I carry about 60 students on my Title 1 roster, so I need my classroom library organized and easy for me to see who has what checked out and for how long. The grade span for me is K-5 so I also need a way to keep books organized and easier for students to find that "just right" book. So the books in my room have to be leveled. I use Fountas and Pinnell's way of leveling books.
On the front of each book is a sticker indicating which basket it belongs in on the shelf.
Inside of each book is a envelope glued to the back. Inside the envelope is an index card listing the name, author and level of the book. Students write their name and date on the card when checking it out. You can see in the photo below where I still have AR leveling in my books from when we used AR. We have decided this year not to use AR and if you would like you can read about it here.
After the card is signed, students place it in the chart. The card stays there until they bring the book back. I can see at a glance who has a book checked out and who does not or has not been checking out books.
Also inside the envelopes on the chart are colored strips of paper listing the baskets students are able to check out books from. I like to give the students a range to choose from. As the school year goes along and students improve these levels will get changed. By changing levels students are reading within their range and getting new choices that keeps it interesting for them!
This system works great for me, simple as it is. I especially like the visual of being able to just glance at the chart and see who is not checking out books to read and then I can get to remedying that. I have had thoughts of going to an electronic check out system. Do you use one? Is it simple to use for younger students? I would love to hear about it if you do! :)
Thank you so much for this idea. It's nice to see other Title Reading teachers with ideas for helping students read. How do you have 60 students? I'm the only title teacher this year and I have 38 on my case load and I couldn't imagine having any more. Thanks for the ideas!!!!
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a handy system to me. Let me just say that I love the fact that your kids get to check out books. That doesn't happen in my school's Title 1 room.
ReplyDelete❀ Tammy
Forever in First
Excellent system!
ReplyDeleteI think it's cool, too, that your kids get to borrow books from your room.
Barbara
Grade ONEderful
Ruby Slippers
What a GREAT idea! I hope you don't mind I am including your link in a blog I am creating for a class assignment! Your system is the best I've seen and I love how it is similar to many of the public library systems in my area which is great way to bring the community into the classroom! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteCrystal, I am the only Title 1 Reading teacher now for K-5 so I try to service all that I can. It is a huge load but I feel that someone must service those struggling readers. Thank you for stopping by! :)
ReplyDeleteTammy, I didn't realize that kids wouldn't be checking out books from a Title room! They need those books in their hands for sure. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Barbara! I really never thought about it not being the norm to be able to check out books. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Danielle! It just seems like a very simple system that works for me and my students. That is great if you want to include the link!
ReplyDeleteI need a system. I have approx 140 6th grade students. All of my students are Title 1. I allow them to check out books but I have to admit that I don't keep track because it is too time consuming.
ReplyDeleteI understand about it being time consuming. Maybe your students could help you glue in library pockets and write the names of the books on index cards to go in them. Just a thought! :)
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