Classroom Libraries that K-3 Students Will Love
Design a Literacy-Rich Space that Motivates Young Students to Read
Jun 18, 2009
Though space is at a premium in most schools, K-3 teachers find that a well-designed library is worth including in their literacy-rich classroom environment. Primary classroom libraries should be interactive, welcoming spaces that encourage children to become engaged with books. Careful design, a constant flow of new materials included with old favorites, and modeled use by the teacher are all key to the successful implementation of a classroom library.
Design an Inviting Reading Space
A K-3 classroom library should be more than functional. It should be a bright, colorful, and welcoming space that lends itself to comfortable reading. Use a thick rug to define the space, and add large pillows or beanbags for lounging. Use easily accessible shelving and clearly labeled bins or boxes to hold reading materials. If possible decorate the space with posters or artwork related to reading.
Provide a Wide Variety of Reading Materials
Classroom libraries should provide students with a wide variety of high-interest reading materials, at a variety of reading levels. Collect books and magazines at garage and used books sales, and ask parents and PTA members to contribute whenever possible. Rotate materials periodically to keep the displays and reading options fresh. Use featured authors or illustrators to highlight themes or draw attention to particular genre or style.
Feature Content-Area Fiction and Non-Fiction
A classroom library is the perfect place to feature fiction and non-fiction books, articles and poetry related to content area units of study. Set up a small table near the library space and collect related materials for display. Provide multiple copies of high-interest books to encourage independent exploration, and refer to and use the materials during the course of instruction. Encourage students to find and bring in their own related reading material, too.
Highlight Class-Made Books and Student Favorites
Student writing can and should be collected into class-made books whenever possible, and these books make another high-interest addition to a classroom library. Bind the books with metal rings to hang from a pegboard, or simply collect them in colorful bins; either way they are sure to be favorites.
Students should also be encouraged to bring in favorite books from home to share. Short book talks may be given when a book is brought in. Students share the title, author, a favorite passage and why they think others would enjoy the book. Use an extra desk, the top of the bookshelves, or a separate table to display student favorites and remind students to return the materials to that space when finished.
Encourage Student Authors With a Writing Center
Students who are regularly engaged with books often find themselves wanting to write, too. A small writing center set up adjacent to the classroom library will provide a source of inspiration for young authors. Provide a variety of paper, pens, pencils, markers, and binding materials. Display writing prompts, quotes from the featured author, and even a log where students can sign in and list what they are working on. Check in with student authors periodically to make sure their completed pieces are bound and transferred to the classroom library.
K-3 classroom libraries are dynamic, interactive places where much informal, student-led learning takes place. Teachers who design the space with these learning opportunities in mind will enjoy watching their students become avid readers and writers, with improved oral and written language skills that will transfer to all areas of study.
Further Reading
Reutzel, Ray and Parker, Fawson. Your Classroom Library: New Ways to Give It More Teaching Power: Great Teacher-Tested and Research-Based Strategies for Organizing and Using Your Library. New York: Scholastic Teaching Resources, 2002.
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