I've got a great tip for you on how to set up your classroom library. I know many of you have wonderfully organized classroom libraries with rows of beautiful bright baskets filled with books. I'm just not a basket person. I love my classroom library. I love seeing rows upon rows of books in my little cubby bookshelves. I love that students can see all the spines, read the titles, and know what treasures are within. I even have my desk positioned across from my classroom library because staring at it just makes me happy.
This is my classroom library. I'm not sure if you can see in the picture, but I have a little white label at the bottom of each cubby that has either a genre, author name, or series (if the series fits the whole cubby). All the books in a particular genre (I have a few cubbies with the same genre), by a certain author, or within a series are *supposed* to go back to the properly labelled cubby. In a perfect world. ;) My students are pretty good at returning series to the right spot, and authors sometimes, but those genre cubbies never stay right - and I've relied on students volunteering to reorganize the cubbies many times during the year.
And now I've got a solution! I have a crazy washi tape collection that has just been sitting in a craft drawer (big dreams, no time). To keep my library organized, I can put a piece of washi tape on the spine of my books that go into a certain cubby or shelf (and put a piece of matching washi tape right on the cubby (or shelf) the book belongs to. I can write the genre, series, or author name right onto the washi tape. I think this will be a beautiful solution, and I know it will help my students keep my library organized. If you don't have washi tape, you could do the same thing with masking tape, and just draw a coloured dot or pattern on the masking tape. Easy Peasy.
And now I've got a solution! I have a crazy washi tape collection that has just been sitting in a craft drawer (big dreams, no time). To keep my library organized, I can put a piece of washi tape on the spine of my books that go into a certain cubby or shelf (and put a piece of matching washi tape right on the cubby (or shelf) the book belongs to. I can write the genre, series, or author name right onto the washi tape. I think this will be a beautiful solution, and I know it will help my students keep my library organized. If you don't have washi tape, you could do the same thing with masking tape, and just draw a coloured dot or pattern on the masking tape. Easy Peasy.
First to comment :) Hope you are having a wonderful summer...Can't believe it's almost time for us to start back. Crossing my fingers to win something :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great ideas!
ReplyDeleteI promoted this giveaway by sharing it on facebook.
ReplyDeleteI shared this wonderful giveaway on FB! Thank you for the chance to win & for all of the ideas! :)
ReplyDeleteLove your idea with the wash tape. I too have a stash that I had hoped to use somewhere, but never did. This will be just the project to use it.
ReplyDeleteI shared the giveaway on twitter.
https://twitter.com/sarakovach/status/493386785540415488
I pinned this giveaway on pinterest. http://www.pinterest.com/pin/280912095482822681/ Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI shared using FB.
ReplyDeleteI shared this fabulous giveaway on Pinterest!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.pinterest.com/pin/154318724706789433/
Thank you so much! :)
Love the washi tape idea! I had my books organized by reading level and used colored dot stickers. That worked, but the washi tape is prettier!
ReplyDeleteCarol
Teachers Are Terrific!
Love this idea! My library is horrible by the end of the year. I just spent a day at school getting everything back where it should be.
ReplyDeleteI *LOVE* my classroom library as well! I do label the books on the spines (usually the small colorful dots) by genre and it has made a WORLD of difference for keeping the books organized and put back on the right shelf!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about the not-only-using-baskets thing - it helps kids with "real-world" book shopping as neither book stores nor library keep their books in baskets :)
I promoted the giveaway here: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/212443307397868715/
~Jessica
Joy in the Journey
I LOVE this library idea! I followed you on TpT and bloglovin! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI have spent several days setting up my classroom library. I am a basket lover!! But I do love all of the ideas that you have shared here. I have sent this blog to a few of my fellow teachers. I think they will really enjoy it also!
ReplyDeleteI pinned this to my classroom library board :) http://www.pinterest.com/pin/233835405627762485/
ReplyDeleteGreat tips but then again, everything you do is great! I pinned your giveaway!
ReplyDelete~Lorraine
Fabulous 4th Grade Froggies
Visit my Facebook page
I shared on Twitter! :) https://twitter.com/bremuffin/status/493414310974988288
ReplyDeleteLove your stuff always helpful
ReplyDeleteI promoted the giveaway on pinterest and shared to facebook!
