Classroom Libraries

For as long as I can remember books have played a large part in my life. I have never gone into a bookstore or library that I haven't fallen in love with, so when I enter a classroom that is rich in literature I am ecstatic. I was in a 5th grade reading class and I was amazed at the selection of books. There were genres, I didn't even know existed, and various levels. One of the things I particularly liked, that was mentioned in class was the fact that students should be given choices. With freedom to be able to choose anything they want to read and independent reading time students can nurture their reading, their fluency, and their comprehension. It's easy too feel overwhelmed when you enter a library or bookstore because there is so much to choose from but, in a classroom, which is a more closed environment, a student can feel comfortable in the fact that they can choose, and choose and choose until they find something that suits them. In a school library they may be limited to read only those books on their level but, it is beneficial to them to not be so conformed to levels, and just want to read a book based on their interests. In my classroom I will have a variety of books on hand, especially the books that represent the genres we are studying as well as other genres. I will take recommendations from my students on what they'd like to read and try and accommodate them.