Rationale. This core reference collection is designed for grades three through five at Hilliard

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Rationale

This core reference collection is designed for grades three through five at Hilliard Crossing Elementary School. The majority of the students in this school are white. However there is a significant English Language Learner population, with 15.9% of the students

considered Limited English Proficient (Ohio Department of Education). Twenty one different languages are spoken by students in the school, with Arabic, Spanish, and Urdu being the three most common (Hilliard City School District). Additionally, 28.4% of the students at Hilliard Crossing Elementary School are living at an economic disadvantage. It is important to note that although the school does well overall on State mandated testing, receiving a “B” from the state overall, it received an “F” for Gap Closing. While 88.7% of white students passed the state reading test, only 76.1% of economically disadvantaged students and 73.2% of English language learners passed. The math results were even more divided; 83% of white students passed the state math test, but only 62.5% of English language learners and 62% of economically disadvantaged students passed (Ohio Department of Education). While standardized tests certainly do not define the success of a school, or even of a population within a school, it is important to note these discrepancies so that extra effort can be put in place for the more at-risk populations in the school. Of course, one area that can help narrow that gap is providing appropriate references sources and services.

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School District). When possible, I tried to choose resources that would incorporate content from several areas of the curriculum in order to be more efficient.

Another aspect I considered when creating this collection was the choice of media. There were several factors that I took into consideration. First, the school media center has four

computers available for use, so only a few students can use computers at a time. Also, each classroom has between 1 and 4 computers with internet connection. The classrooms are

currently starting to incorporate the use of iPads, with each classroom having at least 5 iPads. (P. Brown, personal communication, October 28, 2015). So students do have access to digital media, but only a few students can access online media at a given time. Further, with a 24.8% rate of economically disadvantaged students, I cannot assume that all students have internet access at home. So, although the current trend is to move towards a digital reference collection, I also felt that books were important acquisitions.

In addition, I considered students who would need special reference support. In

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In creating a core reference collection, I wanted to provide a balance. Therefore, I chose a variety of different types of reference materials. I used several different media. I also tried to find a balance between choosing topics for educational purposes and entertainment purposes.

In today’s world, school media center budgets are being cut at the very time when more expensive reference services, such as databases, online encyclopedias, and e-books are in high demand. According to a study by School Library Journal, the average elementary school only budgets $8.86 per student per year for its media center and that figure is expected to decrease (School Library Journal). Additionally, the reference collection is just one aspect of collection development. As a result, I tried to choose items that were free, affordable, or free through another resource, such as Infohio or a local library.

In creating this collection, I previewed at least 200 different reference sources to help me select the best options. For each resource I considered the date of publication, appeal to

elementary aged students, how the illustrations enhance the text, ease of use, accuracy, lack of bias, relevance to the needs of the students, accessibility, cost, language, and representations of diversity. I was fortunate to have an excellent local library which allowed me to view these resources because I quickly discovered that often when the summary of a book appears promising, the book itself isn’t as good as I had hoped. This made me aware of how careful I will need to be when choosing resources that I am not able to preview. I believe that it will be important to read reviews from respected journals, as well as becoming familiar with a variety of publishers and the overall quality of their materials.

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categories, the cost of each resource, and the overall quality of each resource. Thus, this collection would serve its intended population effectively.

References

Barack, L. (2014). Spending Smarter, Stretching Further. School Library Journal, 60(4), 34.

Retrieved from

http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=tfh&AN=95261870&site=ehost-

live&scope=site

Hilliard City School District. (2014). Elementary program information. Retrieved from

http://www.hilliardschools.org/departments/curriculum-instruction/elementary-program/

Hilliard City School District. (October 22, 2015). Summary of ELL Languages. Report for

building: Hilliard Crossing Elementary. Retrieved from HCSD – eSchoolPlus by Ann Jadischke, ELL teacher.

Ohio Department of Education. (2014). 2013-2014 report card for Hilliard Crossing

Elementary School. Retrieved from http://reportcard.education.ohio.gov/Pages/School-

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Core Reference Collection Bibliography

Citation:

Alexander, H. (2014). A child’s introduction to art: The world’s greatest paintings and sculptures. New York, NY: Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers.

