My name is Mikaela Mason, and I’m the Librarian and Technology Teacher at St. Frances Cabrini School. I’ve been teaching here for three years, but my connection to Cabrini goes much deeper. I have been a parishioner here for as long as I can remember. I’m also a proud mom of a Cabrini Knight! Before becoming a teacher, I served in the U.S. Navy. I earned my Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Pierce College Fort Steilacoom and am currently working toward my Bachelor’s in Elementary Education at Western Governors University. In my role, I strive to create a welcoming space where students can grow as readers, digital citizens, and lifelong learners. Whether we’re exploring books in the library or learning how to type on Chromebooks, my goal is to spark curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning in every student I teach.
Philosophy statements:
- I believe in nurturing the whole child, mind, heart, and spirit, through faith-based education.
- I strive to create a Christ-centered environment where students feel safe, valued, and inspired to learn.
- I aim to instill a lifelong love of reading and curiosity through engaging library lessons.
- I teach students to be responsible, ethical digital citizens who use technology with purpose and integrity.
I blend academic excellence with Catholic values to help students grow into compassionate, capable leaders.
In the library, students learn book care, how to navigate the Dewey Decimal System, and how to find books that match their interests and reading levels. They explore genres, parts of a book, story elements, and author studies to build comprehension and foster a love of reading.
In technology class, students learn proper Chromebook care, basic computer skills, and responsible digital citizenship. They develop keyboarding skills, practice safe internet habits, and explore age-appropriate tools for research and creativity.
Both classes work together to build confident, curious, and capable learners who can read, think critically, and use technology with purpose.
PreK – 3rd Grade: Library & Technology Curriculum
Book Care & Parts of a Book
- Learn: How to care for books and identify their parts.
- Skills:
- Handling and storing books properly.
- Recognizing parts of a book: cover, title page, spine, etc.
Fiction vs. Nonfiction & Genres
- Learn: The difference between fiction and nonfiction, and explore basic genres.
- Skills:
- Understanding the difference between fiction and nonfiction.
- Identifying genres like adventure, fantasy, and animals.
Choosing Just-Right Books
- Learn: How to choose books that match reading level and interests.
- Skills:
- Selecting books that are both fun and appropriate for reading abilities.
Safe & Respectful Use of Technology
- Learn: How to use classroom technology, including Chromebooks, safely.
- Skills:
- Basic online safety and Chromebook care.
Keyboarding & Exploring Educational Websites
- Learn: Basic typing skills and navigating kid-friendly websites.
- Skills:
- Typing simple letters and words.
- Exploring websites like PBS Kids and Starfall.
4th – 8th Grade: Library & Technology Curriculum
Research Skills & Dewey Decimal System
Learn: How to use the Dewey Decimal System, digital tools, and online databases for research.
Skills:
Finding books using Dewey Decimal.
Using online databases and tools for school projects.
Genre Studies & Story Analysis
Learn: Deepen understanding of genres and analyze stories.
Skills:
Identifying key elements of a story: plot, characters, theme.
Exploring genres like mystery, historical fiction, and fantasy.
Independent Reading Strategies
Learn: How to read independently and think critically about books.
Skills:
Making predictions and drawing conclusions while reading.
Tracking reading progress with logs or book reviews.
Typing Fluency & Online Safety
Learn: Improve typing skills and practice responsible online behavior.
Skills:
Typing quickly and accurately.
Understanding digital footprints, privacy, and online safety.
Tech-Based Projects: Presentations, Coding, & Multimedia
Learn: Create projects using technology like presentations, coding, and multimedia tools.
Skills:
Designing presentations with tools like Google Slides.
Learning basic coding through platforms like Scratch.
Creating videos, posters, and other digital projects.