This lesson is the library component of a unit on families. In this lesson, children discover the non-fiction section of the library and narrow down their research topic to include one animal of their choice. Motivation is enhanced because children have a choice of what they will research and ultimately how they will present the results of their research.

Students will be able to:

- Find the non-fiction section of the library
- Locate information in a book about penguins, polar bears, whales, et al.

- Choose a favorite animal to research

-And Tango Makes Three, read by the librarian

- An assortment of non-fiction books on “baby” animals.

-Picture books
-Posters of different animals, and penguins

- comparative chart (see SupportingFiles)

THE LIBRARY LESSON:

1. The librarian reads And Tango Makes Three, a non-fiction book of a remarkable TRUE story of a “penguin family.”
2. The librarian discusses the differences between fiction and non-fiction books. Children are encouraged to ask questions.
3. The classroom teacher uses the posters of different families to open up the discussion of differences and similarities.
4. The librarian models how to find the non-fiction section of the library, how to find books about penguins -- and other animal families-- and how to locate information inside books.
5. The students explore the non-fiction section on their own with help from the librarian and classroom teacher as needed. It is important that students have adequate time for exploration.
6. The students narrow down their research topic on baby animals and their families to one animal they choose to research.

-Observations of whether students can successfully navigate the non-fiction section of the library and locate information within books.
- How successful they are at filing in the comparative chart

-Has child been able to generate a research topic?