ReplyDeleteI promoted the giveaway on Pinterest. I think the Washi tape idea for books is fantastic! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHere's my pin to promote and it was shared on facebook via the pin: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/64668944624734007/
ReplyDeleteI wish I had the bookshelf space you do. I have long bookshelves with no dividers. To assist in keeping my books organized and not a falling all over mess, I use bins from dollar tree!
I tweeted and shared on Facebook! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteYour washi tape idea is brilliant...and your library is gorgeous. I'm "half and half" shelves and bins--but I LOVE your cubbies!
ReplyDeleteI promoted this giveaway on Pinterest. http://www.pinterest.com/pin/554505772843696696/
ReplyDeleteI promoted this on pinterest! http://www.pinterest.com/pin/554505772843696696/
ReplyDeleteEach day after school, I make a list on paper of all the students in my class. I take note of which students I wrote down immediately, and which students came at the end of the list, or I had trouble remembering. The next day, I take special care to pay more attention to the students who didn't immediately jump out at me. What do they like? What are their strengths? What special talents do they have? etc.
ReplyDeleteI love all of your activities first of all. I pinned your giveaway here: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/186055028331038533/
ReplyDeleteShared on FB: https://www.facebook.com/InsideThisBook?fref=nf
ReplyDeleteI adore your library!! It's beautiful!! I wish I had that much space in my classroom for such an elaborate library!!
ReplyDeleteI shared it on twitter: https://twitter.com/kellybb31/status/493432024187682818
ReplyDeleteLove the Washi tape idea. I'm going to go back to school early to re-do my library and this idea will stick with me.
ReplyDeleteI sent an email to all my colleagues letting them know about the giveaway. I have tons of resources from you and have promoted your site for a couple years.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the washi tape idea for my library!! I always get so many good ideas from you, thank you!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful use of Washi tape. I promoted this AWESOME giveaway on pinterest. All of my favorite sellers!!! What a dream! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteOopsies, here's the pin: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/79235274669520281/
DeleteI shared it on Pinterest!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.pinterest.com/pin/4925880817721345/
i have pinned the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI am telling all of my teacher friends.
ReplyDeleteLove the tape!
ReplyDeleteThanks for all of your wonderful ideas and the contest!!
ReplyDeleteI promoted this giveaway on Facebook!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea w/the washi tape. I promoted it on Twitter & Facebook.
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/AiellosClass/status/493437356167282689
I promoted the giveaway by pinning it on pinterest!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the giveaway! I pinned the giveaway here: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/93590498481211400/.
ReplyDeleteThis is an amazing giveaway so I pinned it:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.pinterest.com/pin/138415388522629808/
Thanks for all that you do! I shared the giveaway on Facebook!
ReplyDeleteLove the wasi tape idea! I shared on Pinterest.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this fabulous opportunity! I have shared this on my personal Facebook page.
DeleteLove the classroom library set up. Where did you get the cubbies?
ReplyDeleteKim
Quinnessential Lessons
Pinned it on Pinterest! http://www.pinterest.com/pin/173247916890599682/
ReplyDeleteI promoted the sale by sharing it with all of my teacher friends! I hope one of us wins!!!!! We love your products!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great idea! Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteI promoted on FB. I love the washi tape idea - it never occurred to me! You could use solids for lexile levels and pattern for genre, if you really wanted to be fancy!
ReplyDeleteWow! Impressive organized library! Love it!
ReplyDeleteLove your library! Shared on Twitter!
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/DannyTRhonda/status/493464784101060608
I liked it on Facebook!
ReplyDeleteI've followed you for a while now and liked you on FB
ReplyDeleteI shared it on fb!
ReplyDeleteI have posted it on my personal Facebook page! Thank you for this fabulous opportunity!
ReplyDeleteI checked out both of your books and found they were already on my wish list. Thanks for the chance to win them!!!
ReplyDeleteI love the washi tape idea!! So easy and pretty!
ReplyDeleteI shared on pinterest. :)
DeleteI love this washi tape idea. Especially because I too have lots of washi tape and no time for the crafts I planned to use it with.
ReplyDeleteI shared this giveaway on Facebook. I love the washi tape idea for books. I will be using that idea.
