Toronto Montessori Schools Library

“Your information place.”

 

In keeping with the TMS Mission Statement, the TMS Library encourages a spirit of inquiry that supports lifelong learning. Through the development of information literacy skills, students learn to access and utilize information in ways that lead to knowledge and further exploration. The development of student competence in research and study skills is most effective when integrated with classroom instruction through co-operative programme planning by the classroom teachers and the teacher-librarian. The Library programme continues to foster an interest and understanding of literature that promotes a love of reading. This is one of the most valuable resources that students can take with them into adult life.

 

TMS Library Resources

 

A wide variety of print and non-print resources are available. These include: fiction, non-fiction, videos, books on tape, music CDs and online resources.

General Library Use Guidelines

Students are encouraged to use the library independently, in small groups or as a class for resource selection and research. Children’s House classes have a scheduled library period each (six day) cycle in addition to their daily book exchange. Students in Grades 1 to 8 have open access to the library throughout the school day for independent research, reading and resource selection. Students come as a class or in groups on a scheduled basis to work on units of study that the classroom teachers and teacher-librarian have cooperatively planned. These units of study promote the development of information and critical thinking skills and are an integral component of the classroom programs.

Hours

Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Study Hall for Grades 4 to 8
(4:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

 

All students select and check out library resources during classroom hours, independently, and as part of their classroom programs.

 

This process promotes the development of responsibility and independence.

Borrowing Materials

• Students may borrow a maximum of two resources (one per topic) for a two week period.
• Reading materials should be exchanged as soon as they have been read.
• Students in Children's House are encouraged to exchange books daily.
• Reference material is used in the library.
• Some resources are reserved for library use only and/or overnight loan.
• Overnight loans are due by 9:00 a.m. the next day.
• All videos are overnight loans.
• Overdue fines are 5 cents per day per item to a maximum of $1.00.
• Students accept full responsibility for resources they borrow.
• Replacement cost is charged for any lost or damaged resources.

Computer Use

• 5 networked computers are available for student use in the library.
• Students in a scheduled library class have priority access to computers.
• There is a maximum of two students allowed per computer workstation.
• The TMS Computer Acceptable Use policy applies in the library.

The Research Process

• How to Begin
• Questions to Ask
• How to Gather Information
• How to Reference Your Project
• Recommended Search Engines
• Using the Internet's Search Engines
• Evaluating Internet Information

Information Resources

• StudentLink
• TMS Online Catalogue
• TMS Online Databases (password required)
• The Richmond Hill Public Library
• The Canadian Encyclopedia
• Careers
• Government
• Magazines
• Newspapers

TMS Reads

• New Titles
• TMS Top Picks
• Recommended Reading Lists
• Thinking About What You Read
• Responding to What You Read

Teachers' Resources

• Information Skills Continuum
• TMS Montessori Curriculum
• Montessori Education Links
• Ontario Ministry of Education
• Professional Journals