A Bookaholic's Confession: Classroom Library Conundrum

Is anyone out there dissatisfied with the state of their classroom library? 

For years I've contemplated going about things differently, but after realizing that all of my best series, my favorite titles and most of my new books were missing and I was left with my old and unpopular titles, I decided something had to be done. That's right, folks, it was a classroom library conundrum!

This summer I've spent a great deal of time researching and working on my classroom library. Here is what I found:

10 Fabulous Items for an Upper Elementary Reading & Language Arts Classroom

Yep, it's here, folks! The bittersweet beginning of the end of summer break. The back-to-school sales are on, kids are picking out new bookbags and stalking the school websites for class lists and schedules, and teachers... Well, we are busy as well, decorating our classrooms, ordering supplies, and planning a year of exciting lessons -- which brings me to a bit of advice that I was once given and I've found to be true:
Always keep a wish list for your classroom. Seriously! You just never know when a grant or fund may come your way in education. It usually comes when you least expect it. 

With that in mind, here is my list of ten fabulous things for an upper elementary Reading/Language Arts classroom:

Summer School Centers & Math Project

This week I have been working in Summer School, which has been a great experience. This year I'm working with kindergarten through second grade students. After working with 4th grade this year it has been a surprising and fun experience. I have to say that the week is going really well -- with the exception of one child's injured hand because she tripped on her flip-flops. Other than that it has been a dream.

Since I'm working with different age and ability groups I'm doing a combination of literacy centers/small groups and whole group activities.

The Summer School Blues Have Faded!

Yesterday I posted about having the Summer School Blues. I was a little apprehensive (as I always am in the beginning) about having multiple grade levels, but I'm pleased to report that the day went smoothly. My students were fantastic and there were only seven of them. 

So tonight this is me...

Clip art from mycutegraphics.com

Well, except I'm clearly not a boy. Or blonde. But you get the idea -- I'm happy!

I've Got the Summer School Blues...

This is me right now...

Clip Art by MyCuteGraphics

...(scared face)...because tomorrow is the beginning of Summer School. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE seeing the kids. It's the idea of teaching multiple grade levels that frightens me (K-3). I know many teachers out there do this already on a daily basis -- and I salute you! But my teaching experience generally encompasses one grade level at a time. The only exception to this rule is Summer School or our summer program for gifted and talented students. But Summer School is the most difficult since I'll have three or four grade levels at a time, with no assistance (except from my 6th grade son) or supply funds, and the students are mostly struggling students who often are not happy to be coming to school during their vacation time. 

So I have a plan! Here is what I plan to do. Let me know what you think.