6th Grade Classroom Library Redesign

This is what the Book Nook looked like the week before school started. 

Summer 2015 Mission: Create an awesome class library and a cozy, inviting reading area for my 6th grade ELA classes.

My inspiration: The Book Whisperer by Donalyn Miller

Ultimate goal: To create a class full of bibliophiles. I want to instill the joy of reading in all of my students.

Background: Here is what my classroom library has looked like these past two years.

Please don't judge.

I was on survival mode.

This is my current reading corner.

It’s year two at my current school. I’ve had a different teaching partner each year.

Luckily, my current partner and I will be working together... indefinitely.

So far, here is my plan.

Step 1: Update class library

Shopping spree at the local Scholastic Warehouse. There was a sale the third week of May! This warehouse is an ELA teacher and bibliophile's paradise. I can’t wait for the December warehouse sale!

My tips: Give yourself a lot of time to shop. Use the restroom and eat a snack prior to shopping. Bring a water bottle. I easily spent three hours there, and I felt like I was rushing. Next time, I will give myself five hours to shop. Ask for a cart. I ended up with three full cases of books. The coupon for $25 off of $100 is a great deal. Register to attend the sale to get the coupon.

This is from my shopping spree!

Find a sale near you by going to the scholastic.com website and register using the link at the upper right hand corner. You’ll receive emails for the warehouse sales.

Step 2: Design the reading corner

A student survey indicated that students wish to see rugs, pillows, stuffed animals, bright or neon colors, a couch and other comfortable seating, like bean bags and bungee chairs. I’d like 24 beach mats in a tub so that we can read outside comfortably.

Current plan:

1) Use the whole front wall for the class library, along with one-third of the adjacent wall.

2) Remove two tables to make more open floor space.

3) Use rain gutters as shelves for displaying the front cover of novels. These will run along the walls above the cubbies and under the bulletin board in the reading corner.

4) Research different teacher and librarian blogs for ideas on setting up a reading corner.

Step 3: Organize class library books

1) Color code by genre

2) Reinforce the covers using Scotch Book Repair tape 2” (Place order)

3) Inventory novels

4) System to manage borrowing

Step 4: System to manage the class library

Sign out clipboards (See the first two photos) didn't work after about a month. Students kept forgetting to check in or check out books. So now it's on an honor system, which makes me a little nervous.

Some ideas that I'm toying with:

1) Bibliophile Binder with an inventory of all of the books.

2) Book lovers to help out **I need a cute name for these student helpers.

3) Use card stock strips with the students' names on it. As they borrow, the title of the book will be written on the card stock. This will be a book "bookmark" to show that a book has been borrowed. This would be a quick visual of which books are out on loan.

4) Have an honor system and cross my fingers that the books are eventually returned.

5) Use index cards with the student's names and the book borrowed. Signed and dated by the borrow. Managed by my student helpers.

6) Allow no more than 2 books borrowed at a time.

Miscellaneous ideas:

1) Literary Legacy - encourage students and families to donate books to the class library.

         Create a little sticker label with a space for the student’s name.

2) Reader's Corner/Book Nook/ Literary Lounge - I'd love a catchy, cool name.

Stay tuned for updates.

Any and all suggestions, links, and photos of your class library, reading area, and management ideas would be appreciated.