Teacher Tips for Using Book Boxes in the Classroom
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As a teacher, I am always on the hunt for helpful tips and tricks from other teachers. So, I am here today to give you a peek into my classroom and share a little bit about one of my favorite teacher tools… book boxes! Book boxes can be a helpful tool in lots of different situations but these tips are all about providing tons of book choices for our students while also keeping our classroom library organized. It’s a win win! So let’s dive in and talk about my favorite tips for using book boxes in the classroom!
*For even more teacher tips and how to create a playful learning environment in your classroom, be sure to join us in P.L.A.Y. (Playful Learning All Year)!
Teacher Tips for Using Book Boxes in the Classroom
Finding ways to keep our classroom organized and routines running smoothly is not always easy but when I find something that works I can’t wait to share it with our amazing teacher community. So… let’s talk book boxes!!!
I picked up my classroom book boxes from Really Good Stuff and have had them for years. I found similar ones on Amazon that, I have no doubt, will work just as great!
Tip #1 – Label the Book Boxes with Student Names
I love all things “organization.” It doesn’t have to be perfect and pretty but give me some boxes and labels and I am a happy teacher.
This first tip is super important! Simply put each student’s name on a sticker but do NOT use the sticker adhesive on the box. Attach the sticker to the book box with packing tape. This allows for quick and easy removal without all of the sticky mess left behind.
I repeat, I don’t need perfect and pretty – but effective and long-lasting make all the difference!
Tip #2 – Time to “Shop!”
I allow my students to “shop” in the library for 5 books at a time! I found that this was the perfect number to give my kiddos lots of choices but it did not overwhelm them or make their book boxes too heavy to carry.
Pick any number of books that works best for your students but take it from me… definitely set a limit. Remember that every book the kids pick needs to eventually be sorted and returned back to its designated spot.
Tip #3 – Have a “Return” Box
During our book shopping time we also place finished books into our “Return” box to be re-shelved. As you can see below, any box works great for this purpose.
RELATED RESOURCE: Back to School Easy Readers
Tip #4 – Label Books and Bins to Match
One of our classroom jobs is to re-shelve our returned books. This may seem a little challenging for a Pre-K or Kinder student. The solution? Dot stickers!
All of our books and bins are marked with numbered dot stickers so students can easily see exactly which bin each book goes back into. This is a step that takes some work and planning ahead but is totally worth it!
Tip #5 – Store Book Boxes ALL Around the Room
We have a classroom library for students to sit and read but our book boxes are actually spread out all around the room.
This means that when we “go shopping” for our books, all of the students are not crowded at one shelf or in one area. This is an important tip for avoiding traffic flow issues!
I have to be honest that even as an adult, it’s hard for me limit myself at a book store… especially when I am buying books for my classroom. These tips have helped me to share my love of books and reading with my students and I hope they do the same for you!
Want to stress less with even more “must-try” tips while learning how to create a “Playful Learning” environment?
(even if you “aren’t allowed to play”)
If you’re wanting to incorporate playful learning, free-flowing centers, effective routines, and more in your Pre-K or Kindergarten classroom, then you’ll definitely want to join us in P.L.A.Y. (Playful Learning All Year)!
This course is a deep dive into practical ways that you can create a playful learning environment in your classroom. Be sure to request an invitation so you’re the first to hear when the virtual doors open!
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