Preschool Library Lesson Plan: Using Curious George

Preschool Library Lesson Plan: Using Curious George
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In this preschool library lesson, students will learn about the library. Not only will children experience the wonders of the library but they will also be able to integrate mathematical skills as well as logic into this lesson.

Materials Needed:

· Scissors

· Markers

· Stickers

· Lamination Paper

· Colorful Construction Paper

Prior Knowledge:

Before starting the lesson, ask students if they have ever been to the library. Some great leading questions are:

  • What is a library?
  • What can you do in a library?
  • What can you NOT do in a library?
  • Who has a library card?

Read H.A. Rey’s book Curious George Visits the Library. This is a fun book which will introduce students to the basic concepts of a library and what the library is all about. Make observations and ask the students questions during the book such as:

  • George likes many types of books. What types of books do you like?
  • Have you ever seen a library cart like this before?
  • What do you think may happen if George stacks too many books on the cart?

Teach:

Review with the students what a library is and discuss where the local library is in the neighborhood. If this is not done already state to the class that you will set up a classroom library which will be run like the local library. Books will be categorized in sections and each student must fill out a class library card which they will use to borrow books.

Procedure:

As part of the library lesson plan, explain what a library card is used for and why you need to use the cards. Distribute index card size pieces of paper, which have been precut from construction paper. Allowing the students to have various colors make the cards more fun. Have each child write their name on the construction paper. They can write their whole name or first name with last name initial. Have the children decorate the cards with stickers which you have chosen. These can be character stickers, flower stickers, or even smiley faces. Next, the teacher will laminate each card with lamination paper or contact paper.

It may be best to allow the students to check books out during class time. For instance, when reading time begins have students check out one or two books which they will look over at the desk. When reading time is over the books will be returned. After students get used to checking out books you can allow the students to bring the checked out books home. You can start by checking books out on a weekly basis, and may possibly lead to a daily basis. This allows for the students to take responsibility for the book. As the teacher you can use your own discretion as to how many books may be checked out at once.

Assess:

Ask students questions about the library which they learned during the lesson:

  • What do we need to borrow a book?
  • What is a library?
  • What types of books are in libraries?
  • Why must we be quiet in a library?

Discuss again how George was stacking all of the books on the cart. Have students predict how many books the class can stack before they fall over. Then have each child take a turn stacking a book…if you do not want to use books you can use blocks instead.

Extend:

To add onto the preschool library lesson:

Plan a trip to the local library where the students can get their very own “real” library card. A library card can help a child gain a better understanding of property and a sense of having something to call his or her very own. This small task may help these students to further their love for reading even more.

References

  • Author’s own experience

    Rey, H.A & Rey, M. Curious George Visits the Library. HMH Books, 2003.