Classroom Libraries and Independent Reading - Chapters 5 and 6

Chapter 5
I have to admit I have a rather large classroom library.  I actually gave away a donation last year because I do not have any book shelf space left.  It is compiled of books that I have received as donations, through book clubs and others I have collected along the way.  In fact, when my mother-in-law was present one summer while unpacked it to get organized for the upcoming school year, she could not help herself in commenting on how many books I had.  At the time, I was embarrassed, partly because I did not understand what she meant by the comment.  I know now what a great part of the classroom it is and I love introducing this area of the classroom each year to my new students.  It is a work in progress.  Each year I change it up a little bit, but it does take a lot of time to maintain it.

Children's access to books is essential in developing their reading skills.  Having a classroom library is another important step to show kids just how important reading is.  Through this chapter, Routman encourages educators to collect a wide range of books that will be of interest to students.  To help with the inventory she suggests getting creative.  You can do things such as ask students to bring books that the class can borrow for a short period of time, check-out books from public libraries, use classroom book clubs such as Scholastic or Troll, look at second hand stores, ask families if they would like to donate any books.  It is important when collecting books that you keep in mind the types of books that students like to read.  Paying attention to what students are interested read a lot is one way, but another way to approach this is by creating class lists of favorite books, have book talks and ask the students what type of books they would like included in the class library.

Involving students in organizing the classroom library is also suggested by Routman.  I don't totally agree with this concept.  It takes a lot of time to organize and there is a lot to cover throughout the school year.  I take my time at the beginning of the school year in introducing the class library and explaining what types of books that will find in different areas.  Throughout the year during each book report we revisit where certain books are found.  During Book Bag times, I try to be available to help students find books.

Chapter 6
This chapter covers a part of reading that I struggle with scheduling into each day consistently.  I love reading and teaching of reading but like Routman's friend, find difficulty finding a a good block of time for students to be able to just read a book or text of their choice.  During independent reading time the teacher is a guide to students who are choosing books, monitors comprehension, a reading record is kept by the student, teacher sets and works with students on individual goals.  This is another aspect that is hard for me.  I find that during independent reading time I am working on getting the next activity ready and not sitting and working with students.  This is a goal of mine, to more consistent in sitting and reading with students daily.  The practice of independent reading fits into the Optimal Learning Model that was the topic of chapter 4, http://www.regieroutman.com/teachingessentials/samples/OLM.pdf.

As with any activity, for it to flow well the procedure must be set up and practiced in order for the teacher to be able to sit and meet with students throughout the time. 
She suggests these guidelines:

• Make sure that the book that the student has chosen is one that they like and understand.
• Students have as many books as they may need for the time period.  (I use Book Bags.)
• Students must find a place to sit and then stay there.
• Students need to read quietly.
• Students must maintain a Reading Record, essential for 2nd grade and up.

The more I read this book, the more I appreciate Regie Routman's effort to take into consideration the climate of public schools.  In the book she make statements and then she has kindly created a reference list of research that has been completed to back up her statements.  This is a must read and keep book.  I will definitely will have information I will need if I am questioned about the practices that I carry over into my own classroom.