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Creating A Leveled Library Part 2

If you haven't read my first blog post on this topic, then I encourage you to visit my previous post to gain some background.  At this time I continue to dedicate every minute I can sacrifice to working in the leveled library (in each building, remember I'm doing two!).

We did have a work day at each building, like I mentioned earlier, where staff were able to help stamp, label and bag the books I've already inventoried.  This was important for a few reasons.  Yes, I need HELP that is not arguable.  However, there are other important reasons that relate directly to teacher buy-in: 1. usage, 2. respect, 3. comfort.......

Guided Reading is near and dear to my heart, but not to those who love their teacher's manual and anthology series.  Our district is implementing the Fountas and Pinnell Benchmark Assessment next year K-6 for beginning, middle and end of the year benchmarking.  The leveled library will directly connect to that assessment and we are encouraging teachers to use those leveled books instead of the "below level, on level and beyond level" readers provided by the current anthology series (you know what I'm talking about).

With that said, it's important that teachers are familiar with the library.  Developing an understanding of how it is set up and how it works will hopefully increase teacher usage.  Another reason for teacher help is that they can see how much work is going into organizing and developing this resource and therefore promoting a level of respect.  They will be expected to take care of the books and return them to the right place in good condition.  Last and most importantly, teachers need to feel that they are connected to the resource.  They need to work with it before they are expected to use it and develop level of comfort.  The more comfortable teachers are with the new resource, the more likely they are to use it willingly.  Teacher buy-in should be a large focus for any kind of real change in a school.

So I promoted the work day to the best of my ability.  Then I decided it would be important to give back to those helpers and make them feel appreciated.  Here is what I did.....


  1. I created certificates to acknowledge teacher participation.  Teachers were able to use these certificates later on as evidence for their end of the year evaluations.


2. I brought snacks and napkins that I displayed with a sign saying "Thanks for chipping in!".



The work day was a great success in both buildings.  I continue to welcome helpers whenever people are available.  It is heartwarming when teachers volunteer their time at this point in the year.  We are all stretched really thin and to give up one prep means a lot to me.  The more teachers help, the closer they get to opening the library!

Thanks for stopping by!  I'll post again with details on the shelving system and borrowing procedures!




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