Library
The AJA library is home to over 8,000 fiction, non-fiction, reference and Hebrew language books. K-5 students have weekly library classes in which they learn library and research skills and explore high quality children's books and literature. Our activities include read alouds and author studies as well as games, scavenger hunts, electronic presentations such as short videos, slide shows, and computer-based lessons. Whenever possible, library lessons follow the student's classroom study, and are often taught in collaboration with the classroom teacher.
Grades 6 through 8 each receive one trimester of library instruction that relates to classroom projects as much as possible. Students learn how to access information through print and online resources and learn important research skills that they will continue to use throughout high school and college.
All students are encouraged to borrow books from the library. Books are checked out for one week and may be renewed once. Grades Kindergarten and 1st may take out one book, grades 2 and 3 two books, and grades 4 and up may take out up to three books.
Online resources
AJA Subscription (passwords found on parents' RenWeb - Resources):
- World Book Online - an online encyclopedia with three different reading and content levels: elementary, middle school and high school, to accommodate all levels of reading and comprehension. Includes articles, maps, photographs and multimedia content.
- GaleNet Databases - a wonderful source of research databases for elementary, middle school and high school level readers. Includes access to thousands of full text articles from newspapers, periodicals and journals, as well as multimedia content.
Free resources:
Just for fun:
Reading Programs and Lists
- Texas Bluebonnet Award program - Students in grades 3 through 6 are encouraged to participate in the Texas Bluebonnet Award reading program, in which they read at least five out of the twenty books nominated for this prestigious children's State reading award. In January, participating students get to vote for their favorite Bluebonnet Award title. These results are forwarded to the TBA committee, along with the results from other Texas schools, and the winner is announced in late January.
- Texas Lonestar Reading List - Middle schoolers are encouraged to read Young Adult fiction selected from the Texas Lone Star reading list, a list of books selected primarily for middle school and up students.
- 2 x 2 Reading List - This list of books designed for children from age 2 to 2nd grade is perfect for parent/child reading at home. Reading aloud to your child is a wonderful way to instill a love of books and the start of lifetime literacy.
Library volunteers needed
Love books and children? We always need library volunteers to help with checking books in and out, shelving books, laminating, making signs and other library duties, including spring book fair planning! If you can spare at least 45 minutes a week on a regular basis, please contact AJA Librarian at 735-8350.
AJA Library Club
The AJA Library Club is a program that allows you to donate a new hardcover book to our library collection in honor of your child, a loved one or a friend.
Completing the donation form (hyperlink) with an $18 contribution will enable us to purchase a hardcover library edition book, complete with a bookplate that will permanently honor your contribution to our collection.
Please see the Library Club page on the AJA website for more information.
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