Grade levels: 3-5 Reference type: Nonfiction art reference

Cost: $19.95 Media category: Book

Annotation: Starting with cave paintings dating back to 30,000 B.C., Ms. Alexander gives a brief history of art from all over the world. Following that, each double page spread features a famous artist and one of their works. A biography is provided for each artist and the school of art is explained. The work of art is briefly described and analyzed, and a project that children can make in that same style of art is provided. A mix of cartoon like illustrations and pictures of the famous art bring this book to life. Schools of art covered include ancient art, Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Romanticism, Realism, Impressionism, Post-impressionism, Cubism, Fauvism, Expressionism, Surrealism, Abstract, Pop Art, and Postmodern Art. An index and art timeline are provided.

Citation:

Arabic-English bilingual visual dictionary. (2012). Smallfields Cottage, England: Milet Publishing.

Grade levels: K-5 Reference type: Dictionary

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Annotation: This Arabic-English bilingual picture dictionary offers the student a picture of the word along with the English and Arabic version of the word. Rather than being organized alphabetically, it is organized by subject. Covered vocabulary includes animals, the body, homes, clothing, tools, technology, food, transportation, nature, earth and space, sports, art, music, time, school, numbers, shapes, colors, punctuation, and symbols. An alphabetized index makes searching for a specific word easy. This dictionary comes with a CD-ROM so students can hear each new word pronounced in both English and Arabic while looking at the picture.

Citation:

Blobaum, C. (2014). Explore money with 25 great projects. White River Junction, VT: Nomad Press.

Grade levels: 3-5 Reference type: Nonfiction math reference

Cost: $19.95 Media category: Book with QR links to additional content

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scanned with a mobile device to show related content. A glossary, suggestions for further reading, websites, links to videos, and an index are provided.

Citation:

Buckley, J. J., Ganeri, A., Hester, B. L., Jackson, C., Nichols, C., & Stein, L. (2015). Animals: A visual encyclopedia. New York: Liberty Street.

Grade levels: 3-5 Reference type: Encyclopedia

Cost: $24.95 Media category: Book with QR links to additional content

Annotation: Filled with large, bright pictures and facts about a huge variety of animals, this encyclopedia will be a favorite for animal lovers. It begins with instructions on how to use the encyclopedia, including explanations for scanning QR codes throughout the book with a mobile device to access animal videos. For those without mobile devices, websites are listed that show the same videos. The encyclopedia is organized by animal phyla, including sections on mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, arthropods, and other invertebrates. A glossary and index help with unfamiliar vocabulary and subject searching.

Citation:

Cosson, M. J. (2015). The smart kid’s guide to using the internet. Mankato, MN: The Child’s World.

Grade levels: 3-5 Reference type: Handbook

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Annotation: This kids’ handbook explains how the internet is used by kids and their families in daily life. It touches on information literacy with an explanation that not all sites are reliable, and gives kids ideas about how to find accurate information online. It also explains plagiarism and cautions kids to cite their resources, including images. Descriptions are given regarding the way that the internet can be used to help families and friends stay in touch with each other. Internet safety is also discussed, and students are warned not to give out personal information or post something online that is embarrassing to themselves or others.

Cyberbullying is explained, and students are encouraged to show an adult if anything they encounter online makes them confused, sad, or upset. Hints on creating strong passwords are given and students are warned not to share passwords with others. Finally, kids are advised not to spend too much time on the computer, but to balance their computer use with social and physical activity. A glossary, an index, and suggestions for further reading are provided.

Citation:

Creative Empire, LLC. (2015). Mango Languages. Retrieved from https://connect.mangolanguages.com/languages

Grade levels: 3 and up Reference type: Language lessons Cost: Free through Columbus

Metropolitan Library Website with a library card number

Media category: Website

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different languages. This site is easy to navigate and users simply move from one lesson to the next. However, it is also easy to go back and review what you have already learned. As the user moves through the lesson, the site tracks the progress. Additionally, a handy translator is easily accessible.

Citation:

EBSCO. (2015). Explora: Grades PreK – 5. Retrieved from

https://www.infohio.org/students/er/grade/gk5/item/explora-prek-5?category_id=70 Grade levels: PreK - 5 Reference type: Database

Cost: Free through Infohio Media category: Website

Annotation: Explora is an introductory database designed specifically for elementary aged students. Students can use Boolean or keyword searches, or alternatively they can search by category. Icons and graphics help with searching. Tools can be used to refine their searches by date, media type, and lexile. There is also an option to have the retrieved articles read aloud. This is a great resource to introduce elementary students to database searching and authoritative resources.

