V-O Library at Parkhurst with Juliana Jarvis

“China now, or China a long time ago?” Juliana Jarvis, Vinson-Owen Library Media Specialist was reading The Boy Who Painted Dragons aloud to a class of 4th graders. She called on a student who thought it took place long ago, because people believed in real dragons.

It was clear from the story that Ping, the boy artist, painted fierce dragons everywhere because they scared him. “’Writhing’ -- the dragon’s scaly skin was ‘writhing.’ Can anybody tell me what ‘writhing’ means?” Ms. Jarvis asked. By the story’s end Ping has conquered his fear. Ms. Jarvis this month is highlighting books in which characters change or develop. By listening to a short, vividly illustrated read-aloud (peppered with questions from the librarian), the students experienced “Character Development in Fiction Literature”  in action.

Looking around the book-lined walls, five student computers, circulation desk, document camera and screen, it’s clear V-O’s library media center at Parkhurst School is up and running. With help from parents, all V-O staff pitched in to help each other un-pack piles of boxes and arrange teaching spaces in time for the first day of school. 

“There’s a little glitch with the document camera, but fixable. With it, I could have projected the dragons up on the screen. Later in the year, when we’re writing the “Letters About Literature,” I can put a first draft up on the screen so the class and I can edit together,” Jarvis explained. Letters About Literature is a program of the Center for the Book/Library of Congress where students across the country write letters to any author they choose, living or dead. Winning letters are chosen and honored students go to a ceremony at the State House.  “It’s a wonderful program to celebrate reading and writing,” says Jarvis.

There was a flurry of activity as the class hurried to check out books, many from the “Winchester Rocks” reading list. The four elementary library media specialists each year read and select a list of titles from various genres, at a range of reading levels, geared toward elementary students. It’s modeled on the Mass. Book Awards program, but a “home grown” version better suited to K-5 readers.  Students who read five books can vote to select the Winchester favorite title.

The V-O-Library-at-Parkhust is a busy place.