We all have our passions as teachers. For some, it’s keeping those bulletin boards up to date or decorating doors for every occasion. For others, it might be something totally different—like keeping frogs in the classroom to add a little fun and levity. No matter what your passion is, as long as it’s appropriate, it brings something special to your classroom.
I have a lot of passions, but one of my big, ridiculous, and downright eye-roll-worthy passions is my obsession with all things books.
It started way back in college, and let me tell you, it quickly spiraled out of control. I didn’t know what grade I’d end up teaching, so naturally, I had to collect books for every grade—K-5—because, you know, why not cover all my bases? It was ridiculous. This was during the glory days of eBay when you could score big boxes of books for next to nothing. And believe me, I did.
Fast forward to my first year teaching, and you can imagine the scene: I’m wheeling in box after box of books into my very first classroom.
Other teachers started popping their heads in, and you could see the looks on their faces. Is this teacher for real? Where did she get all these books? And then the kicker—they found out I was a first-year teacher. The shock was understandable, but I was just that passionate about making sure my students had every opportunity to find a book they could love.
You see, I have a motto: Every student can value reading if they find the right book for them.
It’s not about making blanket statements like “everyone loves reading.”
I am a big reader and even I don’t love reading every book. I love reading the books that have value to me—whether they add humor, suspense, help me navigate life’s problems, or teach me something new.
Step 1: Categorize by Series, Genre, and Topic
So, with all these books in tow, I started organizing them by genre and specific topics or series. this brings us to the first step: Categorize by Genre, Series, Topic, etc.
Popular series got their own baskets, like Goosebumps or Babysitter’s Club. I was a huge fan of bringing in my favorite series from when I was a kid. Those books helped shape who I am today, and I wanted to pass that on. I’ve learned that sometimes your excitement over those old classics can get students excited too.
But a word of caution: be mindful that some of those books we grew up with in the 80s haven’t aged as well as we’d like to think. Make sure they’ve stood the test of time in a way that’s still appropriate and valuable for all of our students and doesn’t unintentionally perpetuate any harmful stereotypes.
Of course, I also made sure to include the new popular series that kids were into these days—whatever the hot trend was, I was on it. For example, I even had a subscription to an Adventure Time comic book specifically for a very reluctant reader who struggled with her reading abilities.
For non-fiction, I organized by topic—animals, space, nature, you name it. I tried to connect these topics to what we’re learning in science or social studies, but I also included subjects that were just interested to spark my students.
Step 2: Involve Students in the Process
Once I had everything categorized and labeled, it was time for the students to help finish the job.
This was a great opportunity to teach them about genres and get them excited about the books available in our classroom during the first week of school.
I often do this as a whole group activity, but it can work in small groups as well, depending on your classroom management style.
I give the groups of students stacks of books, and their task is to decide which basket each book belongs in. This not only reinforces their understanding of genres but also gives them ownership of the library.
After they make their decisions, I do a quick check to ensure everything is in the right place, and then the students place the books in the correct baskets.
This process helps them become familiar with the library and gives them a taste of the books available to them.
It’s like mixing a book tasting with a genre lesson – win-win.
Step 3: Adding New Books Throughout the Year
Now, here’s where I get real with you—I didn’t put out all my books at once AND I didn’t rotate books out like some super-organized teachers do.
Instead, I kept a stash of new books aside, and I was constantly adding them to the library throughout the year.
When I brought in a new book, I usually had a specific student in mind. That book went to them first, so they got the excitement of being the first to read it. After they had their chance, it made its way to the library for everyone else.
This way, the library was always evolving, reflecting the changing interests and needs of my students. It might not be the most systematized approach, but it works for me, and it keeps the excitement alive for the kids.
Bonus: Build Excitement and Ownership
By involving students in organizing the library and regularly introducing new books, you’re not just maintaining order—you’re building excitement and encouraging a love of reading.
Involving students in categorizing and organizing helps them learn about genres in a hands-on way. They become more familiar with the types of books available, which can help them make more informed reading choices. Plus, it’s a great way to teach them about responsibility and ownership.
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