If you are a teacher, you know how hard it is to find room for all the supplies you use every day, especially items like big books that take up a lot of space.If you want to keep your reading materials organized, try stacking them up and finding a place in an out-of-the-way corner of the room.It is possible to keep your classroom neat and tidy by teaching your students to put away their books when they are done using them.
Step 1: Plastic bins are a good investment.
Pick up some sturdy containers that are large enough to hold your books.Large picture and activity books can be stashed in spacious organizers, wrapping paper containers, and laundry hampers.If you can, narrow down your search to containers with lids.If the bin gets knocked over, a lid will keep your books from spilling out.Measure the height and width of your big books before you start shopping for containers so you have an idea of what size you need.If you put a picture of the type of book that goes in each bin in the containers, you can keep them organized and accessible for the kids.
Step 2: An old laundry basket can be used as a portable storage solution.
There are plastic laundry baskets.Big books that are stacked vertically are great for keeping together.Depending on the exact dimensions, a basket could hold as many as 2 dozen big books.Round baskets are not a good fit for your books.The built-in handles on laundry baskets make it easier to tote your collection of big books around with you.To label the laundry basket's contents, try tying a tag to it.
Step 3: You can put your big books in the rolling book box.
A book can be useful for gathering up the books your class has out during reading time.They can be pushed around more quickly since they are on wheels.As your collection grows, they may be used as overflow storage.You can sort your books while you pick them up by looking for boxes with dividers.Each divider has a label.
Step 4: Hang your big books in storage bags.
Storage bags can be fun and interesting to look at.They are usually made of clear plastic, so you can see what is inside without having to open them, and can be hung up on any rack or ledge to conserve floor space.Divide your big books into sections and make a bag for each group to keep them organized.You can easily move your storage bags from place to place if you hang them on a rolling garment rack.
Step 5: Purchase a display stand for books.
The staggered shelves of the display stand give you a place to store your big books where the covers are visible.Kids won't be able to reach the titles on the upper shelves of most stands, but they are large enough to fit 3-4 big books displayed side-by-side.At stores that carry classroom supplies, you can usually find big book display stands on sale for $100-150.One of the neater storage options you have is a display stand, and it won't look out of place as an old laundry hamper or row of plastic bins.
Step 6: Look for a large bookcase.
A bookcase with tall shelves can help keep your big books out of sight.It is not uncommon for large picture books to be over 1 foot (30 m) tall.If you think a custom bookshelf is the right fit for your books, you should keep an eye out for them.The extra clearance at the top of the shelf will make it easier for your students to select and put back the books they read.
Step 7: There are cubbies on the wall.
It frees up room on the floor with wall shelving.For more efficient storage, make sure each compartment is large enough to hold several books, and place the cubbies lower down on the wall where your kids can make a selection without having to ask for help.If you want to maximize your floor space, you can cram all of your books in the wall-mounted shelves.
Step 8: Pick up magazines.
magazine rack are used to off larger reading materials from a distance.The fixed and rotating versions make choosing books more fun.There are between 8 and 16 display pockets in most racks.Smaller single-title stands can be useful for holding books you don't have room for in your other containers, or putting the book-of-the-week on display atop a table.The majority of magazine-style rack can only hold materials no larger than a standard piece of printer paper, which makes them not an ideal choice for large books.
Step 9: A classroom library is needed.
Older students can check out their big books on their own once you have decided how you want to store them.They will be able to revisit their favorite stories or read new titles every day.Keeping track of which books are currently out will be easier with a simple number or color system for each container.Allowing your students to check out books in the classroom will teach them to be responsible with their belongings.
Step 10: There is an easel with storage that can be used as a book station.
There are cubbies and drawers built into many art easels.You can simply gather your students around the easel and read to them while story time is going on.If you use an easel to store your big books, you can use it to draw pictures or write down vocabulary words, which will enable you to teach as you read.
Step 11: Place the books in one corner of the room.
Stack your big books up from smallest to largest, with the smallest on top, if you don't have any other options.They are unlikely to be turned over.If nothing else, this will get them out of the way and help organize your room.Depending on the number of books you have, it may be necessary to create a couple separate stacks.
Step 12: Students should be taught to put their books away.
Make sure your students know how to return big books when they finish reading.Show them how to turn the books so that they are right-side-up, with the covers all facing the same way.To model the action for their peers, try calling each kid one-by-one or in small groups.Praise them as they go.Don't forget to explain how numbers or colored stickers work to your class if you use any other organizational aids.At the end of the day you should assign the task of gathering and organizing your big books to one or two of your students.