Organize and Outstanding Classroom Library

Cindy Pridgen
     The author suggests that the better the classroom library, the better the reading achievement.  I am in agreement with the importance of a well stocked, attractive classroom library however our media center plays an equally important role.  At WHES, students can check out up to 5 books a day.  You will not find this happening at most schools.  We know with high poverty, supplying lots of good books for the home is key as there are very little books there.  "Light" reading works great for those who are not as interested in reading....there is less pressure and magazine and comic books-high interest material can be used.  We have also found that "series" books are a hit with our students.  Once they read one book of a series and like it, they want to read more.  Magic School House books are a good example of a series which have been a hit.  There were some good suggestions posted in the article to promote reading.  I took the book talk idea and decided as principal I would share 2 books each week in a quick hook summary (one for upper grades and one for lower grades) to promote interest in various books and reading.  Just started today....we will see.  As a teacher, I would use the top 10 list each student can generate and check off once read and then add more titles to the list....neat way to keep students motivated.  We also have in place the reading tournament for grades 4 and 5 to promote some really good books, teamwork, and reading carefully.  Reading is a priority in the classrooms and school.  Reading rocks!