, and organize the vast amount of information available through what has become a global electronic library.

List of 8 items.

  • Pre-kindergarten

    Pre-kindergartners explore Norwood’s library through carefully selected books brought to their classroom by Norwood’s librarians, who work with each student to learn their individual interests and help them select "just-right" books. Our pre-K students are introduced to technology through the use of codable robots, which teach computational thinking without the use of screens.
  • Kindergarten

    During library class, kindergartners are exposed to variations of traditional folktales from all over the world, learning that children from different cultures and countries are more alike than different. They are introduced to technology through the use of iPads, with apps used to strengthen phonological awareness and fine motor skills.  They also learn basic coding using codable robotic devices.
  • First Grade

    First graders develop an appreciation for the role illustrations play in developing the story in picture books. They are introduced to Early Reader books and begin to learn basic library skills. The students continue to use iPads and coding robots to support curricular goals. 
  • Second Grade

    Second graders are taught and able to demonstrate a basic understanding of the Dewey Decimal System. They start doing author studies, learning about visual literacy through a study of Caldecott award winning books, and they research countries and animals for class projects. The students engage in research using both print and online resources. Additionally, they continue to explore technology using iPad apps to support language arts and math studies.
  • Third Grade

    Third graders participate in author studies, identify relationships between fiction and nonfiction literature and real life. They begin to use the online catalog to locate books of choice using the Dewey Decimal System. Students begin formal keyboarding instruction using classroom tablets. In addition, through projects and assignments, they create and publish their work using Office products. 
  • Fourth Grade

    Fourth graders are able to listen to longer texts, and they make text-to-text and text-to-self connections with the literature. They compare and contrast different genres, continue to learn about Newbery award winning books, and study character portrayal and development in literature. Students use tablets to reinforce keyboarding skills and learn to integrate more types of media into their work. They also explore the fundamentals of layout and design. Students perform online research and begin to learn how to evaluate and select appropriate sources to answer questions.
  • Grade 5 & 6

    Fifth and sixth grade students attend regular library media classes, which cover content in digital and textual literacy. Students familiarize themselves with their "new" library through activities such as book scavenger hunts that offer hands-on experience in finding materials. They apply these skills to projects in other classes. Students also learn how to use more complicated databases for online research and continue to learn about the ethical synthesis and production of information. Fifth and sixth graders take ownership of their laptops, and lessons build upon earlier work in the Lower School: for example, structuring file management, finding best resources for a project, and utilizing software applications to complete assignments. Additionally, students continue to learn about the fundamentals of computer science, including lessons on hardware functions and the basics of coding. 
  • Grade 7 & 8

    In seventh and eighth grades, students refine and build upon the skills and knowledge they’ve covered in earlier grades. The location of the Middle School Library on the seventh and eighth grade hallway makes it a hub of their school experience; as many of their assignments and projects require original research as well as peer-to-peer collaboration, the library supports many aspects of students’ academic work. Technology instruction continues in support of and is woven into the curriculum of other classes. Furthering students’ knowledge of computer science, a class on coding is offered as an elective. Students are welcome in the library before school, during lunch, recess, and study halls. Seventh and eighth graders also enjoy organizing and leading pizza lunch book clubs throughout the year.

Faculty

List of 2 members.

  • Photo of Kelly Dickinson

    Kelly Dickinson 

    Media Resource Specialist and Advisor
    Randolph College - B.A.
    University of Pittsburgh - MLIS
  • Photo of G. Elizabeth Gray

    Liz Gray 

    Lower School Librarian
    Eckerd College - B.A.
    University of South Florida - M.A.
Located in Bethesda, MD, Norwood School develops students in grades PK-8 into confident lifelong learners who have the academic, character, and leadership skills to succeed in high school and beyond. Recognizing that children are multi-faceted, Norwood provides many opportunities for safe risk-taking, exploration, discovery, and growth in a nurturing, supportive, and inclusive school community.