BOOKS. Literature is where you will find the most effective and meaningful way to bring science and social studies concepts into focus for our youngest learners. I use literature to begin discussions on a unit of study, introduce the topic, delve into deeper points of understanding, and connect learning to other relevant topics.
We also use literature to discuss topics of concern or urgency. In Kindergarten, this may be anything from the birth of a new sibling, a lost tooth, or how to appropriately and effectively get along with others.
So how can you create, update, or revamp your classroom library? I've got ten ideas that helped me to create this classroom haven!
1. Choose the Right Space
One of the most common comments I hear from other teachers about my library is how cozy and relaxing it is. They comment on the plants, flexible seating, plush rug and basket of read-to-me buddies. The second most common comment? "I wish I had space for a library." They then begin explaining how there just doesn't seem to be room for a library "corner" let alone a shelf of books.
Newsflash: if a library is really important to you- you can fit it. Every year, when I rearrange my room, the first area I build in is the library. The rest of the classroom is built around IT. Libraries should be in a quiet, relaxing, and secluded area. Given this, a great place is one of the corners of your room. Take two book shelves, book carts or even just walls of milk crates on their sides and close in the area. I always make just a small opening- so that only a few are welcomed inside at a time. Remember, it isn't a play area.
I've had small rooms, big rooms, and a room with a brick wall, greenhouse side, and trapezoid shape. You can make a library in any room.
On the left is a picture that shows the amount of space I used in one of my libraries (my current one). Just big enough for three...maybe 4... people. Inside, there is a basket of stuffed animals, various cushions, a tall tree, a listening center and a green bin of audio books to choose from. Later in the year, the children make book recommendations and will hang them on the colorful clips. This really motivates them to both try new books and read for detail and understanding.
Heres a "kid view" of the book shelves from inside the library. To the left is our animal basket!
Here's another example. This was my favorite library. Our room was on the fourth floor-yes, i said FOURTH. The library was in the corner of the room by the huge window. Cozy-yet bright and sunny. The wall behind this little reader was always covered with themes for the month; specific authors, units of study, or just cozy decorations.
2. Spend the Extra $ on Good Bins
Ok, this took me three years to figure out. I tried buying bins at the Dollar Tree (I love that store, I really do), and at places like Big Lots. We all know that teacher's spend boat loads of their own money- so bins, I figured, could be cheaper. NO. These black bins (in the library shown above) warped, tipped, and snapped throughout the year most likely costing me more money-and a ton more time- then buying good bins to start with. Above all, they frustrated the children while they were attempting to put the books away correctly and led to more damaged books and less interested students.
With that said- I did not purchase my bins from an expensive and overpriced "teacher store." I found my favorite, durable, hard plastic bins at Target dollar spot! These are the purple bins shown in the first library. What you are looking for in a bin is hard plastic you cannot bend with a slight push and solid sides-no holes as in my cheap black baskets. Target even had labeling pockets to go with them. Overall I spent about 20$ on my book bins and haven't seen a scratch or a tipped bin since.
3. Choose a Book Labeling System
This part of library creation is more of a personal choice than a one-sizes fits most attitude. For the younger students, I would recommend setting up a system that teaches what book organization is. Number systems or author last names may be too confusing and inappropriate for the students who are just mastering the alphabet and can't even remember to pack their homework correctly.
In our library (for Kindergarten) we organize our books by genre. I have bins for fantasy, fiction, math, science, cultures, holidays, history, alphabet, rhymes, poems, animals, and well known authors. Each of the bins is labeled with a color sticker and the books belonging to that bin have a binding sticker that matches. Students are asked to look at the book binding sticker and place it in the matching bin. Easy, appropriate, organized and independent for even the youngest learners.
I have seen other libraries labeled by author, book series (Llama Llama books, Arthur etc.) and reading levels. You may need to try a few different categorizations before you land on one that is organized enough for you and works for the students. With older students, they may even be able to help create the system.
In our classroom, we have a librarian (weekly job) that is in charge of ensuring the books are safely back in their appropriate bin at the end of the day. As everyone cycles through the jobs, everyone learns how to categorize the books and voila! No misplaced, stepped on, or left out books!
4. Brand Your Books!
Don't forget to do this step- and don't leave it for last! The first thing you should do when you have collected the books you want in your classroom library is to label them with your name and classroom number. Many people use stamps or stickers. I personally prefer using Avery labels that I can design myself to match my classroom theme. With labels, you can reposition their placement if need be, easily remove them for name changes or worn sticker replacements without ruining the book. Stamps, while easy and cheap, are more permanent and may bleed through or not show up on shiny pages.
If you want to see an example of some book labels, I have included mine for free below!
Other teachers, students, and school personnel WILL borrow your books. As they should! That is the point of a library! To share ideas and inspire everyone! But, many teachers have copies of the same books.... or at least think they do... Point being: books are easily misplaced, taken, and "lost." If your books are labeled, you have a much better chance of seeing them again ! Books are expensive and precious, claim them proudly!
5. Add Specialty Labels for Notes/Ideas
Recently, I have begun a new project in my classroom library. As mentioned in the beginning of this post, I use books as the backbone for all learning in my classroom. After using the Traits writing program last year with my bees, I began loving the use of mentor texts to teach writing ! (post about which books I love best for writing instruction coming soon!)
Anyway, for the books that I want to include in my writing mini-lessons and curriculum, special labels and sticky notes are added in addition to the library labels. I write notes with key words such as character development, sequencing, plot design, award winning pictures etc. The notes have page numbers for easy reference. Then when I am looking for a specific book to teach a trait, I can easily find and grab it. I keep a master list of all the writing books and the traits they exemplify handy so I can grab quickly!
