More Jungle Freebies

I'm back with more jungle themed freebies! First, I have nametags that I will put in our cubbies. There are four different tags for four different groups. Last year, I had a red, green, yellow, and blue group. Since I have color-coded baskets already made, I plan on sticking with the same color groups, but with a jungle twist. So...I made a blue elephant tag, a red zebra tag, a green monkey tag, and a yellow lion tag. Click on any of the pictures below for your free copy!

       Also, I have been thinking about how I will manage my reading logs this year. In the past, I have sent home a weekly form that I collected every week. (Resulting in lots of loose paper!) Then, I switched to a monthly calendar, but those seemed to get lost in the shuffle and weren't always returned. Therefore, I am going to try using a three-pronged folder this year. I will add the cover that you see below, and laminate the folders. Inside, I will add a letter to the parents explaining the reading log procedures. Then, I will add the reading log papers inside the folder. I will collect the folder every Friday, add a sticker if the child meets thier weekly reading goal, and then send the same folder home again.

Click on the picture to download.

Any thoughts on reading logs, friends? How do you manage them? What types of rewards (if any) do you use?

Library Book Labels - Updated

Mrs. E at "The Sweet Life of Third Grade" is having a linky party showcasing many wonderful classroom libraries. I just love looking at pictures of other classroom libraries (and classrooms in general) as a way to get ideas to improve my own! 

I have recently updated my own book box labels for my classroom library. I just can't stop buying books, which results in the need to add more categories! If you'd like a copy of my updated labels click on any of the picture below. (These are just some of the labels.)

If you'd like to read my original posts about my classroom library, click here.

My Classroom Library - Continued

Allowing children to check books out of the classroom library is important but finding a way to keep it organized and non-time consuming is not the easiest thing to accomplish. Over the last few years, I have modified the way I have children check books out of the classroom library and I think I finally have came up with a method that it simple, organized, and doesn't seem to take up a lot of my time.

I purchased this nifty little red bulletin board at the Goodwill for only $2. (Great deal, huh?) I purchased the library card pockets at the dollar tree. Each pocket has a child's name on it. Then I added an index card to each pocket. The index cards are also labeled with a child's name.

I use the index cards to write which books each child checks out. ( I actually let them check out two books at a time - one that they can read all by themselves and one that they would enjoy having someone at home read to them.) I cross the books off of their index cards when the books are returned.

In addition to the index cards, each child has a large zip lock bag labeled with their name.

If it is their turn to check out books, I place the empty bag on their desk and their job is to choose two books from the classroom library for morning work. Then they place the bag on my desk, I record which books they checked out, and give the bag back to them to take home. I also have a basket labeled returned books for when they bring their bag back. I then check the books back into the classroom library, cross the list of books off of their list, and the process begins all over again.

If I notice that a child has had a book checked out for a little while, I send home this friendly reminder notice so that he/she can check out more!

Book Reminder

My Classroom Library

I love my classroom library and I am continually working on organizing and re-organizing it. Most of my books are sorted according to subject/genre/or author. Over time, I have combined some categories in order to make room for more books. I also have books that don't really fit a category, so I have a section of books sorted according to level. I really like having them organized this way and I also like having my library surround our meeting area on the carpet. Here are some pictures:

If you are a new teacher looking to start a classroom library, some of the best places to find books are the goodwill or thrift stores and also yard sales. Most of my books are previously used from thrift stores and yard sales! The book bins that I use are from the dollar tree and Kmart. (The ones from Kmart were more expensive, but they have lasted longer.)

The summer is also great time to get your books organized!

If you would like to download my book bin labels, click here:

Book Bin Labels