Interview

How did you build your library?

Building a classroom library takes time, but always add books to your collection through book orders such as scholastic, yard sales, books passed down through other teachers etc.

What books do you recommend for a classroom library?
Have a variety of books to offer to your students. Also, have students make lists of their favorite books to add to the library.

What school resources are available to you?

There is a literacy library available for teachers and consist of leveled books

How do you sort your library?

The classroom library is sorted by genre and also series books are grouped together as well in baskets.

Do your have an area for your students to read?
Students normally read at their own desks, but I do have a library chair for the students

What level of access do your students have to the class library?

I let the students take the books home freely. I would much rather know that the books are home with the students, then in my classroom and remain unread by the students.

Do you have rules for using the books?

We have a conversation at the beginning of the year about why it is important to treat the books fairly and that it is important they are returned for other students to be able to read.

Do you have a reading program in your classroom?
I have guided reading groups at the beginning of the year that evolve into literature circles throughout the school year.

How do you encourage reading?
A good activity to do with your students at the beginning of the year is to have students work together to sort the books by genre. This allows students to not only learn about genres and how books may fit into more than one genre, but it allows them to see what books are available to them.

Do you have any advice for first year teachers?
Do not be afraid to ask for help or admit you do not know something. This applies to more than just your reading program. Teachers have been in your shoes before and will help you.