ReplyDeleteI love the washi tape idea, and it's something I can get my family to help me with so it will go quickly! Thanks for the idea!
ReplyDeleteThank you!!! I've never thought to coordinate the book spines with Washi Tape! :)
ReplyDeleteI love the washi tape idea and will be using it! I posted about the giveaway on FB
ReplyDeleteI told all my teacher friends... and I LOVE the washi tape idea! I have a ton of it at home!
ReplyDeleteKelly Christensen
Thank you for the opportunity! :)
ReplyDeleteI shared through Pinterest . I love the idea of wasbi tape on the books, I'm going to have to give it a try .
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win. I use your lapbook and love it.
ReplyDeleteI would love you to visit my blog if you get a chance. ♥ Jamie at Mrs. Moore’s Ramblings
I promoted this by sharing on Face book
ReplyDeleteWonderful!
ReplyDeleteShared this with many teacher friends! So thankful for the great ideas.
ReplyDeletePinterest!!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.pinterest.com/pin/79938962110990945/
Such an amazing giveaway that I had to share this on Facebook!
ReplyDeleteJulie
tweeted it - https://twitter.com/KathyT44/status/493495166850719744
ReplyDeleteI promoted this giveaway on facebook
ReplyDeletePinned! Wendy 1stgradefireworks
ReplyDeleteI pinned! http://www.pinterest.com/pin/31877109837714106/
ReplyDeletePinned and promoted on facebook!
ReplyDeleteShared on FB
ReplyDeleteLove the tape on the spine idea! So clever and easy!! Definitely need to do this in my classroom library this year :)
ReplyDeleteCute idea for your library. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea, loved it!
ReplyDeleteI promoted this giveaway on Pinterest. :)
ReplyDeleteI told my co-teachers about this giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI used Pinterest! http://www.pinterest.com/pin/131026670384227017/
ReplyDeleteThis is a great giveaway! Sharing with a coworker!
ReplyDeleteI pinned this to Pinterest!
ReplyDeleteI love your ideas and have them pinned and on my TPT wishlist.
ReplyDeleteI shared the giveaway on facebook.
ReplyDeleteI love your washi tape-book spine idea!
ReplyDeleteGosh, the washi tape idea is SO simple, yet so practical! I love it.....
ReplyDeleteI also have shelves, and would be happy if they get to the right shelves, let alone the right order! Thanks....
Love the washi tape idea! I inherited a ton of books as a new teacher and was struggling to organize them. This might be the best solution I've seen! I promoted the contest by sharing the information with my friends on facebook.
ReplyDeleteI promoted on Facebook!
ReplyDeleteAimee
aimee@vanmiddlesworth.org
Pencils, Books, and Dirty Looks
I tweeted about the contests and posted on my facebook page!
ReplyDeleteI promoted on Facebook!
ReplyDeleteLove all of the ideas. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea with the tape! I shared your page on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/robinclaudia/posts/10204545598908392.
ReplyDeleteThanks...
I tweeted it at: https://twitter.com/theowlteacher/status/493547605654138880
ReplyDeleteand pinned it on pinterest at: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/454300681134664736/
Thank you! :)
Tammy DeShaw (The Owl Teacher)
I own almost all of your resources and love them all! I follow you on FB, pinterest.
ReplyDeleteI put it on Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/141019032057308680/
ReplyDeletePinned to pinterest
ReplyDeleteI pinned on pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/pin/151081762474807970/
ReplyDeleteI retweeted Laura Candler's tweet and liked your facebook page.
ReplyDeleteI love the washi tape idea! Brilliant!!
ReplyDeleteI share through Facebook. Thanks for the great idea! Your shelves look awesome!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.pinterest.com/pin/285556432598169819/
I shared this giveaway on my Facebook page.
ReplyDeleteI have saved my library for last this year! So glad I did because I love the washi tape idea!! Thank you...love it!
ReplyDeleteI shared via Facebook :-)
ReplyDeleteI love your library! I have been trying to revamp mine for the past year, but it is just so time consuming.
ReplyDeleteThank you for everything you do and for sharing all of your wonderful ideas! Ashleigh
ReplyDeleteI really like the washi tape idea. I think I will give this a try. You have some great ideas and I love your Blog.
