Routman begins the chapter telling about the seemingly absence of classroom libraries. And when they are present, the teachers have controlled the organization, the students don't know how to chose the books, and there is too little time set aside for reading. A complete classroom library is vital to a strong independent reading program. Routman acknowledges that when there is a classroom library present, the teachers have usually spent large sums of their own money. I can attest to this myself. I appreciated his thought that books do more good in reading achievement that any computer software program...(who do I email this statement to?).
As you create a classroom library, think about your students' interests. What kind of books would they like to read? What authors, series, or subjects would they enjoy reading more of? Think about including "light reading" - comic books, magazines, picture books, etc. Routman commented that an adequate classroom library should include at least two hundred books, but an excellent classroom library would have 1000 books.
So where do I get all these books? Routman gave several suggestions such as:
- asking the PTC to help raise money
- have students bring favorite books from home "on loan"
- Discount sales at book outlets and bookstores
- borrow from school library or public library
- take advantage of classroom book clubs like Scholastic and Troll
- seek donations from families
- check out a "book swap" with another classroom
How do I set the classroom library up? As you begin thinking about the organization of your classroom library, try not to do too much reading leveling. You don't want the students to identify themselves with their level. Organize by genre, author, series, subject. Include lots of nonfiction---the students may enjoy the nonfiction more. Also think about how the books will be displayed. Try to display books with the cover out like in a bookstore...the kids will be more attracted to them. Think about where the students will read. Should they be at their desks, or can they find their own spot for independent reading? Where do you like to read...at your desk? A very important point to be remembered as you begin organizing your classroom library is to let the students have a big voice in how it is put together. When they create it, they will use it more!
Be mindful of the opportunities you allow for home reading support. Routman suggested ideas such as:
- home-school literacy book packs
- reproducible books
- book clubs (Scholastic, Troll, Lucky)
- library cards
- suggested titles and resources for parents to purchase
As the classroom library progresses, teachers should use "book talks" as a way to get the kids enthused about certain books. Talk about new additions and change the books in the displays and the library periodically. Keep it fresh.
It is critical that the classroom library help create a sense of respect and caring for all books. It is part of creating the love of reading.
I loved your comment about the computer software program. Many times districts purchase these expensive software programs without any input from the teachers, we are mandated to use them, and then there is no money left for purchasing "real books". I was the type of teacher who brought out books based on what I thought the kids should be looking at. That will definately change this year. Students will be involved in the process.
ReplyDeleteI always imagine having my classroom organized in a way that is student friendly, but one problem that I have is finding a place or room to put these sets of books. The book shelves I currently have don't allow for setting up of themes that are easy to find.
ReplyDeleteI like that she did not want the books leveled as a way to organize the class library. It does not support students feeling good about reading, espcially if it is a struggling reader.
ReplyDeleteLike mentioned before, I work at a charter school that doesn't have a library but I was able to get discarded books donated to us from private schools. It is hard to get a school to fund a library project but there are always grants that you can apply for to help with this type of project.
ReplyDeleteBuilding classroom library is expensive and can be frustrating. I am confused to how we are to organize the books once we have them. A few years ago at a PLC meeting we were told to organize our books into leveled libraries, which were not necessarily levels, but more so content. I really like that the article stated that students should be involved in organizing the books. I think that this will help them establish more ownership over the classroom library and make them aware what is available.
ReplyDeleteOur local middle school did a book drive and came to our elementary school to hand out books to students. There were plenty of books for everyone and each child got to choose their book. It was a great community project for the middle school and the elementary aged students thought that books that came from middle school kids must be cool. Then the younger students wrote thank you notes. This was such an awesome experience. It really was a successful book drive.
ReplyDeleteA quality classroom is library is so essential for reading and supporting student literacy. I think it's important to have a diverse set of text for students to choose from. Providing students with a choice is essential when initiating any reading routine or program.
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