book+boxes+and+classroom+libraries

"At the beginning of the each year, we often do not know our children's reading levels, favorite books, or favorite genres. However, to begin teaching the independent behaviors of the Daily Five, children must have a book box filled with books for this training period. Therefore, we spend a few minutes before the first day of school filling each child's book box with three to eight picture books, magazines, and easy chapter books. Children will use these books right away on Day One. After the good-fit lessons, children will begin to put their own selections into their book boxes." (Boushey & Moser, 2006, p. 34) __The Daily Five__

(Use iPICK strategy for choosing just right books...p. 30 in __The Daily Five__)

Ideas for Book Boxes: -reusable shopping bags -canvas bags -library-type cardboard boxes (as in our resource room) -ziploc bags

__Classroom Libraries __ •Classroom is organized and resources available •Each classroom should have a kid-friendly, organized classroom library  (You get to decide how your classroom library is leveled: by genre, DRA Level, etc.)

•DRA is our primary leveling system •Lexile levels may also be noted