I have been seeing this question in online groups a LOT lately! Of course, I just cleaned out and closed up my classroom for the summer, so more detailed pictures will have to be added in the Fall.
As a teacher, organizing a classroom library can be both a challenging and rewarding task. Over the years, I've experimented with different methods, and I've found that organizing my library by bin numbers to be the most effective. This year, I transitioned from organizing by topic to a bin system with color and number labels, and the results have been fantastic. Here's how it works and why it has made such a difference!
The Bin System: Color and Number Labels
So simple! I I endlessly overcomplicate things, but this is as easy and can be! Each bin has a color coded label and number on the front. I simply go in rainbow and number order, and put the bins in order!
Every book in the library has a matching sticker indicating its bin number and color. This simple system helps students easily find and return books to the correct bin, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility for maintaining the library.
I do loosely sort these books by topic (non fiction, chapter, author, favorite characters etc), but these are NOT labeled on the bins. Students quickly figure out which bins are their "favorites".
Why the Bin System Works
Ease of Use: Students quickly adapt to the system, finding it straightforward to locate and put away books. When I organized by topic, despite having matching stickers on the bin and book, students struggled to return books to their correct spot.
Ownership and Responsibility: With clear labels, students take more initiative in organizing and maintaining the library. They feel empowered to manage the space, which leads to better care of the books. I do assign a "librarian" each week, who is responsible for maintaining the library, but this system allows students to easily return their own books when we update their reading bags.
Efficiency: The system saves time for both students and teachers. There's no confusion about where a book belongs, reducing the chaos often associated with classroom libraries. SO MANY TIMES I would have a stack of books that I needed to put away because students claimed they couldn't find the matching bin. This super simple system has totally changed that.
Special Sections: Decodable Books and Group Bins
In addition to the general library bins, I have a decodable section and small group bins tailored to my students' needs:
Decodable Section: This area contains books that focus on specific phonics skills. These books are great for students who are building their decoding abilities. This section is primarily for ME to pull from for small groups, to to send home for parents, or to fill their group bins.
Group Bins: Each group bin has a label that matches the students' small group rotation bin label. These bins contain decodable books that review skills targeted for each group.
How Students Use the Classroom Library
Students are encouraged to choose a mix of books:
4-5 High-Interest Books: Selected from the general library bins based on their interests.
4-5 Decodables: Chosen from their group's book bin to reinforce specific skills.
These books are kept in reading bags and used during AIR (Accountable Independent Reading) time. This system ensures that students have a balanced selection of books that cater to both their interests and their learning needs.
Hold On, I've Got Some Questions!
How do you manage book returns and ensure books are placed in the correct bins?
Each book has a corresponding color and number sticker that matches a specific bin. This visual aid makes it easy for students to know exactly where to return each book. I assign a "librarian" each week who helps to monitor the library each morning before beginning their morning work. Additionally, I periodically check the bins to ensure books are in the correct place and guide students as needed.
What if a book doesn't fit neatly into a single bin category?
For books that span multiple topics, I choose the most prominent category for its placement. The beauty of a numbered system is that my bins aren't labeled by topic, so while I do organize it loosely by topic I feel much less pressure to have it in a "just right" spot!
How do you handle new book additions to the library?
When new books are added, I label them with the appropriate color and number sticker before placing them in the correct bin. I also introduce the new books to the students, highlighting where they can find them. If I have a new stack of books all at once, I will also have students help me label them!
What are decodable books and why are they important?
Decodable books are specially designed to support early readers by using controlled skills that aligns with their phonics instruction. These books help build confidence and improve reading skills through repetition and reinforcement of learned sounds and patterns. The decodables that are in their group bins are primarily review skills.
How do you keep students engaged and motivated to use the library?
I regularly update the library with new high-interest books and rotate the selection to keep it fresh. I also involve students in the process, asking for their input on books they'd like to see in the library. Creating a cozy, inviting library space also contribute to keeping students excited about reading. A Donors Choose project helped me secure a rug, couch, and table for this area. I have a small lamp in the corner, and string lights behind it (I will add pics once I am back in my classroom!)
By implementing this bin system and incorporating specialized sections, my classroom library has become a more organized, efficient, and engaging space for my students. They take pride in maintaining it, and it supports their reading development in meaningful ways.
I hope this post helped you consider some new ways to organize your classroom library!
If you are interested in using the labels I have used you can find them here:
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