Creating a classroom library
A wide variety of formats: wordless books, big books, picture books, chapter books, graphic novels, book series, hardcover books and paperbacks.
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What constitutes an ideal classroom library?
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A core collection of 300 to 600 books (10 to 20 books per student) with new books added routinely to spark interest, and old, worn and tattered books removed periodically.
A wide variety of formats: wordless books, big books, picture books, chapter books, graphic novels, book series, hardcover books and paperbacks.
While there are lots of great fiction titles available, it’s important for the collection to include over 30% nonfiction as well. Many students, especially boys, find nonfiction more appealing.
They can supplement your library with a revolving collection based on current curriculum topics, and provide insight into what books are most popular with students.
The classroom audit log is a great tool to discover any gaps in your classroom library. Count the number of nonfiction and fiction titles for each genre (students can help with this), then speak to your librarian about filling the gaps.
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