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Classroom libraries are an amazing resource that I think should be present in virtually every classroom. Many classrooms at the elementary and intermediate levels of public schools have wonderful, overflowing classroom libraries and plush reading corners. Lower level teachers make the effort to have a variety of reading material and foster a text rich learning experience. Unfortunately, the farther along a student gets in their educational career, the less time teachers seem to devote to encouraging the personal reading experience. Whether this is because of the specialization of content areas or... simply a lack of teacher interest, I don't know. What I do know is that pretty much every content area can benefit from a well maintained classroom library!
Reasons for Having a Classroom Library:
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2. A proper classroom library can support your content area and curriculum. Even science, math and history classrooms are benefited by classroom libraries! Literature geared toward children and young adults can help students connect with difficult concepts. It can also peak student interest and encourage inquiry.
3. A classroom library gives students the chance to explore a wide range of genres, authors and topics. Adolescents need encouragement to try new things. Reading experiences are no exception. Encouraging well rounded reading experiences promotes success across the content areas.
4. Reading can increase vocabulary and critical thinking skills.
5. A classroom library can provide a constructive learning opportunity during “down time”. (Which in turn cuts down on misbehavior during “down time”... if you don't have something for students to do... they will find something to do on their own... and that's not always a plus!)
6. A classroom library provides a text rich environment.
7. A classroom library provides the opportunity for students to exercise choice and pursue their own learning interests.
Ideas for Your Library
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Materials for Your Library: Magazines, newspapers, young adult literature, classics, text books, non-fiction reads, reference books, instruction manuals, anthologies, student work, graphic novels, books on tape/CD, CD/MP3 Players, colored overlays (these are for students who have reading problems like dyslexia, sometimes if they try changing the color of the page, they will find a color that can make the letters "behave"). It is best if you try to have a variety print media so that there will be something for everybody.
Atmosphere: Your classroom library must be inviting! It needs to be clean, orderly with everything well labeled. It needs to be well lit and can be decorated with colorful posters and new/thematic book displays. Good Lighting, Comfort Objects (like pillows, beanbags, blankets, rugs, small comfy sitting areas, etc.), Class ownership (students help maintain, stock, decorate and promote library), bulletin boards and show off pieces (I like to display pictures and souvenirs from my travels).
Recommendations: Peer Recommendations, College bound book lists, YALSA book lists, Author Recommendations, Students Requests and etc.
Including Social Opportunities: Blogs, a Facebook Group or social circle for the Library, Discussion Boards, Book Clubs. I also like the idea of letting students make and share recordings or Podcasts of Booktalks or Read Aloud's for their favorite books, stories or poetry.
Encourage Student Involvement: You can have copies of Writing/Essay/Poetry contest entry forms, Class Contests, Community Involvement Opportunities, Local Library Events, Upcoming Book Fairs, etc.
Ideas for Funding Your Library:
1. Extra credit or class competitions for students bringing in school appropriate books and magazines. (Students and their families sometimes have books and magazines that they don’t want or need). You can even allow students and/or relatives to donate the books in honor/memory of a loved one.
2. Buy books from used book stores like Half Priced books or take advantage of sales like the $25/box scholastic sale for teachers. (Be sure to mention that you’re a teacher and show your I.D. for possible discounts) Check out garage sales too! (I like to save $25-$50 out of each paycheck for adding to my library.)
3. Ask local businesses and doctor’s offices if they have any old magazines that they would like to donate. (Many times, these magazines end up being just thrown away!)
(to be continued…)
Please feel free to ask questions or comment on your own classroom library! I would love to hear from you!
Be sure to check in on May 17, 2011. I plan to offer suggestions for planning classroom libraries and using young adult literature in the individual content areas.
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