How Do I Build it?
“Children and adolescents need meaningful and consistent access to books at school and home. When they have access to books, they read more and they read better. Period. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s true.”
Donalyn Miller and Colby Sharp, Game Changer 2018
As a classroom teacher you know the importance of having a well-stocked inclusive library. You also know that building or curating that library is easier said than done. During my conversations with teachers and when having the opportunity to share my enthusiasm for every classroom to have that accessible and inclusive library I am often presented with the question, “What do I buy?” What do you recommend”? Like you and these teachers, I do not have unlimited access to books, nor do I know all the soon to be released titles or student favorites. When all of us are living the same reality of limited funds, we want to make wise choices when we select books.
One quick and extremely easy way to find out about new books and books children love, is to follow grade 5 teacher @ColbySharp on Twitter or to check out his videos on YouTube. His posts include favorites of his own and or his students. His videos offer genuine feedback and share why the book should be put into the hands of students. Beyond providing insight on what titles to gather for your classroom, he also provides an excellent model of how to “book talk” books for your students to generate excitement, buzz and that, “next to be read” list.
To further learn about the power of books and book access for students consider reading Game Changer by Donalyn Miller & Colby Sharp. Much of what Colby Sharp models in his videos is explained in much greater detail in this book.
Happy reading and viewing.