After thinking about it over this past week, I've decided to start work on a library for my future classroom! I still want to learn how to hand-bind books; but that inspires me less than the idea of a classroom library. So, I'm going to start figuring out how to make a library happen! I already have some ideas for this (more on that another time); so I think I can do it. And, I'm required to come up with a "Uniquely You" project for my English Methods class -- something that will set me apart from all the other teachers out there -- and I think this project will work for that. So, here goes! Over the next five weeks, I'll see what I can do to make my library a reality.
I've found some images on the internet of classroom libraries, but none of them are really what I have in mind. Some are too "elementary school," some are just textbooks, and some are much larger than anything I'm going to be able to do:
I've found some images on the internet of classroom libraries, but none of them are really what I have in mind. Some are too "elementary school," some are just textbooks, and some are much larger than anything I'm going to be able to do:
But, each has elements I like. In particular, I like the whole idea of a "reading corner" with comfy chairs or pillows where students can sit and read. Obviously, I'll need shelves. And, if I put up decorations, they need to look teenager-friendly (is there a place that sells hip library signs?) Of course, I know that much of this will depend on the size of my classroom. Some schools have so many students per classroom that there's barely room for the desks; and some schools have teachers share rooms, so I wouldn't have a dedicated place to put my stuff. But, I'm thinking I can probably manage to fit a small bookshelf in somewhere, right?
The "play" element of my project is getting to choose books and read or re-read some of them. The "making" element is the pulling together of the library and making signs and book labels. The "knowledge" element involves my already-established knowledge about books and libraries and the extension of that knowledge into a new area. My specific goal is to put together a wish-list of books and begin collecting them and labeling them in anticipation of putting them in my classroom when I have one.
The "play" element of my project is getting to choose books and read or re-read some of them. The "making" element is the pulling together of the library and making signs and book labels. The "knowledge" element involves my already-established knowledge about books and libraries and the extension of that knowledge into a new area. My specific goal is to put together a wish-list of books and begin collecting them and labeling them in anticipation of putting them in my classroom when I have one.