Citation:

Esbaum, J. (2015). Little kids first big book of who. Washington D.C.: National Geographic

Society.

Grade levels: 3-5 Reference type: Biography

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Annotation: Diverse biographies ranging from King Tut in 1341 BC to Malala Yousafzai, the youngest person to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014, are featured in the Little kids first big book of who. The author has carefully chosen to feature people from a variety of ethnicities, races, religions, and countries. Biographies are presented of historical figures, artists, scientists, explorers, sports figures, authors, musicians, and human rights leaders. Large, bright photographs and paintings illustrate each biography. Additional features are parent tips, suggestions for further reading, a glossary, and an index.

Citation:

Gallion, S. L. (2014). Rick and Rachel build a research report. Chicago, IL: Norwood House Press.

Annotation: Rick needs to do a research project for school, and he doesn’t know what to do. Fortunately his friend Rachel has done research previously and she walks him through each step of the research and writing process. Information covered include choosing and narrowing a topic, taking notes, using an index for searching, skimming a book for information, using graphic organizers, writing organization, revising, publishing, and citing sources. Colorful, cartoon style illustrations accompany the text. There is a summary of information provided, along with a glossary and suggestions for further reading.

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Gutman, G. (2013). My weird writing tips. New York: Harper. Grade levels: 3-5 Reference type: Writing guide

Annotation: In the same witty and irreverent style Dan Guttmann uses to write fiction, he tackles teaching kids writing skills. Mr. Gutman covers writing both stories and reports. He also covers commonly misunderstood grammar and spelling conventions. He explains the writing process from the beginning stages of pre-writing through editing and publishing. He even suggests ways that kids can publish their finished work. Interspersed with his writing advice are pithy quotes from famous authors explaining their writing philosophies. Cartoon style line drawings featuring characters from his My weird school series, add humor to the academic content.

Citation:

Hellweg, P. (2016). The American Heritage children’s thesaurus. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Grade levels: 3-5 Reference type: Thesaurus

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least one picture associated with the words on that page. Following the thesaurus is an explanation of the parts of speech and some practice activities for children to do using the thesaurus.

Citation:

Hicks, K. (2013). I can prove it! Investigating science. Vero Beach, FL: Rourke Educational Media.

Annotation: I can prove it explains the scientific method step by step: ask a question, research your topic, create a hypothesis, test the hypothesis, analyze the data, and

communicate the results. Throughout the book, famous scientists and how they used the scientific method in their work are featured. Student scientists are also pictured working on experiments. Colorful photographs and charts make this book interesting and accessible to children. A glossary, an index, and suggestions for further reading are provided.

Citation:

Higgins, N. (2015). U. S. government through infographics. Minneapolis: Lerner Publications Company.

Grade levels: 3-5 Reference type: Nonfiction social studies resource

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Annotation: This unique resource explains the U.S. government through a series of infographic representations, rather than through traditional prose. This method of

demonstrating information makes it easy to show connections between different ideas, as well how to categorize information. The short phrases used make this an ideal resource for students who struggle with reading, but need higher level knowledge. Information covered in the book includes the reasons governments are formed, different types of governments throughout the world, the development of democracy, the U. S. Constitution and its amendments, the branches of government, the division between federal and state government, differences between political parties, how to become president, voting, taxes, federal employees, and how the U. S. Government has changed over the last century. A glossary and suggestions for further reading are provided. There is also a website provided that provides further educational ideas for teachers and parents.

Citation:

Hildyard, A., Horobin, W., Shedden, C., Moore, H., Baggaley, A., Love, C., Mitchem, J., & Parrish, M. (Eds.). (2015). Are you what you eat?: A guide to what’s on your plate and why! New York: DK Publishing.

Grade levels: 3-5 Reference type: Nonfiction science reference

Annotation: This handy nutrition guide begins by describing the early history of food and the evolution of eating habits from prehistoric to modern times. It continues by describing

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and paintings illuminate the text and add excitement for kids. Quizzes, a glossary, and an index are also provided.

Citation:

Jones, M. V., Leo, H., Hanneman, K., Hill, G., & Gosset, J. (Eds.). (2014). National Geographic kids almanac 2015. Washington D.C.: National Geographic Society. Grade levels: 3-5 Reference type: Almanac

Cost: $21.99 Media category: Book, Mobile app.

