6 Tips for Maintaining a Clean and Organized Classroom Library

You’ve set up your classroom library and organized all of your books – now how can you keep it looking great all year long? The tips below will help you keep track of your books, help 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students know how to return them to their proper location, and help keep your classroom library looking clean and …

Ideas for displaying your classroom library books - whether you want bins or no bins, and even if you don't have any book shelves!

Displaying Classroom Library Books: Bins Vs. No Bins, Shelves Vs. No Shelves

3rd, 4th, and 5th grade teachers have very strong opinions about the best way to display classroom library books.  Some might argue that the best way is use bins, while others think the best way is to show book spines. But there is not simply one best way – it depends on you, your students, and your classroom. And if …

Tips for stocking your 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade classroom library with quality literature without breaking the bank

How to Stock Your Classroom Library with Quality Literature – on a Teacher’s Salary

Written by guest blogger Cindy Koopmans It can be a challenge to stock your classroom library with quality literature, especially if you are living on a teacher’s salary – with no additional side hustle or supportive spouse and no one is offering to give you money to buy books.   I’ve been in your shoes and here is how you solve …

11 high-impact word wall ideas to help you use your classroom wall space wisely in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade

Word Wall Ideas for Upper Elementary Classrooms

By the time students enter 3rd 4th, and 5th grade, they have most likely had four years of alphabetized word walls designed to help them learn their sight words.  While this word wall idea is useful for primary students, upper elementary students don’t benefit as much from this type of word wall. Ideally, by upper elementary – and especially 4th …