My Library...

In two days I move into my "second home."  I am overwhelmed with trying to make this a fun, inviting, and inspiring place to learn!  My main focus has been my classroom library.  I have so many books thanks to my parents, my kids, and many friends willing to donate books to me.  So how do I organize it?

First, I put my name inside all of the books!  After that I went to the dollar store and purchased 25 white baskets.  Then I sorted all of the books into what seemed like good groups.  By favorite authors, by favorite series, miscellaneous chapter books, reference, science, etc.  I labeled fiction with letters, and nonfiction with numbers with the thinking that I can expand more easily that way.  For example, all of my Beverly Cleary books have A on the front, and will then get put back (I hope) in the A basket. 

I also have a basket for Mentor Texts.  These are picture books that I will change out periodically but I will also put post it notes on/in them to point out examples of good writing.  We will look at these books for enjoyment, and also examine them as writers. 

I also love picture books, and I know that my third graders will love a good picture book occasionally too!  So depending on space I will try to get a book shelf to display them.  I plan to have seasonal/holiday books out too!  I LOVE my holiday books!  This might require a basket or two if I don't have room for a shelf!  (Another issue I am working on is storage...)

Procedure: I will use the daily 4 or 5 method in my classroom which incorporates "Read to Self." Students will select books from the classroom library they are interested in (good fit books), and put them in their own book box (ice buckets from Wal-Mart... I am cheap).  During Read to Self they grab their box, and cozy up with a good book. They can read them for how ever long they want, but they need to keep them in their own book box.  I can also add books to student boxes if needed as "suggestions."  When the student is finished with the book, they simply match the letter or number on the book to the letter or number on the basket!  No need to have clothes pins, book marks, or any extra parts that get lost, broken or accidentally go home!

I promise pictures will be coming soon!