Annotation: This kids’ almanac is packed with interesting information for kids. Topics include current events, geography, animals, the environment, adventure, science, games, cultures, nature, and history. Engaging photos illustrate each article and a variety of colors and fonts bring information to life. An index makes searching for specific information easy for students. Additionally, students can use mobile devices to scan symbols on certain pages that unlocks games and additional content such as videos and slideshows. The same content can be accessed via a website for those who don’t have mobile devices.

Citation:

Khan, S. (2015). Khan Academy. Retrieved from https://www.khanacademy.org/ Grade levels: K-12 Reference type: Academic tutoring

Cost: Free Media category: Website

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excellent resource for elementary students. It is broken down into grade levels and then into topics. The user chooses a topic and watches a video teaching the skill. Then the student has an opportunity to practice the skill and receive immediate feedback on his progress. The content presented is aligned with the Common Core. This website is also available in Spanish, French, and Portuguese and is currently being translated into 36 additional languages.

Obviously this is an excellent resource for English language learners to learn math content in their native language. Additionally, it is helpful for anyone who needs a bit of help with mathematics.

Citation:

King, D. C. (2014). Smithsonian children’s encyclopedia of American history. New York: DK Publishing.

Grade levels: 4-6 Reference type: Encyclopedia

Annotation: This comprehensive American history encyclopedia begins with Leif Eriksson‘s discovery and abandonment of what is now Eastern Canada and continues to the present, covering current political issues, such as gun control and U. S. healthcare. The book is divided into short chapters, each covering one historical time period. Each chapter starts with a

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text to the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Constitutional amendments, and the Gettysburg Address. An index is provided for easy searching by topic.

Citation:

Klingel, C. (2010). Break a leg! (And other weird things we say.) Mankato, MN: The Child’s World.

Grade levels: 3-5 Reference type: English language reference

Annotation: Ms. Klingel begins by defining idioms and explaining why they are an important part of language. She then uses 26 American idioms in context and explains the meaning of each one. Humorous illustrations bring each idiom to life and will make children laugh out loud, while learning new information. This resource is especially helpful to English language learners who often find idioms very confusing.

Citation:

Miles, B. & Howell, C. (Eds.). (2014). Ripley’s believe it or not: Special edition 2015. New York: Scholastic Inc.

Grade levels: 3-5 Reference type: Trivia compilation

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chocolate. Large, colorful photographs bring the trivia to life. An index makes it easy to search for trivia by topic.

Citation:

Murrell, D. & Steele, P. (2014). Amazing world atlas. Oakland, CA: Lonely Planet Publications.

Grade levels: 3-5 Reference type: Atlas

Annotation: More than a mere atlas, this book covers space, time zones, the layers of the earth, climate, weather, oceans and seas, population, and various types of maps. It then breaks down the world by continent and regions, providing maps of each area. Along with the maps is information about the people living in each area, their lifestyle, religion, history, and traditions. Modern pictures and clear paintings are accompanied by interesting captions regarding each region of the world. An index makes finding specific information easy.

Citation:

Picket, J.P., Leonesio, C., Kleinedler, S. R., Robbins, L. E., Chipman, P., Spitz, S.I., Pratt, C. T. et al. (Eds.). (2016). The American heritage children’s dictionary. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Grade levels: 3-6 Reference type: Dictionary

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Annotation: Concise, easy to understand definitions make this book an ideal dictionary for upper elementary students. There is a section that explains how to use the dictionary and defines common parts of speech. A pronunciation key is provided, as well as an explanation of syllabic stress. Following the body of the dictionary are sections on spelling, phonics, geography, and measurement. Pictures accompany some of the definitions, but the student will have to rely on their reading skills to understand most definitions.

Citation:

Preciado, T. & Montijo, R. (2012). Illustrating the point: Super grammar. New York: Scholastic, Inc.

Grade levels: 4-5 Reference type: Guidebook

Annotation: Grammar becomes entertaining when it is turned into superheroes fighting against villains. In this thorough guidebook, grammar is presented as “all-powerful super rules” that help us make strong sentences. Each aspect of grammar is made into a super hero and the heroes work together to fight against the Sabotage Squad, grammar mistakes that threaten a strong sentence. Topics covered include subjects, predicates, parts of speech, punctuation, and common grammar mistakes. There are many exciting examples to illustrate each point. This guide is written in the style of a comic book.

