Bookshelf Makeover for my Readers Today, Leaders Tomorrow!

A few years back, one of my favorite "teeps" passed down her tiered bookshelves when she retired. They were in good shape but just needed a bit of lovin'. I finally got around to giving them a little TLC. Here they are with a little spray paint and some polka dot decor and voila!

If you would like a copy of the "Reader's Today" and "Leaders Tomorrow" letters, head on over to my TpT shop for this FREEBIE:

Readers Today, Leaders Tomorrow Decor Letters

I also used these same letters to spruce up our classroom door. We are only allowed to cover up 20% of our door due to the Fire Code, so this will have to do. A lil' fringe from the Target Dollar Spot and a few inspirational words:

Classroom Library Labels: Freebie!

It's that time of year again and as teachers we are torn between soaking up the last days of summer vacay and prepping our classrooms and resources for another school year!  Let it be a great one!

To help you get your year off on the right foot, here is a freebie for you!

Classroom library labels by reading level and by author & themes!

These leveled classroom library labels will help you organize your collection of books.

60 labels included:

Leveled labels from A (1) to R (40)
Fiction labels for series and Author Studies
(please see preview to view the complete collection)

Sorting your library by reading level promotes reader's confidence and growth. These labels measure 3x3". I have also included author study bins.

 You can find them at the shop:

Leveled Classroom Library Labels

Enjoy!

The Back to School Listening Center with QR Codes

This Back to School Listening Library includes 24 stories with SafeShare.tv QR codes and one Retelling Story Map. You can use these during your Daily 5 centers: Listen to Reading or as whole group Read Alouds!

All SafeShare.tv QR code links are safe to share with children without being afraid that they can get to potentially inappropriate content. Free of ads and outside links.

If you do not have access to a QR Code Reader, I have also provided a hyperlink to each story. You can simply click on the book cover and it will bring you right to the story. 

Below, I have included a FREE Listening Center task card for you to try out. Simply download a QR Reader app from the app store (most school districts already have them available on your devices). Or simply click on the book cover to follow the SafeShare link:

Once you print these out or project onto your smart board (students can scan the code from your smart board), assign a story for your Listening Center, whole group, small group or guided reading centers. There are enough stories included in this library for the whole month!

After reading, provide the children with a simple story map, sequencing map or related activity to complete after listening to enhance and assess comprehension. In addition to the stories, I have also included a simple Retelling Story Map (Characters, Setting, Problem & Solution).

Here is a list of the titles included in this Listening Center:

Too Cool for School

Rockin’ in My School Shoes

First Day Jitters

David Goes to School

Chrysanthemum

How Do Dinosaurs Go To School

Splat the Cat, Back to School, Splat

You’re Finally Here

Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun

Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten

Too Much Glue

Have You Filled A Bucket Today?

Froggy Goes to School

The Recess Queen

Lacy Walker, The Nonstop Talker

Enemy Pie

If You Ever Wanted to Bring An Alligator to School, Don’t!

Each Kindness

The Kissing Hand

If You Take a Mouse to School

The Juice Box Bully

Tacky the Penguin

Don’t Squeal Unless It is a Big Deal

How Full is Your Bucket

To download this listening library with QR codes visit my TpT shop:

The Back to School Listening Center with SafeShare.tv QR Codes and Links

There are several other Read Aloud Libraries and Listening Centers with QR Codes and Links available at my TpT store that your students will also enjoy. You can find them HERE.

Happy Listening!

What to do with "Worn Out" Library Books?

Teachers have an endless to do list at the end of the school year.

One of those tasks is to reorganize your classroom library.  

By level,

By genre,

In baskets,

On shelves...

...In the Book Hospital...

If you are like me, I am always perplexed by what to do with our precious classroom library books that can not be repaired and must meet their end in the recycle bin.

But STOP!

Even the most worn and torn, yet loved library books can be saved!

There are a multitude of things that can be done with our beloved books. Check out this idea. Our local town librarian came for a classroom visit and provided our students each with a button made from books in her Book Hospital:

My first graders absolutely loved receiving these buttons to wear all day!

I was so inspired by this that I began to brainstorm other uses for our Book Hospital books that were beyond repair:

Bookmarks

Anchor charts

Book reviews

Character Studies

photo frames

the possibilities are endless!

Mentor Sentences

Reading Strategy minilessons

Before you go thru your Book Hospital, do not fear having to say goodbye. Take a minute to think how you can reuse your treasures.