L is for Library (ABCs of 2nd grade)

July 10, 2014
Posted by clbartlett on
Today’s post is going to focus on the classroom library, my favorite area of the classroom. I have a serious addiction to children’s books so I am always looking for ways to organize the library and keep it neat.
My library is ever changing in my classroom and I am always looking for some new ideas.
The picture below shows my library last year.
The tall bins and rug are from Big Lots. The small bins are from Really Good Stuff.
Library labels are from Ladybug’s Teacher Files.
I use this cart from Lakeshore to organize most of my AR books. I put books here that don’t really fit in any of the categories in the classroom library.
I have tons of books. I have 2 large bookcases in the back of my room with books that don’t fit on the shelves or aren’t seasonally appropriate for the time of the year. I also have my special books that I don’t put in the library. These are usually books that I read each year that I don’t want to get damaged.
My biggest issue with the classroom library is students not understanding how they should use the classroom library. Each year, I go over my classroom library expectations so we have fewer problems throughout the year. 

“The Library Dragon” is a great book to read to your students to introduce library expectations.

I also made posters with what I expect of the students and hang them in the library. I have shared these in the past but I just updated them for you. There are 3 different versions: patterns, color with illustrations, and black/white with illustrations.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Library-Expectations-posters-freebie-311150

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Library-Expectations-posters-freebie-311150

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Library-Expectations-posters-freebie-311150

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Library-Expectations-posters-freebie-311150

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Library-Expectations-posters-freebie-311150

These posters are free in my store. You can click on any of the images to download. If you download these, please leave me some feedback.

Another thing that I always try to do is have my students practice putting books back where they go. At the beginning of the year, I pull some books out and some book boxes. As a class, we look at the books and decide which box they belong in. I have most of my book boxes numbered and with numbers on the books but you’d be surprised how some students never see this until you point it out. 

I have an inspiration board for my classroom library on Pinterest. There are some amazing libraries out there that I would love in my classroom.

Follow Courtney’s board Class library on Pinterest.

My next post is M is for Morning Routines.

https://www.swimmingintosecond.com/2014/07/m-is-for-morning-routines-abcs-of-2nd.html

photo SwimmingintoSecondSignature_zpsdbc444f5.png

7 Comments on “L is for Library (ABCs of 2nd grade)”

  4. I use paint sticks from the hardware store as place savers. The kids decorate them at the beginning of the year so they know which one belongs to them. It's not a guarantee that every book makes its way home, but it has cut down considerably on the "stash and go".

    Tracy

  5. My classroom library is always a struggle to stay organized! Sometimes they just don't take the time to put them back where they go! I love your posters! They will be a huge help in my classroom this year!

  6. I used your library posters last year with my class – they were great!
    I like Sara Frampton's idea of a tub for books they aren't sure where to put. Great idea!
    Sara

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