Citation:

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Grade levels: 2-4 Reference type: Nonfiction social studies reference

Annotation: This book is an introductory look at maps. In easy to understand language, it defines maps, explains how to use maps, points out the different parts of a map, and

demonstrates how to use a variety of maps, including political maps, physical maps, street maps, climate maps, and thematic maps. Colorful pictures and maps add to the meaning of the text. There is a glossary, suggestions further reading, and an index.

Citation:

Rogers, K. & Large, T. (2010). Usborne illustrated elementary math dictionary. London: Usborne Publishing Ltd.

Grade levels: 2-5 Reference type: Dictionary

Cost: $12.99 Media category: Book with associated website Annotation: This illustrated dictionary is organized by topic and difficulty. Broad topics include numbers, calculations, shape and space, measurements, and data. Each of these is further broken down into subcategories. A written definition along with graphics explain each term. Clear examples help students with mathematical comprehension. A glossary of math symbols is provided, as well as an index for topic searching. The associated website provides links to further information about the topics covered in the dictionary. These sites include videos, games, math practice, and additional math explanations.

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Scholastic. (2015). Bookflix. Retrieved from

http://bkflix.grolier.com.webproxy3.columbuslibrary.org/

Grade levels: Pk-3 Reference type: Paired fiction and nonfiction Cost: Free through Infohio Media category: Website

Annotation: Bookflix, by Scholastic pairs fiction and nonfiction eBooks. The student can choose from a variety of categories including animals and nature, earth and sky, people and places, ABC‘s and 1, 2, 3‘s, family and community, music and rhyme, adventure, celebrations, and imagination. The student chooses a pair of books and listens to the book being read with the text highlighted as it is read. For each set of books, there are accompanying activities, an author biography and web resources for further information on the topic. Many of the books are available in both English and Spanish. For teachers and parents, books can be searched by reading level. The engaging videos and eBooks make this a great resource for getting kids involved in nonfiction content, a large component of the Common Core.

Citation:

Scholastic. (2015). Trueflix. Retrieved from

http://tfx.grolier.com.webproxy3.columbuslibrary.org/

Grade levels: 4-5 Reference type: Nonfiction eBook compilation Cost: Free through Columbus

Metropolitan Library – must have a library card

Media category: Website

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nonfiction book on the topic. The book may be read aloud with highlighted text. Each video/book pair is followed by related articles, project ideas, activities, and web links. Of particular interest are links to primary source documents and pictures. The website is user friendly and there are sections with further information and resources for parents and teachers.

Citation:

Spanish-English bilingual visual dictionary. (2012). Smallfields Cottage, England: Milet Publishing.

Grade levels: K-5 Reference type: Dictionary

Cost: $34.95 Media category: Book and CD-ROM

Annotation: This Spanish-English bilingual picture dictionary offers the student a picture of the word along with the English and Spanish version of the word. Rather than being organized alphabetically, it is organized by subject. Covered vocabulary includes animals, the body, home, clothing, tools, technology, food, transportation, nature, earth and space, sports, arts, music, time, school, numbers, shapes, colors, punctuation, and symbols. An alphabetized index makes searching for a specific word easy. This dictionary comes with a CD-ROM so students can hear each new word pronounced in both English and Spanish while looking at the picture.

Citation:

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Grade levels: 3-5 Reference type: Nonfiction Science reference

Cost: $49.00 Media category: DVD

Annotation: This DVD is divided into six sections, one for each of the video themes: acceleration, gravity, force, inertia, motion, and position. Each topic is explored in real life situations with videos, photographs, diagrams, and animation. Each section is short, engaging and demonstrates challenging and relevant content. This DVD could be used by teachers to introduce a new subject or by students to reinforce understanding of physical science content. There are tracks in both Spanish and English.

Citation:

Stille, D. R. (2015). America the beautiful: Ohio. New York: Children’s Press. Grade levels: 4-5 Reference type: Guidebook

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glossary, fast facts, the state song, a compilation of natural areas and historical sites, sports teams, cultural institutions, annual events, biographical dictionary, recommended further resources, and an index.

Citation:

World Book. (2015). World Book kids encyclopedia. Retrieved from

http://www.worldbookonline.com.webproxy3.columbuslibrary.org/kids/ Grade levels: 3-5 Reference type: Encyclopedia

Cost: Free through Infohio Media category: Website