6. Teach the Kids to use it correctly AND LET THEM
SADDEST TRUTH: Most teachers keep a stash of the most prized, award winning, interesting books hidden away in a bin in the closet from the students. Why? Because young students (even some older ones) ruin books. Its just the truth of the matter. They enjoy them fully. Tear through pages to find the ending, point viciously at a picture they found appealing, use their sticky hands to ruin corners and edges. Then, the books are ruined for read alouds and future enjoyment.
In my classroom, all books are available to the students at all times. "Kid" books and "teacher" books alike. Again, why? Because that's what they're for! Teach your students proper handling skills, get a library cop, and let your students enjoy. Hold them responsible- they can be held responsible for more than they lead on. You buy the books for the students, you say, but then keep them hidden away. Students should be able to enjoy Halloween books in June and Johnny Appleseed 1,000 times.
Still not comfortable? use your scholastic points, or teacher gift cards, to buy duplicate copies. Your private books can be kept safe and air-tight, while the same stories can be thoroughly loved year round.
Just a thought...
7. Make it Cozy
Books, especially in this generation of students, are not naturally coveted. They don't make noise, flash fun points or rewards, or play music. They require the use of imagination: work. While I still have yet to meet a student who doesn't love to be read to... I have met many who do not enjoy reading alone. They page through books faster than they can even blink and claim "I read it, its done" or worse "I'm bored of books."
That is why I make my library as inviting and exciting as possible. Options to listen to books, cuddle with a partner, use a comfy chair, enjoy "books of the week" from the green bin, and post up a book review are a few of my best ideas.
I bought the library rug off of amazon here. This is just one option I decided to use in my room to go with the colorful rustic theme. Although the library already has carpet underneath it, the colorful carpet adds a bit of "special area" charm that makes it enticing. Plus, its beautiful!
Our fern I bought at Michaels for less than 30$ and it is one of the decorations that the children and teachers really enjoy. It adds a calming and escaping sensation where children enjoy reading under and sitting beneath.
I also put mini posters at eye level for a sitting, Kindergarten reader. They add color, inspire book choices and create a home-like space!
Recently, I've seen a lot of book boats-made out of storage containers or laundry baskets. Maybe my next library addition...
8. Use it as a Reward, Never a Punishment
Don't ever say: "If you can't behave at that center, you'll just read a book" MANY teachers are guilty of this. BUT DON'T DO IT. In the same way you should never use reading or writing activities as a punishment instead of missed recess/privlidges, don't use the library or reading in general as an activity associated with bad behavior. That directly connects reading as a "last resort" activity or even "boring." We do it because it is a quick fix- get the child away from the situation, alone, and occupied. Yet, it creates the WRONG association with reading.
Instead, try to talk up the library, and there will always be a student to help you sing its praise! Use it as a reward for good behavior, a class incentive (discover a new library book day), a daily routine (such as DEAR time), or an "I'm Done" activity for finishing work appropriately and well.
Lastly, don't forget that the students need to be taught how to use the library. How to read with a friend (knee to knee, whisper voices, taking turns), how to read alone (where to find trackers, how to sound out words, where to turn pages), how to put books back, where to find books of interest. The list is endless. Make it a mini-lesson. Make it a learn-about-the-library-Wednesday. Teach it like you teach science or math.
9. Fill Your Library with GOOD Books
Ok, so all books are wonderful for children to engage with and read. BUT, if you are going to spend, lets face it, your own money on books for your kiddos-make them worthwhile. How do I know which books to pick? Of course, a book with a Caldecott, Pulitzer Prize, National Book Award, or Newbury Medal is a good place to start. Another great place to look? A fellow, seasoned teacher's library. They have actually tried out the books again and again and know which ones the children truly enjoy. They also know tricks to reading them, and tips for helping the students understand the concepts within. They may even know follow up activities or lessons.
Another wonderful recourse is Miss Magee's reading blog. She has written reviews on many children's books for all elementary ages and provides a teacher's opinion on some new and exciting literature. Check it out!
There are a few places in my area that are stars when searching for discount classroom books:
My favorite?
Park Street Books in Medfield Mass. This house-turned-bookstore is filled with rooms of award winning, overstocked books. Teachers receive a discount and gain access to thousands of classroom must-haves for an average price of 5$ per book! Worth the drive!
Some other Massachusetts stores are the Book Oasis and Storybook Cove. Check them out!
10. Don't forget fantasy
Fantasy? Shouldn't I be saying nonfiction? In my opinion, the newest reading programs for our youngest learners are focusing heavily on nonfiction books. This makes some sense. Children are not as likely to find nonfiction books appealing on their own and benefit greatly from learning some facts and true events. At this age, they have much to learn and its easier to teach them facts then fix misconceptions later on.
Fine.
But, with this movement, people are forgetting about fantasy. There isn't time. It isn't as relevant to include. Dare I say, its even considered less important. As a whole, curriculum seems to value fantasy and fiction less. What we cannot forget is that these genres are popular and sought after by children for a reason. They are engaging, funny, and full of imagination. Just like our youngest learners.
Fantasy and Fiction Benefits:
-teaches plot in a sequential manner
-includes multi-layered characters
-grabs attention
-builds a true love of reading
-teaches morals and values
-exemplifies author's purpose
-has various settings
-allows opportunities for inferencing and predicting
...just to name a few
So, get going with the creation or revamping of your classroom library! and DONT FORGET THE FANTASY!
