- Classrooms
- Preschool
- Kindergarten
- Primary Circle
(Grades 1 & 2) - Middle Circle
(Grades 3 & 4) - Oldest Group
(Grades 5 & 6) - Art
- Library
- Music
- Science
- Woodshop
- Spanish
- Service Learning and Partnerships
- Mini Courses
- Sports
- Extended Day
Classrooms
Library
About the Library
Children from preschool and up visit the library at least once a week. The librarian teaches lessons in the library on research and study skills, reads aloud to children, helps with the language arts programs in the classrooms, leads some reading groups, and provides individualized reading instruction for some children.
What's New in the Library?
SRV's library has a wonderful collection of children's books, but did you know it also has a small collection of books for adults? Stop by and see the recently reorganized grown-up bookcase to the right of the door. It includes books about:
- Progressive education
- Parenting
- Child development
- Family life
- School administration and education policy
- Learning differences and children with special needs
- Human development and sexuality education
- Reference and general interest, including cookbooks, gardening, and more
- Recent issues of Independent School, a periodical published by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), of which SRV is a member
Here are few recommendations from each section:
- The Shelter of Each Other by Mary Pipher. This is an excellent book about the stresses of raising a family in a hyper-commercialized culture. It provides both analysis and practical, real-life suggestions for keeping families healthy and strong in the current climate. This one is so good, we have multiple copies.
- Siblings Without Rivalry by Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish. A classic for helping parents facilitate more peaceful communication within the family. Key concepts are illustrated with cartoon dialogues that don't insult parents' intelligence!
- Life in a Crowded Place by Ralph Peterson. Although the book is written for teachers, parents who were interested in Donna's FREEP article about building community here at school will gain insight into various community-building practices and the philosophy behind them.
- The Myth of Laziness by Mel Levine. If you've ever talked to Susie, our school psychologist, chances are you've heard of Mel Levine. Levine is a true humanitarian in a field known for pegging and labeling people. This book offers an accessible explanation of what can stand in the way of children's productivity–and provides practical, compassionate strategies for support.
- Lifetimes by Bryan Mellonie and Robert Ingpen. Although most of the books in human development are about sexuality and reproduction, this one is written as a way to explain death to children. Simple, beautiful, and true, this book is precious in the wake of a loss–or at any time in life.
- The Uses of Enchantment by Bruto Bettelheim. This book about the meaning and importance of fairy tales will be of interest to any parent who has ever wondered why we tell such gruesome stories to our youngsters.
Parents are welcome to borrow books from the school library on your child's account, or if you would like to be a frequent borrower, we can set up your account. There are two other places on campus where parents can find books of interest: the 2-day/3-day preschool room has a small collection about early childhood development and parenting issues, and there is a larger collection of adult books in Toad Hall, mostly on education topics, but on some others as well. Parents are welcome to stop by and browse or borrow these too. There are sign-outs in both locations.
