If you asked me what is my favorite part of my classroom, I would say my classroom library without hesitation. It is the grand piece of the puzzle to my classroom and I firmly believe that it has helped reluctant readers fall in love with literacy.
I was very blessed to have this many books my first year teaching. I spent my entire summer doing what my boyfriend likes to call my “teacher trolls”. I went to every garage sale, salvation army, and Goodwill I could find. I also submitted a project that was successfully funded through Donors Choose.
If you have not sought materials through that website, I highly encourage you to put that on your to-do list!
Shelving
Two of my bookshelves are from Target and the other Two from Walmart. They were about $25 each if I remember correctly.
I have recently moved districts (if you are a loyal follower are you tired of hearing that haha?) My new classroom has an INSANE amount of shelving. It pretty much makes these shelves I bought useless.
Here is a picture:
Book Bins
I have received a lot of love on my Instagram regarding my book bins. The chapter book bins I bought from Family Dollar last year. But lucky you…because they are out again this year! I over bought bins because being the literary lover that I am, I just knew I would need more bins later.
The tall skinny bins hold my picture books. These were purchased from Big Lots. They hold quite a bit of books in each bin, I was pleasantly surprised.
Book Basket Organization
My library is not leveled by Lexile or any other program **insert gasp here**
Our library is themed, with non fiction books separated by fiction books.
Miller suggests that this is the way to go because when we send our little nuggets to any book stores, those shelves will not be leveled by Lexile. We are teaching them to be independent book shoppers and readers, so it must begin in our classroom.
These AWESOME labels were purchased from Molly Malloy.
I really love how bright and cheerful these labels are. There is an option for clip art or no clipart.
That is an EASY choice for me! 😉
These labels are also editable, so if I have a series that she doesn’t have listed (which has only happened like once), I can easily add it in!
She is also participating in this book study and explained her product {HERE}
My FAVORITE part of this organizer (yes, there is more) is that it comes with these adorable labels that print on Avery templates. You attach them to the back of the book so the children know which bin the book belongs to. This is extremely helpful for me because my kids have book boxes so have more than one book out. They keep their books for about a week, and MY memory isn’t that great so I know the kiddos get confused about placement.
Read Aloud Books
Not pictured, I use the labels that Molly Malloy created and place it on the stand so the kids see the theme.
My classroom library is my favorite! I hope you enjoyed taking a gander at my room!
Check out the other bloggers sharing their classroom organization!
Rachel Wille
July 10, 2014 at 6:50 pmYour library looks so great! What did you use to attach the labels to the baskets? I worry about mine falling off/ getting beat up throughout use.
Pixie Anne
July 10, 2014 at 7:08 pmI wish I had the space in my classroom for a lovely big book corner like yours – it look great. I also love the idea of teaching the children to be 'book shoppers' – so important!
Growing Little Learners
C Hath
July 10, 2014 at 9:01 pmI love your library! It looks so fun!! I love my classroom library too!!
Mrs. 3rd Grade
Hoots N' Hollers Flutters from Second Grade
July 10, 2014 at 9:20 pmYour classroom library is beautiful and so inviting! Thanks for sharing your organizational ideas…
Smiles,
Sarah
Kristin
July 10, 2014 at 11:07 pmYour library is amazing!! I need one of those cardboard displays like you have. Thanks for sharing!
Kristin
My Carolina Classroom
Sarah
July 10, 2014 at 11:09 pmGreat job organizing! It's absolutely amazing and I'm sure your kids will love it!
Funky in Fourth
July 11, 2014 at 3:23 amI love your library. I have hopes of organizing my library this summer. My biggest issue is I never know "HOW TO DO IT". I keep going back and forth. My school does AR (although I am not a huge fan) there is major pressure to have your classroom books organized by that level. Ugh. This last year my books were just a free for all. I have a ton- and they are all cataloged with my app so kids can check them in and out… but it just didn't work great. I may *attempt* to organize with you as an inspiration! Thanks for sharing!!!
Cassie
Funky in Fourth
Emily
July 11, 2014 at 10:14 pmI LOVE the way your library is organized! I'm also really glad to hear that those Big Lots bins hold books well, I just bought 8 for my library! :o)
Emily
Munchkins Inc.
Kathie Yonemura
July 13, 2014 at 5:25 amWhat a gorgeous classroom library you have!! I'm so excited for school to begin again so I can revamp my library!! I have hundreds of books but only a couple of bookshelves; I'm committed to getting more bookcases so I can use all my gazillion book bins!! Thanks for sharing!!