Information about my classroom library
It is because of this belief that I have gathered over 1,000 books into a classroom library for independent reading.
How did you get all of your books?
I started with the books that other teachers had left behind or donated.
Then I grew the library myself. I typically shop from one of the following places:
1. Dorcas
2. Habitat for Humanity Restore
3. Goodwill
4. Thrift-to-Gift
I buy books secondhand from thrift stores for several reasons. Obviously, my teaching salary does not permit me to stock my room with 700 new books (which could cost around $8,500). Thrift stores sell books at a fraction of the cost, and most are in good condition. By purchasing from these organizations, I am benefiting not only my students by providing them with access to books, but also the people these organizations support through their charity.
To date, I have invested approximately $1,000 in my classroom library.
I do occasionally stock my library with new books that I have purchased for myself and read. Unfortunately, these items tend to disappear, and it's cost prohibitive to replace them.
The downside to buying books like this is that they are usually a little older. It is rare if I find a book published within the last couple of years. I am always open to book donations from anyone who is looking to give them away.
How did you get all of your books?
I started with the books that other teachers had left behind or donated.
Then I grew the library myself. I typically shop from one of the following places:
1. Dorcas
2. Habitat for Humanity Restore
3. Goodwill
4. Thrift-to-Gift
I buy books secondhand from thrift stores for several reasons. Obviously, my teaching salary does not permit me to stock my room with 700 new books (which could cost around $8,500). Thrift stores sell books at a fraction of the cost, and most are in good condition. By purchasing from these organizations, I am benefiting not only my students by providing them with access to books, but also the people these organizations support through their charity.
To date, I have invested approximately $1,000 in my classroom library.
I do occasionally stock my library with new books that I have purchased for myself and read. Unfortunately, these items tend to disappear, and it's cost prohibitive to replace them.
The downside to buying books like this is that they are usually a little older. It is rare if I find a book published within the last couple of years. I am always open to book donations from anyone who is looking to give them away.
You're an English teacher; of course you care about books.
Understand that I was not born an English teacher. I didn't even think about becoming one until my second year of college.
I was not born reading. Like everybody else, I had to learn to read as well as learn to enjoy it.
Reading isn't effortless for anybody. For me, even as an adult, it can still be hard work.
I was not born reading. Like everybody else, I had to learn to read as well as learn to enjoy it.
Reading isn't effortless for anybody. For me, even as an adult, it can still be hard work.
As a kid, I read voraciously (which means a lot)!
Several things influenced this:
Several things influenced this:
- My parents both enjoyed reading and kept a house full of books, even if they were outdated. I loved pouring over old encyclopedias and other volumes if even just to look at pictures. My mother would also take me to the library where we would check out stacks of books to read at home.
- My brothers are both older than me, so I was pretty much on my own. I had to entertain myself, and unlike today, I did not have access to the internet or kid's television shows other than Saturday mornings. While I did spend a great deal of time exploring outside, I grew up in an environment where the weather was cold and unpleasant a good portion of the year.
- I loved escaping into other worlds if only temporarily.
Reading doesn't really make a difference.
I realize that I cannot convince you to believe certain things. I can only share my experience in the hope that you will see I am sincere. What I want you to know is that reading as much as I did made my life easier and better in so many ways.
- I didn't struggle as much in school. I developed the stamina to get through tough or boring tasks (Standardized tests anyone?).
- I became a better writer. Seriously, it's really that simple. I read often and a lot. In return, I internalized writing conventions and styles.
- I developed a stronger imagination as well as deeper empathy for the experiences of others, even if the characters were fictional.
- I could talk to other people about more things because I knew more. I had more depth of experience and knowledge through the things I read.
You read all the time. Reading is easy for you.
No, I don't read all the time, especially when I am teaching. I have gone for months without picking up a book. Sometimes I start a book and never finish it.
Reading is not always easy for me. I dislike reading heavily technical documents and struggle with certain types of literature. I have to push myself through some of the harder classics, and I dislike some books as well (Frankenstein & Eat,Pray, Love are a few).
One thing that reading always does, regardless of the material, is slow me down. It allows me to focus on one thing for a little while and shut out all of the other drama and noise.
Teaching English does keep me reading, whether it is for class or professional learning. However, it's not always what I want to read.
Reading is not always easy for me. I dislike reading heavily technical documents and struggle with certain types of literature. I have to push myself through some of the harder classics, and I dislike some books as well (Frankenstein & Eat,Pray, Love are a few).
One thing that reading always does, regardless of the material, is slow me down. It allows me to focus on one thing for a little while and shut out all of the other drama and noise.
Teaching English does keep me reading, whether it is for class or professional learning. However, it's not always what I want to read.
I'm not good at reading / hate reading/ get tired reading/ can't find anything to read
I know. I understand. I have heard it all before, and I know that you mean what you say. However, I am asking you to trust me and give it a chance.
- I will help you find something to read.
- You get to choose from over 1,000 books in my library including fiction, nonfiction, and graphic novels!
- If you don't like a book, stop reading it and choose another. It's okay not to finish a book if it isn't working for you.
- I will give you time to read during class. If you just do it for a little bit each day, you may surprise yourself. I guarantee that you will get something out of it. Hopefully, you won't hate reading. Hopefully, you will find that it's not so bad.