Policies & Practices: Building Your School Library

Carefully planned libraries offer a wealth of information for children

• PRINT
• EMAIL

School and classroom libraries vary from school to school, program to program. They can be small or large, in a designated area of the classroom, or located in the school's resource room. They serve many purposes, including functioning as a gathering place for children to pursue and enjoy books, a family lending library, or a resource for professional development.

The International Reading Association (IRA) recommends that school libraries start with a minimum of seven books per child. Each year, the IRA proposes, schools should budget to purchase an additional two books per child (As this is not always possible with limited school budgets, administrators and teachers can seek out books as donations from parents and/or community organizations.) Along with the yearly purchase of new titles, a concentrated effort must be made to replace worn books and materials. Children are attracted by books that are colorful and in good repair.

The IRA suggests that school or classroom libraries include books in their collections from the following categories:

Traditional stories-familiar stories that are found in every culture, including fables, folk tales, myths, and legends that reflect the diverse, multicultural nature of our society. These are books where children can learn about themselves as well as others. Picture books-colorful illustrations, drawings, and real photography in books with or without text allow children to make up and narrate their own stories.

Picture books can also be created in the school with photos of school events and classroom routines.

Fantasy-stories that contain characters that may have superhuman powers that spark children's imaginations and build self-esteem

Realistic fiction-stories with characters, settings, and events that might happen in a child's life Historical fiction-stories set in the past, accurately reflecting the time period in which they occur Biographies and autobiographies-books about the lives of everyday or famous people. Include community and political leaders, national and everyday heroes, and celebrities.

Information-books that provide realistic, accurate, and authentic information, including simple reference materials for varying ages

Child-created, teacher-created and family-made books-books that offer insights and inspire conversation about specific cultures, traditions, interests, and invigorate a school or classroom library (Adapted from "Recommendations for Classroom Libraries,- IRA, 2001)

EVALUATE YOUR CLASSROOM LIBRARY

Children will more likely spend time in a classroom library that is interesting and fun. A space that changes frequently will encourage them to explore new books and materials often. Display shelves should be arranged neatly and not be overcrowded. Books of all kinds, including purchased books as well as those that are child- and teacher-made, should be easily accessible.

Use the checklist below to help you evaluate your own classroom library:

• Is the classroom library area set apart from other areas of the classroom, but still easily supervised?
• Does it give children a sense of privacy and provide a quiet, cozy setting for reading?
• Does it allow four or five children in the space at the same time?
• Is the feel of the space soft and comfortable? Are there pillows, cushions, and inviting furniture that help children relax and encourage them to curl up with their favorite book?
• Are books displayed so children can easily see their covers and titles? Are there multiple copies for children to read to each other?
• Are books in good repair? Do they have colorful covers that look inviting?
• Are there literacy props such as puppets, flannel boards, writing tools, and posters related to the books that help to make them eye-catching and appealing?
• Do new books and materials have a "special place," such as a creative display, that catches the attention of the children and draws them into the area?

CREATE A FAMILY LENDING LIBRARY

Lending libraries are exciting additions to an early childhood program. Parents and family members welcome the variety of materials that are offered. Keep varying family needs in mind as you select items to include. Suggestions include:

Books and cassettes-Children's favorite books with corresponding cassette tape are especially welcome by older siblings and/or family members unsure of their own reading ability.

Side-by-side readers-Two copies of the same book allow the child to hold the book, following along with the reader.

Literacy games-teacher-made games with a simple explanation of how to play the game, as well as how it can reinforce specific skills

Collections of poetry, rebuses, nursery rhymes, and songs

Family travel kits-including games, books, cassettes, and ideas for keeping children busy during car, train, or plane travel

Parenting books, magazines, and recommendations for online resources

ADD A PERSONAL TOUCH

Parents need to see change in the lending library materials also! Plan ahead during budgeting time to purchase several new items each year. You can also ask families to help increase your lending materials in a very personal way. Plan an event to encourage families to add to your lending collection. Ask them to make an audio recording of their favorite books for your library. Provide them with a cassette tape and ask them to take the book home and read and record the story. Place each book and labeled cassette tape in an envelope or decorated bag. Add a puppet, prop, or teacher-made game or toy to enrich the experience even further Include a note to parents that explains the contents.

Children who have access to books are more likely to read for enjoyment and information. In turn, children who read for enjoyment increase their reading skills and their desire to read for the purpose of learning.

Kimberly B. Moore Ph.D., an author and consultant, has more than 20 years of experience in early childhood education.

The End of AP?
What good are advanced placement classes?

Scholastic Support for No Child Left Behind and Reading First
How Scholastic can help you align your curriculum to meet the requirements of Reading First.

Policies & Practices: Literacy in Action- Helping Children Learn to Read and Write
Ways teachers and parents can be involved in fostering early literacy are discussed. In the sub-article, "Developing a Love of Literacy", a quick list of ideas on literacy is presented.