Teachers Network
Translate Translate English to Chinese Translate English to French
  Translate English to German Translate English to Italian Translate English to Japan
  Translate English to Korean Russian Translate English to Spanish
Lesson Plan Search
Our Lesson Plans
TeachNet Curriculum Units
Classroom Specials
Popular Teacher Designed Activities
TeachNet NYC Directory of Lesson Plans TeachNet NYC Dirctory of Lesson Plans

VIDEOS FOR TEACHERS
RESOURCES
Teachers Network Leadership Institute
How-To Articles
Videos About Teaching
Effective Teachers Website
Lesson Plans
TeachNet Curriculum Units
Classroom Specials
Teacher Research
For NYC Teachers
For New Teachers
HOW-TO ARTICLES
TEACHER RESEARCH
LINKS

GRANT WINNERS
TeachNet Grant:
Lesson Plans
2010
TeachNet Grant Winners
2009
TeachNet Grant Winners
Adaptor Grant Winners
2008
TeachNet Grant Winners
Adaptor Grant Winners
2007
TeachNet Grant Winners
Adaptor Grant Winners
Other Grant Winners
Power-to-Learn
Math and Science Learning
Ready-Set-Tech
Impact II
Grant Resources
Grant How-To's
Free Resources for Teachers
ABOUT
Our Mission
Funders
   Pacesetters
   Benefactors
   Donors
   Sponsors
   Contributors
   Friends
Press
   Articles
   Press Releases
Awards
   Cine
   Silver Reel
   2002 Educational Publishers Award

Sitemap

NYC Helpline: How To: Teach Literacy

The Classroom Library Julia Millin

Your classroom library is the heartbeat to the literacy program in your classroom.  The library should serve as a support to the balance literacy curriculum which allows students the opportunity to self select literature.  When setting up the library in the early primary grades, here are a few things to consider. 

  • Libraries should be inviting and eye-catching. 
  • 30% of the library should be leveled, that’s about six leveled book baskets.
  • Books must be easily accessible to the students.
  • Bins must be labeled clearly and color coded.
  • Include plants, cushions, rugs, mats, pillows, and stuffed animals. 
  • Changes should be evident to reflect the work of the class.
  • Organize the books by genre, author, and topic. 
  • Create research centers when studying specific areas in social studies and science.
  • Include rules for use. 
  • Include pictures of your students engaged in reading.
  • Create a listening center for less independent readers and ELL students. 
  • Create a book shopping chart for table groups.
  • Students should have their own book baggies which contain “Just Right Books” as well as a variety of non-leveled books which may of may not be at the child’s independent reading level. 
  • Children should have enough books in the baggies to keep them reading for a week, but not so many that they jump from book to book in an attempt to read them all.
  • Create a bin with the read aloud books you plan to use with a particular unit of study. 

The Primary Literacy Standards state that students should engage with books, either independently or with assistance every day.

  • Grade 1 – Four or more books every day
  • Grade 2 – One or two short books or long chapters every day
  • Grade 3 – 30 chapter books a year

In the primary grades the classroom library serves several functions, and it is the place where most of your students’ learning will take place.  Make it a warm, inviting and accommodating place for all your students and everyone will benefit.

Reference: Growing Readers: Units of Study in the Primary Classroom, Kathy Collins, Stenhouse Publishers, 2004.

Do you have a question or comment about this article? E-mail Julia.

See also:
Developing Your Classroom Library by Lisa Peterson

 

 

Come across an outdated link?
Please visit The Wayback Machine to find what you are looking for.

 

Journey Back to the Great Before