ReplyDeleteI shared the giveaway on Facebook.
ReplyDeleteHow exciting! Perfect for the beginning of school!
ReplyDeleteLooking at that library would make me happy too, Jen! Sending you lots of cyberhugs and good wishes!
ReplyDeleteKim
Finding JOY in 6th Grade
Great idea! Wish I had cubbies!
ReplyDeleteI shared this giveaway on Facebook. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE your cubbie library!!! I think I need to work toward that design!! =)
ReplyDeleteFacebook
ReplyDeleteI shared this giveaway on Facebook and I love your washi tape idea!
ReplyDeleteShared on Facebook awesome giveaways ready to start organizing my Clasroom, new. Place new grade excited
ReplyDeleteShared on Facebook.
ReplyDeleteI love your library!
Love your washi tape idea!! I shared this giveaway on Facebook.
ReplyDeleteI shared on Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook.
ReplyDeleteI shared on pinterest!
ReplyDeleteI have shared this AWESOME giveaway on Pinterest, Twitter, and FB. Your washi tape idea is great- it is one of those "why didn't I think of it" ideas :)
ReplyDeleteLove the give away. Love responses also
ReplyDeleteI shared on Pinterest!!!! Thank you for the opportunity!!!
ReplyDeleteI shared the give away on FB.
ReplyDeleteI love your resources! Thanks so much. I shared on FB!
ReplyDeleteI shared it on pinterest - http://www.pinterest.com/pin/390054017700653209/
ReplyDeleteShared on Pinterest! I'm sure my pinterest followers will LOVE it!
ReplyDeleteI shared it on pinterest! >> http://www.pinterest.com/pin/178244097727796235/
ReplyDeleteI promoted through pinterest and twitter. Hope I win!
ReplyDeleteWell, apparently I'm going to have to buy even more washi tape! Love the tape idea!
ReplyDeleteSally from Elementary Matters
Love your library idea. I also don't like my books in bins but I don't own your cute cubbies.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI pinned this to Pinterest! And I love the washi tape idea! You could use it even if you do use bins!
ReplyDeleteI shared on FB. You are amazing and I already follow you in all the areas on your rafflecopter!
ReplyDeleteI shared this awesome giveaway with all of my friends on Facebook!
ReplyDeleteI tried baskets last year and did love it. I like how you organized your library. Thanks
ReplyDeleteGoing to try Washi tape and shelves. I have about 5,000 books! Thanks for the idea.
ReplyDeleteOMG I love the library! and using the tape? genius!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI love the Washi tape idea! I'm going to use that in my library. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI like your ideas and resources. I would love to win the books.
ReplyDeleteI shared about the contest on Facebook!
ReplyDeleteMy classroom library is in DIRE need of organization and repair! I just got a ton of new books from Scholastic points & Target $$ Spot. I LOVE the washi tape for coding/organization...GENIUS! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteIt's Elementary, My Dear!
Also - I posted the idea on Pinterest -http://www.pinterest.com/pin/23714335512815866/
ReplyDeleteThanks again!
I love how you use the washi tape to organize your classroom library!
ReplyDeleteI would love to win your better reading responses: it is definitely an area I need help with!
ReplyDeleteI pinned!!
ReplyDeleteI love your products. They feature prominently in my classroom. I reposted the contest information on my Facebook page.
ReplyDeleteShared on Facebook. Love all your ideas. Washi tape for book organization, Great Idea!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the classroom library tips. I love having a large collection of books for my students, but I hate how disorganized and messy it quickly becomes.
ReplyDeleteLove the Washi tape idea! I use colored dots...but like your idea better! I shared on pinterest! http://www.pinterest.com/pin/46443439882705332/
ReplyDeleteYour library looks amazing! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great giveaway! I shared this on my Literacy board on Pinterest. http://www.pinterest.com/pin/179721841354952631/
ReplyDeleteAnother great idea! I love your TPT products!
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting these great ideas.
ReplyDeleteI shared by pinning the giveaway http://www.pinterest.com/pin/110690103316452634/
ReplyDeleteLove your idea, and can't wait to try it!
