Online Library Resources

Please visit http://www.cpsd.us/cpsdir/EM_Baldwin.cfm to access Baldwin School Library Resources online.

Library Media Center

Weekly library classes are held for grades K-3 in the Library Media Center on the 4th floor. These scheduled classes alternate between literary lessons, and long book exchanges. Literary classes are based on readings from good literature, often presented with engaging illustrations. Developing listening skills and imagination are both very important facets of the process. Well-known authors and illustrators are introduced as we read text in various forms such as poetry, short stories, fantasy, and nonfiction. The Third Grade classes are introduced to many stories based in the Cambridge or Boston area. The students map the geographical locations of the story setting to correlate with the social studies curriculum. Biographies, and other nonfiction is emphasized. American folk heroes are presented in grade two, along with legends from many world cultures. Grades 1, and K emphasize good library citizenship and active audience participation.

On alternate weeks, long book exchanges allow the students to explore the library media center as each student concentrates on learning how to find his/her own particular subjects of interest. It is a time to explore shelves, look at displays, learn the organizational system of libraries, draw from our drawing books, use the Electronic Bookcase Quiz program, or receive individual help.

Grades 4 and 5 often hold book groups in the library. They also work in small research groups, and as independent users. Many students become daily patrons at this age level.

The upper grades are often brought into the library media center through model collaborative projects which plan, design, implement and evaluate student projects by both the Ed technology and Ed media departments. The library is the place for collaborative projects and research for all subjects.

The Intergenerational Tutors, a volunteer reading tutorial program for first graders, is also housed in the Library Media Center. If anyone would like to volunteer in the library media center for either a regularly scheduled time each week, or for a one-time project, please call 349-6525.

Spanish Language Program

Cambridge Public Schools World Language Curriculum

The World Language Curriculum is focused on Spanish for grades 6-8. There is a developed curriculum for these grades and it emphasizes speaking, writing, listening and reading skills. Beginning in grade six, students are exposed to the thematic arrangement of vocabulary and grammatical concepts, and by grade eight; much more emphasis is placed on the thematic arrangement of vocabulary and grammatical concepts. Our number one goal for the 8th grade is that students become proficient in using the present tense of regular and irregular verbs.

The Baldwin School offers Spanish to students in grades 3-8.  The Massachusetts World Language Curriculum Frameworks is followed. By using the state curriculum frameworks, we are able to stay current on what is expected by the Massachusetts Department of Education in the world language classrooms for these grades. 

Goals:

• To encourage an appreciation for Spanish
• To develop language skills
• To encourage the use of Spanish in everyday life
• To promote the use of Spanish as much as possible
• To learn study skill strategies to assist students in acquiring, remembering, organizing, and expressing information in Spanish
• To become acquainted with the culture of Spain, Central America, and South America

Class Requirements:

A notebook, a folder, a writing utensil, homework from the previous night or any worksheets used, and a Spanish to English dictionary.

Student Activities:

• Listening activities in Spanish (music)
• Speaking activities in Spanish (oral reports)
• Writing activities and projects in Spanish
• Reading short selections in Spanish
• Working in groups and pairs in Spanish
• Incorporating technology to practice Spanish (power point presentations)
• Studying Hispanic culture

Assessment:

• Written tests - vocabulary, unit tests, mid-term and final exams
• Oral proficiency tests - dialogues with teacher and classmates
• Short paragraphs, reports, and creative writing
• Class participation - raise hand to ask and answer questions, speak Spanish as much as possible, listen attentively, effort is more important than perfection
• Alternative assessments to demonstrate creativity and individuality

Reporting:

• Student work should be shared with parents/guardians
• Some work will require parent/guardian signature
• Parents are encouraged to set up an appointment either in person or by phone to discuss any questions or concerns
• Warning slips are sent home or phone calls made to parents/guardians when a student is not performing to his/her ability