All of the following items represent a teacher s hard work and dedication, and, hopefully, reflect, too, the support of administrators. Some books are in bins around the room categorized by genres, favorite authors and illustrators, different formats, and maybe by topics. These are not likely the book bins that come out to the tables during Self-Selected Reading Block, but they are there to help create the desire for students to read during other times and to choose books to carry home. Constructed book baskets for students, usually monthly, that will meet the needs of students during the Self-Selected Reading Block. This has taken countless hours over the year as well as a great deal of expertise in assessing the needs of all of the kids in the classroom.
Books are ever present with covers beckoning the kids from all around the room.
Charts and the Word Wall offer a great deal of support for reading and writing. Worked to create a nurturing environment for children that encouraged their interaction with each other. Desks or tables have had children facing each other, and the teacher has been skillful in facilitating learning and in giving kids more responsibility for their own learning. Impressed students about how many books those students have read throughout the year. Students have kept reading logs and have collected an impressive pile of Story Bits at home.