CPS SOAR Faculty Presentation Mary Kate Witry

What is SOAR?  Soar is the online catalog system used by CPS for all paper and online resources  These resources are all available FREE to CPS faculty, staff and students  They may be accessed from home or on campus from any internet tablet, computer or phone.

How do I get to SOAR?  The web address is: OR simply Google CPS SOAR and the site will be the first option available to you

What happens when I get to SOAR? 1. Click on the letter “W” 2. Click on George Washington Elementary School. It should look like THIS!!!

Searching for books  All three search boxes lead to the same place …the resources at George Washington Elementary School  The LS2 looks most like a public library catalog search.  Type in a keyword, title or author and hit enter!

We will now pause to conduct an actual catalog search of a book!

How do I find electronic resources in SOAR?  Click on the District Virtual Library tab on the top left of the screen  A screen will appear with various books covers scrolling across it  This is organized by Simultaneous Use E- books, World Language E-books and New Titles  You may also search by keyword, title or author

How do I access the e-book once I find it?  Most of the e-books are single titles and are accessed by scrolling to the bottom of the page where it says “Electronic resources”  There will be a link below that might say Access this digital book here OR Click to access digital title Note: The e-book entry will also tell you Lexile and interest levels.

A pop-up window may appear asking for a user name and password Username: cps Password: cps YES!! SHARE THIS INFORMATION!!!!

Important note!!!! Simultaneous E-books may be read by the entire class on any internet access device at the SAME TIME!!!

Databases  A database is a collection of summaries, articles or media clips about a specific subject area.  By clicking on “Library Databases” on the left side of the library homepage, you will gain access to numerous databases.

Overview of Databases  Student Resources in Context – suitable for grades 7-8 detailed research projects (Science Fair)  Student Resource Center Junior – suitable for grades 6 -8 general research  KIDS Info Bits – Grades K-5 general research  Britannica Online – encyclopedia  NBC Learn - short media clips on a variety of topics.  Encyclopedia of Chicago –great Chicago history resource

TeachingBooks.net  TeachingBooks.net is also available as a database.  Wonderful collection of resources for supporting novels  Examples: author interviews, Novel book guides and lesson plans, book trailers

Profession Virtual Library  This is a collection of FREE resources that can be accessed like any other e-book using Username: cps Password: cps  Yes, you can print from these resources! GREAT RESOURCE FOR DIFFERENTIATION!!!

Finally... If you need help or want to look at any of these resources in more detail, see me and we can set up an appointment to work together or me at: Thank you so much for your very valuable time.