Cassie Heinz #4- Organize an Outstanding Library

I enjoyed reading Routman's section "Organize an Outstanding Library" and got a lot of ideas about how to improve my own classroom library. Routman states that a library should be the center of the classroom, which is something I also believe. When I student taught, I became just as frustrated as the students because of the little variety of high-interest books for the students. I felt that they were not engaged in reading due to the lack of books in their classroom they were interested in. I made it my goal to have a good library when I got my own classroom. My second year teaching, I became an even bigger advocate of a good classroom library when I had some difficult boys who tended to get in trouble after they finished their work. These boys were intelligent, but just got bored after finishing their assignments due to lack of engagement. I found out that they enjoyed non-fiction books about disgusting parts of history and went and bought them every one I could find. Once I got them reading How They Croaked and How They Choked and Disgusting History, all of the behavior problems went away because they were too immersed in a book to stir up trouble.

 Children should feel comfortable visiting the library and should have a cozy place to enjoy their books. I allow my children to visit the library whenever they need to and I allow them to sit wherever in the room they would like. I like Routman's emphasis on creating a library based on the children's interests. I try to accommodate my students' interests in my library each year. Some years I notice the students enjoy certain genres and titles more than others. My classroom library has turned into an eclectic and diverse mix based on the students' desires during the different years. One area of my library that has grown this year is the graphic novel section. My students have gravitated toward them more than ever. We are currently planning a graphic novel unit for the spring because of the students' interest. I pick up new book ideas when I work at Barnes and Noble. Working there allows me to look at the new books and discuss books with customers. I get a lot of different suggestions that I use when it comes to adding new books to my library.

 I also like Routman's emphasis on the fact that the school district leaders need to allocate money for classroom libraries. I have always believed that a classroom library should be the focus in a classroom and it is the gateway to helping a child learn. My textbooks that I'm sure cost a lot of money sit on my shelf every year and collect dust- they get used during tornado drills, but that is it. I wish the people in charge of the funding would ask the teachers what they really need. I know I would say that I need more high interest books in my room instead of these textbooks that might cover some of my standards. I can find fiction and non-fiction books for my library that teach the same material, but in a more authentic and engaging way. I'm sure that I could get 10-20 books in place of each textbook. I would like for the people higher up to realize that the money could be better spent on high interest picture and chapter books instead of textbooks- maybe these people should read Routman's book and other educational books that support this idea. :)