Over the years, I've organized my library by genres, then by Accelerated Reading (AR) level, then AR level within genres and then nothing at all! Oh my! I loved it because it was so organized and made this semi-perfectionist heart smile. But with moving schools, classrooms, and states, my little library had to be sold and I started fresh.
With the new school year, I organized my books by genres. I even made cute genre labels to stick on my cute little baskets. My little heart began to smile again. But I kept finding books that were NOT in the right spot. Please tell me I'm not the only one this happens to!
Am I shocked, not at all! They're kids, it happens. Plus, sometimes, I don't know if the book should go in the realistic fiction basket or the funny stories one. If I struggle as an adult finding the best place, I'm sure my kids do too.
Am I shocked, not at all! They're kids, it happens. Plus, sometimes, I don't know if the book should go in the realistic fiction basket or the funny stories one. If I struggle as an adult finding the best place, I'm sure my kids do too.
With lexiles being everywhere with Common Core, I decided to level my library by lexile levels. Sure, it may limit some of my kiddos, but I know they will be reading books at their level. And as you know, groups and levels are flexible so my little guys won't stay put for long.
- I'll monitor their progress in reading groups
- I'll check their AR quizzes each week to make sure that they are at their independent reading level
- I'll use Enterprise Reading (same company as AR)
Want to know exactly how to do it, click on the icon below!
Terrific post! Your library looks great! I shared on Pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/pin/245305510929292767/.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the opportunity to win,
Kim
khenry22@aol.com
Thanks!
DeleteThis is really cute. I'm not entering because I already have my library sorted by topic ("Our Country," Animals," etc and then leveled, and it is working well. I just wanted to let you know that I love my library and the way I know the kids are reading at their level too. I'd never go to an un-leveled library. It is time-consuming (I used 2 sites online and still couldn't find them all) but totally worth it!
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas, Terri!
DeleteThank you for sharing! I have been meaning to level my books but haven't done it yet. This would be a big help to get my library more organized and help the kids find books on their level in the classroom!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.pinterest.com/pin/472244710901403798/
Thanks for the chance to win! :)
Mary Love
mhouston@ufl.edu
I have over 2,000 books in my classroom library. Almost all of them have been leveled for A/R. Now, our admins are using Lexiles so we are encouraged to do the same. I would love this packet, especially if there are little elves that will arrive to do the coding for me. I shared in on my Pinterest board and on my FB page. Thanks for offering it. https://www.facebook.com/betsy.l.brown.5
ReplyDeleteOh Betsy, I can definitely relate!
DeleteI shared it on my facebook page. I'd love to win! I need to reorganize my library and this would be so helpful! Jilliancollura@gmail.com
ReplyDeletehttps://www.facebook.com/jillian.dalycollura/posts/10100469941475621
I also shared on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/rebeccamelcher/posts/10152653657248300
ReplyDeleteOrganizing by Lexile is an interesting idea that I would like to explore more. I have noticed organizing by F&P letters confuses my second graders when they go to the school and the public library. They pick books because the author's last initial is the level they are on. beckymky@gmail.com
Hi Becky,
DeleteWe did F&P last year as well! Many teachers aren't thrilled to reorganize their library, and I completely understand! Check your e mail!
Kristen