Classroom Library Linky

I have posted about my library before this linky.

It was when I first started this system. It really has worked for me this year- there will, of course, be some tweaks next year.
I am on break this week, so I am going to use the pictures I already have from when I started:)

Ok, our district uses the Scott Foresman Reading Street and the levels are Blue, Yellow, and Green. So this made the most sense to me for organizing, I thought it would make it easier for them to choose and it wouldn't send them looking in bins that they are not ready for yet.

There are baskets for each dot (3 of each, I think). It just kind of ends up when I re-shelve them that the non-fiction and fiction get separated.

And then some of the baskets have two dots because they are "in between" groups.

Everyday four of my firsties get to "shop". (There is a schedule).
They choose 5 books. Four of them are "just right" and then one can be "just for fun".
This means that 4 of your books have to have your color dot from your group and then you can have one that is not your level- maybe they want it because they heard me read it, or they like the pictures or the author- but they like that just for fun book!

After they make their choices, they put them in their "book boxes".

They have their hands on LOTS of books all week long, but these five books are their "go to books".
For our Daily 5, we have our Read to Self very first thing in the morning when they come in.
They put away their things, turn in any homework, go to their box, get a book, and get to reading.
There is a basket of whisper phones above their boxes. (Makes for a very nice morning) :)

If it is your day to "shop" then you put these 5 books in the return basket and shop for 5 more.
I like this because the baskets on the shelves stay nice and neat.

This is over behind my desk. Mostly these are the books that I use to teach- and are on their comprehension level but not their reading level.  I rotate out holiday books- very easy to put my hands on the one I want.

I made these labels for the baskets. They are attached with tiny zip ties.
And then there are the stickers...I cut them as I need them.

 {Both of those are linked on Google Docs, just click on the pic- the stickers for the books are for 8160 labels}

Like I said at first, this is really working for our class- I have put in my request to get new bookshelves because the shelves on mine are very narrow.




I love being able to see everyone's libraries in this linky...so many ideas!

Be sure to link up to Mrs. Rider's party!

After lots of printing, laminating and zip-ties- our leveled class library is finally up and running! I have been so inspired (and busy) since I have started following blogs!
We use the Scott Foresman Reading Street series, so my groups for reading are green, yellow, and blue. The books are labeled by a combination of Reniassance Learning and my observation. If you are in the green group this week (they are extremely fluid as the skills change), then your "just right" books should be in a basket with a green dot. Some of the titles were a little hard to tell, so I have baskets that have a green and yellow dot, some are yellow and blue dot, and some have all three! (Those treasured classics that they all love!) Oh and the books have a matching color dot on the front so they can be put away easily.




There are 18 baskets total and I made sure that there are non-fiction and fiction baskets for each level. Here is the best part and it comes from the teacher wife and a few other blogs- BOOK BOXES!
Each student has a book box and right now they only have 6 in there. Four of them are "just right" and two of them are "just for fun". Just right books have to have the color dot you are in this week and Just for fun can be from any basket.
Yes, I went through and glued in the pockets and made the cards- but it is so simple after that! I have 20 students- there is a schedule and only four "shop" each day. They bring me their books first thing in the morning, I put the cards back in, they choose 6 more- take out the cards, write their names, and give to me.

Well, I told you that I had already given the best part- but no, it gets better.... We do the Daily 5....and thanks to a blog I read ( I will place her name in here as soon as I find the bookmark), but we do the book boxes as soon as we come in. While I am at the door greeting children, they are coming in...placing their binders in the correct place (I will tell you about those, I love binders!), put notes or $ in the correct place, hang up bags and go directly to their book boxes, then seats. They all have whisper phones in their desks.....it is awesome!
The quiet entry is great- but better than that- I am not stressing anyone out with unnecessary morning work (them for doing it, me for chasing some of them down for it), and they are accountable for something.
They just love it.....When it is their day to "shop" they are all pumped when they first come in.....it makes me feel great that they are so motivated to read. And it is much easier for them to read to themselves because the room is quiet!

I have so many things that I want to share..... I just want to make sure I put the names of blogs and creators....There have been so many great ideas!