ReplyDeleteReally hope you haven't drawn yet!!! I just returned from a swim team weekend. Love this idea on the books. My kids just don't pull out the tubs!!!
ReplyDeleteI have been going back and forth about baskets vs. no baskets and you just made my decision for me. Thank you! I will definitely be implementing the wash-tape coding next year.
ReplyDeleteI've been going back and forth about using baskets too. I love how many books I can get on a shelf when they aren't in baskets. Thanks for sharing your great ideas..
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI pinned! What a great idea! http://www.pinterest.com/pin/281193570459198447/
ReplyDeleteGreat idea! I pinned: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/559079741215475453/
ReplyDeleteI pinned this giveaway. http://www.pinterest.com/pin/89649848807568991/
ReplyDeleteI really love the wash tape idea! I pinned this giveaway. http://www.pinterest.com/pin/213428469816274900/
ReplyDeleteOh, I LOVE your washi tape idea! So going to do this! My kids always seem to struggle with putting books back in my classroom library where they belong. This will help tons!
ReplyDeleteI pinned this:
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/163466661449699066/
Oh, my! So many comments already! I shared this post on both Facebook and Google+
ReplyDeleteShared on FB AND Pinterest and currently seeking washi tape!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great ideas!
ReplyDeleteI first want to say thank you for everything I have used from your awesome blog and TPT store! I tell everyone about your blog and store. Last week I attended a conference for Denver Public Schools, and took a class on math notebooking. I shared your amazing resource with all of the teachers and asked the instructors to publish your TPT store on their website. I hope everyone uses your incredible resource. I am moving to 3rd grade this year, but I hope I can still incorporate many of your tools into my classroom! Thank you:)
ReplyDeleteI shared this post on my FB page! PS. I love how you used washi tape for your library. Genius and if you change your mind the tape will come right off.
ReplyDeleteShared on Pinterest! :)
ReplyDeleteI shared on Pinterest. Thanks for the great library organization tips!
ReplyDeletegreat giveaway!!! i tweeted
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/raggammuffin/status/493831626753732608
I'm fairly obsessed with Washi tape and I love your idea!
ReplyDeleteI love how you use cubbies for your library. I always stayed away from bookshelves because I figured they would be too easy to mess up and too much to keep organized. Your idea makes so much sense! I shared on Pintrest!
ReplyDeleteAwesome idea to use Washi tape. I use coloured stickers.
ReplyDeleteAwesome idea to use Washi tape. I use coloured stickers.
ReplyDeleteI pinned this giveaway on Pinterest!
ReplyDeleteShared your post on Facebook. Love the Washi Tape idea.... I've got to go through and eliminate a lot of the books I've inherited over the last few years though, they are outdated, and lots are falling apart!
ReplyDeleteThat is exactly what I just spent my summer doing! Exactly like your with washi tape and all. I hope to win... I love to organize!
ReplyDeleteShared this on twitter!
ReplyDeleteAMAZING IDEA! Shared on Pinterest! http://www.pinterest.com/brooke_walters/class-library/
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea! I liked you on FB, TPT, and was already a follower on Bloglovin!
ReplyDeleteThe Tape idea...brilliant and easy!
ReplyDeleteI pinned your great giveaway. http://www.pinterest.com/pin/481322278898908831/
ReplyDeleteI pinned your giveaway! http://www.pinterest.com/pin/303218987385332078/
ReplyDeleteWashi tape - how brilliant! Love, love your blog. Pinned the give-a-way to http://www.pinterest.com/pin/122089839873596453/
ReplyDeleteI have shared the giveaway on facebook. I love Washi Tape!
ReplyDeleteLove your blog! Have pinned many things on pinterest to promote this contest and blog :)
ReplyDeleteShared via Twitter ~ https://twitter.com/susanlanai/status/494012058371776512.
ReplyDeleteTwitter!!! https://twitter.com/nathaliebalduck/status/494020926652952578
ReplyDeleteI shared on Pinterest! http://www.pinterest.com/pin/33988172163221548/
ReplyDeleteI shared on Facebook and told all of my teacher friends. I wish my library looked this way!
ReplyDeleteI was going into the school today to do my library and was wondering how I was going to label my categories. Washi tape! Thanks!
ReplyDelete