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Thursday, July 5, 2012

The Evolution of a Classroom Library–Part 3…& blogger advice needed!!

Holy cow!  Today was amazingly productive!  My classroom is emerging from the boxes and chaos…there is a light at the end of the tunnel.  Students can fit in my classroom for summer school next week!  Sigh of relief!


Check out the evolution:
Beginning stages of move and library organization:
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Library book sorting continued:
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Bins on shelves:
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A classroom emerges! (ignore all the boxes by windows…I do!
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  • Today I finished sorting all of the books.
  • Put the books into bins – blue bins are fiction, white bins are non-fiction.
  • Put labels on each bin.  These are the practice labels…I stuck multiple labels on when my bins overlapped the other labels (for example I combined Franklin and Mercer Mayer)
  • Placed bins on shelves, I wasn’t sure they would fit!  They did only just!  (Once my final labels I will place the bins more strategically.)
  • Made a list of all of the bin labels to make sure I don’t forget any as I finish up my blog labels.
All but 2 of my bins have holes so I think I will laminate my labels and use the 1” metal rings to hook them on.  I think I’ve changed my mind about 20 times, but this is my final decision (for now).
Left to do for classroom library:
  • Finish creating my labels. 
  • Laminate them. 
  • Place on bins using rings.
  • Create individual book labels – perhaps using an Avery label…
  • Strategically place bins on shelves.
Last year I discovered a website that helped me with every aspect of my classroom set up, but especially my classroom library.  Mandy Gregory from Mandy’s Tips For Teachers had a website for teachers before her blog…I’m eternally indebted to Mandy for all her helpful tips and advice.  If you’re moving rooms, making big changes, or just starting as a teacher, you should check out her website and her blog! 


Mandy’s website with classroom library tips: http://www.tips-for-teachers.com/classroom_library1.htm





Mandy's Tips for Teachers


Also, my blog has hit 100+ followers.  I would like to have a giveaway soon to celebrate my wonderful followers. I’m semi-new to giveaways, and not sure how so many blogs host giveaways with so many participating teachers…any tips? I feel pretty clueless and not-in-the-know.  How do all these bloggers know what's going on all the time, and find ways to participate in everything?!?  HELP!


Thanks to all my followers old and new for your support!
Mrs. Castro



14 comments:

  1. Hola!

    I just started following your site. Congrats on 100+ followers! If you find out how to do the whole giveaway thing..gimme a shout! I'd love some tips. And maybe I can work on something for your giveaway.

    Vera
    veralynn83@gmail.com
    A BLT adventure

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wow, you have a lot of book bins.

    I think if you want to do a giveaway with other people's stuff, you just email them and ask if they'll donate something. That's kind of what it sounds like people do...

    Marvelous Multiagers!

    ReplyDelete
  3. For giveaways, I've asked other bloggers to donate something. Most bloggers are very generous with donating one of their products. I'd be happy to help you out with your giveaway by donating one of my products if you'd like. :)
    Lisa
    Learning Is Something to Treasure
    fsuteach81@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. Love the library. Looks good. I was thinking about doing my labels on my baskets like that. But I'm not tackling this project until next week. When I hosted a giveaway with other people, I put a thing on my blog asking for some volunteers. I got several people who were interested and then I emailed a couple of bloggers that I was wanting to participate. I would love to help you with your giveaway and donate something from one of my stores. If you are interested, email me.
    kheinrich9@gmail.com
    Ms. Kerri and her Krazy Kindergarten

    ReplyDelete
  5. I was going to say the same as the others...I'd also love to help out if you need any donations.

    You got a ton finished in your room---wow!! I loved seeing your classroom from the beginning stages!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I have done a few giveaways and have always used Rafflecopter (easy) and emailed some of my Favorite bloggers an asked them if they would donate. I've never had a no answer. Bloggers are SO generous! I be glad to donate something if you'd like. I am your newest follower
    :)
    Dana
    www.funin1stgrade.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. I'm also clueless as to giveaways. I'm running my first giveaway right now, but it's not like the big ones I have seen out there. Your classroom progress is amazing! I can't wait to get into my classroom!

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  8. What a sweet shout out! Congrats on your followers- you have just added another one ;)! Your library looks GREAT!
    Mandy
    http://mandys-tips-4-teachers.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  9. I'm sooooo glad you asked, I've often wondered the same :) Congratulations and thanks for the tip about the library, I'm changing classrooms and grade levels and need to do the same with my library, good luck!
    ☼Libby
    First Grade Dual

    ReplyDelete
  10. Looks great Laura, makes me want to be a kid in your classroom!

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  11. Looking great! You are clearly working hard :)

    Jenny
    Luckeyfrog's Lilypad

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  12. Looks amazing!! I feel like the classroom library is always one of the most difficult things to organize, but you've sure done a wonderful job!!

    I've awarded you the Liebster Blog Award. Come over to my page to check it out!!

    Stephanie
    Maestra Bilingue

    ReplyDelete
  13. I love your website! Can we donate some Classroom Library goodies to help?

    Thanks,
    Ben@classroomlibrarycompany.com

    ReplyDelete