How to Set Up a Fifth Grade Classroom for Reading

An efficiently-organized classroom will help students engage in the reading process.

Fifth graders spend a great deal of time around written text, as they are expected to read not only in their reading class, but also in the content areas of science and social studies. Unlike primary students, who are learning to read, these upper-elementary students will be reading to learn. Still, a fifth grade classroom can be set up to make reading engaging for students while still being functional for the teacher.

Things You'll Need

• Student desks
• Bookshelves
• Books
• Reading-related posters

Instructions

1. Arrange the desks for direct instruction. If you plan to use an interactive whiteboard, overhead projector or some other visual aide to teach students the skills of reading, center the desks around that area. Desks in rows or in a u-shape work well for direct instruction.

2. Create a space for small-group work. If you have space available, tables or desks in the back of the room could be used. You could also have them move their desks when you decide to engage them in cooperative learning.

3. Find places for individual free reading. As suggested by Teach Hub.com, allow students to move around the room and be comfortable. Fifth graders may enjoy a silent reading corner, beanbags in the back of the classroom or reading mats on the floor.

4. Find books for free-reading. Fifth graders can read independently, and to encourage them to do so, they need books to choose from. They will have a variety of interests and ability levels, so find easier chapter-books and also longer young-adult novels to meet the needs of all students.

5. Surround the students with books. Place the books in view of the students -- on shelves or counters around the classroom. Develop some type of classroom routine for checking out books, which could include a sign-out sheet or cards placed inside the books.

6. Create useful visual aides. Make use of your bulletin boards and wall space by posting helpful tips for reading, book ideas and suggestions, or challenging vocabulary words.

Tips & Warnings

• To find classroom reading material, search rummage sales, used book stores or hold a classroom book drive.

• To create a silent reading corner, place bookshelves in a square in the back corner of your classroom. Beanbags can be placed inside.

• Consider including some graphic novels, magazines and newspapers in your classroom, as well.

• Many young adult novels contain material inappropriate for fifth-grade students, so check through the books you pick before placing them in your library.

References

• "12 Ways to Motivate Reluctant Readers"; Laura Candler
• "Classroom Organization: The Physical Environment"