how do you decide what books to add to a classroom library?

Question

What criteria do classroom teachers use to decide what books are appropriate and will benefit students in order to develop a classroom library?

Answer 1

I make sure the level is appropriate; from books that are good for my lowest at the beginning of the year and my highest at the end. I also like a variety, fiction, non-fiction, and the different genres. Finally, the books actually have to be good! Some of the "written for a textbook company" works out there are just awful!

Answer 2

Honestly, I decide what books to add based on whether they're free. I know that sounds horrible, but I've acquired some pretty great books that way, and they're books I wouldn't normally think to buy. As for what I actually purchase for the classroom, I try to find books that are culturally and socially aware. I'm big into the award winners (Caldacott, Coretta Scott King, Newberry- I may not have spelled those correctly). If I know I'm going to do the same unit each year (fairy tales, author study, etc.), I buy books to fit that unit. I also try to pick a handful of books that I might not personally enjoy but that I know the kids will. These are usually books in a series- beginner chapter books. I'm the first person to grab up library discards and willingly accept books as gifts from anyone and everyone.

Answer 3

As long the the content is not adult content, I use the following guidelines:

1. Whatever is free. (I hoard novels from retiring teachers or those on the move.)

2. What is left in the room. (Finders ~ Keepers)

3. What ever is on sale with Scholastic Book Orders.

4. Novels I have personally read.

5. Novels I see that several kids are buying at Book Fairs and/or book orders.

6. Religious materials--The Bible, The Book of Mormon, and Koran, etc..

In eight years of teaching, I have well over 500 books in my classroom library; and I have spent very little of my own money.

Good Luck.....

Answer 4

Well, I guess it would depend on the grade right? For example an elementary grade (lets say 1st grade) might be books with lots of pictures and a few words. Where as in a middles school level book would probably be (long) chapter books. Other than that, I don't know.....

Answer 5

No, it is not "ok" yet neither replace into it "ok" to prohibit the books in the 1st place. So the question is, "Is it alright to disobey a foul rule/regulation?". the respond: no. yet there are circumstances while it rather is morally just to interrupt a foul rule. besides the fact that if, one must be prepared and anticipate to be punished for doing so. My advice, do no longer save the books at the same time. disguise them in many distinctive places. attempt to have all of them out in circulation on the comparable time so they are no longer all probably to be confiscated at as quickly as. attempt to supply your self achieveable deniability for possession and circulation. BTW, Animal Farm is taken under consideration one of my favorites...although everybody thinks it rather is a baby's e book.

Answer 6

I teach first grade and after September when I know my students better I seek books that suit individual interests.

Answer 7

Why not send home a flyer with the kids and let their parents list off books that they enjoy reading to their kids or maybe books that they remember reading as a kid?

Answer 8

i thnk you should ask the kids what kind of books they would like in the library and go to a book store to see if any of them are inappropriate

Answer 9

as long as its not porn what ever you think is right