How to Design & Organize Classroom Libraries
A classroom library is an integral part of literacy instruction. It is a place where students can learn about books and how to care for them, how to choose titles that appeal to them, and how a library works. Teachers can use classroom libraries to further students' understanding of topics they study and to build a student's independent reading skills and interests. A teacher can also evaluate a student's reading level and encourage reluctant readers through a well designed classroom library. (see reference 3)
Things You'll Need
- Reading materials
- Colored dot stickers
- Labels
- Pockets for books
- Index cards
- Colored book baskets
- Shelves
- Binder
- Bulletin board
- Decorative items such as lamps, seating, and rugs
Instructions
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1
Assemble reading materials such as hardcover books, paperbacks, and magazines as well as books on tape or CD, and reading software. You can find library materials from thrift shops, garage sales, library sales and from private donors. Book clubs and book fairs are also good opportunities to snag more titles for a classroom library.
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Develop a system for categorizing the books. A good system will make it simple for children to find titles based on type of book and reading level. Consider main categories such as nonfiction, fiction, and series. Subcategories include topics such as space, animals, weather and nutrition for nonfiction, and historical fiction, science fiction and humorous fiction under the fiction category.
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3
Color code the titles by reading level using colored dots on the titles to identify levels. Students will then know how to find a book that is within their reading level. Place a poster in the reading area to show the different levels and corresponding color as well as all the categories.
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4
Separate categories and subcategories into book baskets. Using brightly colored baskets will make the classroom library more attractive and organized than shelves.
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5
Make labels for each title and book basket, as well as pockets for index cards for each book. Each index card should have the title, author and category/subcategory, and place for student names and dates of checkouts. You can glue the pocket inside the front cover, or use clear packing tape. Make a slit for the index card to slide into place. Have a chart or container where students can place their checked out books' cards.
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6
Compile a library listing in Excel or some other computer program and keep the listing printed up in a binder in the library area.
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7
Make the library area an inviting area with comfortable seating choices, a soft carpet or rug, and nice little private spaces where children can read independently. Make certain the area is well lit. Post interesting and colorful notes on a library bulletin board.
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8
Appoint a class librarian, rotating the responsibility on a regular basis so everyone in the class gets a turn. The librarian will place returned titles in appropriate baskets, send reminders to readers who are late returning books, and pull books in need of repair. The student librarian could also work on choosing postings for the bulletin board, like the top five sports books, activities for Poetry Month, or flyers announcing the upcoming book fair.
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