Elementary BLAST

Elementary Programs

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh's BLAST School Outreach brings public library programs and resources into Pittsburgh Public Schools. Since its inception in March of 2002, BLAST has responded to the need for literacy enhancement in kindergarten through fifth grade.

The BLAST Team:

• presents dynamic interactive read-alouds of both fiction and informational texts.
• models good reading techniques such as dialogic reading.
• increases students' understanding of vocabulary.
• helps children appreciate the joy that comes from discovering a good book.

The BLAST Program:

• Provides students with the opportunity to develop and enhance reading skills.
• Generates more frequent student visits to the local public library.

BLAST Elementary Programs

• K-5 Thematic Program
  These bi-monthly thematic literacy programs are offered to K-5 students. Programs enrich student learning by presenting library materials and hands- on activities that support topics studied in the classroom.
• Third Grade Interactive Read Aloud Program
  Currently offered to 16 Pittsburgh Public Elementary Schools (38 classrooms). Each classroom is visited twice a month. The visits consist of an interactive multicultural read aloud, rich vocabulary discussion, critical thinking questions, comprehension strategies, and a reflective writing activity.
  • Past Third Grade Books and Programs
• Summer Extended Year Program
  This program takes place during the Pittsburgh Public Schools' Summer Extended Year. Each participating school is visited once a week for four weeks. During each visit there is an interactive read aloud, rich vocabulary discussion, critical thinking questions, a book exchange, and a membership in the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh's Summer Reading Program. Incentives, including books, are distributed for achieving reading goals.
• Pennsylvania Academic Standards the BLAST Program Consistently Meets