On page 28
it says that classroom libraries are essential in getting students to read. I
most likely fail on that part because I have tons of books in my classroom but
I don’t let the students read any but the board books. So in essences I have failed
at having a good library for my students to use. I can argue all I want to
about how much money I have spent but what is my goal? Is it to have a fabulous
library that only I can read books to students or is it to foster a love of
books and reading in my students by having books they want to read and allowing
them to read them.
So what kinds of materials should I
have? I need to acquire more books that they are interested in such as Peppa
Pig, Daniel Tiger, Hello Kitty and Super Heroes. I need to let go and let them
dive into the books and quit trying to keep the books looking pristine. A well-worn
book shows it’s been loved after being read many times.
I need to let them read the books
and then let them talk about them. Talk to me or to other students. Let them
have fun reading the books they want in our class library and worry less about
whether they are stepping on the books or pulling out the pages. I need to by a
book titled, “Let it Go” and sit back and watch my students enjoy reading!
Ah, the book care dilemma--I know it well! I also "guarded" my "teacher books" for the first year I taught in kindergarten. Then my family started giving me children's books for Christmas, and it was much easier to put those straight into the hands of children because I hadn't invested my own money in them. That was the point I had a change of heart--isn't a battered book actually more valuable because it embodies the love of children? It was a long journey for me to reach that point. Try looking for grants, like Donors Choose, that will help you increase access to texts without breaking your bank. I know that helped my "letting go" process! :-)
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