Skip to main content

Maurice W. Downing Primary School

Schools

Popular Links

Library

Elementary Library Media Center

Maurce W. Downing Primary School

516-887-6474

Davison Avenue Intermediate School

516-887-6467

Learning Commons Model

Different from the quiet, static reading space of traditional libraries, Library Media Centers should provide a dynamic physical and virtual presence that supports learning outcomes from every academic discipline and provides students with the information and technology resources needed to build knowledge.  As an extension of the classroom the Library Media Center should facilitate collaborative lessons, small group work, research, multidisciplinary projects, personal inquiry, communication, interactive learning and a wide variety of digital media technologies.

Library Media Center Vision Statement

The library media center will serve as the school’s physical and virtual center for active and engaged learning. Utilizing the Learning Commons Model, (outlined below) the Library Media Center will support student achievement through inquiry based instruction, individual investigation, and innovative thinking, with a focus on developing literacies for the information age in a digital society.

Learning Commons Model

Different from the quiet, static reading space of traditional libraries, Library Media Centers should provide a dynamic physical and virtual presence that supports learning outcomes from every academic discipline and provides students with the information and technology resources needed to build knowledge.  As an extension of the classroom the Library Media Center should facilitate collaborative lessons, small group work, research, multidisciplinary projects, personal inquiry, communication, interactive learning and a wide variety of digital media technologies.

Local Public Libraries

Online Databases

  • World Book Online
  • Book Flix

    BookFlix is an online subscription database that pairs a fiction video storybook with a related nonfiction ebook. An engaging way to link fact and fiction, BookFlix reinforces early reading skills and provides a variety of reading activities.

  • True Flix

    TrueFlix is an online subscription database that features a True Book (nonfiction) series ebook (advanced reading level) and pairs it with a short video film on the subject. It also provides a variety of research activities.

  • Brain Pop

    Brain Pop & Brain Pop Jr. are a collection of short animated movies for students in grades K-12 that help introduce new topics and illustrate complex concepts, covering the subjects of science, social studies, English, mathematics, engineering and technology, health, and arts and music.

  • Kids InfoBits

    Kids InfoBits is a database for researchers in Kindergarten through Grade 5, covering geography, current events, the arts, science, health, people, government, history, sports and more topics all from elementary reference sources and magazines. Remote access available through Find It! on library homepage.

  • Searchasaurus

    Searchasaurus users will be riveted by the colorful, animated interface, complete with erupting volcanoes and a dinosaur guide, as they gather information on a wide range of topics.

  • Pebble Go

    Four databases including Animals, Earth and Space, Biographies, and Social Studies, each features leveled text and navigation specifically designed for beginning researchers. Enriched with spoken-word audio, text highlighting and audio and video clips, PebbleGo builds a foundation of research skills for every learner.

  • Pebble Go Next

    Pebble Go Next is the next step in research for students in grades 3-6. Includes States and American Indian studies module.

  • Enchanted Learning

    Enchanted Learning has 35,000 pages of digital K-12 educational material, covering a wide range of topics emphasizing creativity and the pure enjoyment of learning.

  • EasyBib

    Easybib is an online works cited maker. Supporting MLA, ALA, and Chicago format, simply input source information and citation is created ready to be used in research project.

Teacher Resources

  • TeachingBooks for Schools

    enter work email for login

    If you read fiction and nonfiction books in any discipline or setting, TeachingBooks.net's database of instructional materials will enliven your K–12 reading and library activities.

    Other Teacher Resources (and login info) coming soon!