How to Organize a Classroom Library
Help Students Find the Books They Need by Level or Genre
Jun 28, 2009
Classroom libraries are an important part of instruction at every grade level of elementary school. To have a successful reading program, children’s books need to be available with easy access. If the children’s library is organized, students will spend less time digging through the books and more time reading. That should be a goal for every effective teacher.
There are two ways to organize books that can be used at the same time in a classroom. One way allows students to find books by reading level, and another allows students to find books by genre. Using the same system, a teacher may even choose to allow students to find books by popular authors.
All that is needed to organize a classroom library are some stickers and some plastic tubs. For a wide variety of books, at least twenty plastic tubs are needed. One tub is needed for each level of books, and one tub is needed for each genre. If the library is large, more tubs may be necessary.
Organize Books by Level
When students are learning to read, they often use leveled books, or books that fit their reading ability. There are many programs that level books, and most elementary schools use one. If the school doesn’t use one, an Internet search can tell the levels of books by titles.
Make a sticker for each level of books. The labels can be made on the computer and printed out. If a color system of leveling is used, colored stickers work best. Place a sticker label on each tub, and cover it with clear tape for durability.
Next, decide which books will go in that tub. Label the books with the same sticker as the tub. Cover the sticker with clear tape. Place all the appropriately leveled and labeled books in the tub.
Organize Books by Genre
Students quickly learn what types of books they like to read the most. Some students love nonfiction books, such as science or biography and history. Other students love fiction, including mystery and adventure. Even in the upper elementary grades, students like to enjoy the occasional picture book.
Sorting the books by genre helps students learn to identify genres. Label each tub with a sticker indicating the genre for that tub. Next, label all the books in that genre with the same sticker. Cover the stickers with clear tape for durability. That way the stickers won’t fall off. Once the books are all labeled and placed in the correct tubs, students will be able to find books about topics they enjoy.
This system is easy for students to maintain. By having matching stickers on the books and the tubs, the students will always know where a book belongs in the classroom library. It’s a good idea to have a student librarian job. The librarian can check the tubs once a week to ensure that all the books are in the correct place.
Having an organized classroom library doesn’t take much work after the setup. Once it’s organized, it will save time. Everyone will be able to find the books they need quickly, and that means more time for reading!
While organizing the classroom, consider Organizing Tips That Teach Students Study Skills and How to Plan a Classroom Seating Arrangement.
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