Why Do You Need A Classroom Library System
First off, let’s talk about the benefits of reading. Reading helps students build their vocabulary because they encounter words that they might not use in everyday ordinary conversation. In a previous post, I explained that most of my students are reading below grade level, and that is because they do not have the necessary vocabulary to comprehend grade-level texts. So, by encouraging reading beyond the classroom should help close the reading gap.
Another benefit of encouraging independent reading is it introduces students to different writing styles. Do you want your students’ writing to become more complex? Introduce them to different types of books and explain how authors use different writing styles to engage their audience.
Moreover, reading helps students build background knowledge. For my students, not having adequate background knowledge also contributes to their dismal reading scores. My students can read in the sense of decoding words, but they do not always comprehend what they read. That is why independent reading is so critical to me.
Introducing My Classroom Reading System
1. Classroom Library Database
I created a classroom library database system using Google Sheets that help me organize and keep track of the books in my classroom library. Using the database, you input the title, author’s name, genre, reading group, or Lexile level, and how many of that particular book you are adding to your library. This information is then stored and all added books are given a unique identification number.
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2. Library Labels
I have editable library labels that go hand in hand with my classroom library database. Once you have added a book to the classroom library database system, then you can generate a label for the book. On the label, it has the book ID number, title, genre, and reading level.
3. Classroom Checkout System
I have also designed a classroom checkout system. Once a student selects a book, I input the student’s class, name, book ID number, title, author, genre, reading group, and date. Inputting the date will then generate a due date two weeks later. This information will then be automatically entered into a database, where I can keep track of the books being borrowed from my library and their due dates. I will also get a summary of which students are borrowing books and at what level.
Hopefully, this message was helpful in some way. I will continue to upload blog posts to my website. However, if you need additional support or what to be informed whenever I post a new message, you can also sign up from my email list. People who sign up for my email list will also have access to my free resources library.
