We gathered together on the rug with the understanding that an exciting project was about to begin. I anchored readers in familiarity as I inquired, “What do you remember about the library labels from third grade, or what have you noticed about the library labels in your new fourth-grade classroom?” As expected, readers remembered and noticed that bins in classroom libraries are often organized by author, topic, series, or genre. A few observant fourth graders also shared that some library labels in our classroom were designed by kids. Some were named by a teacher. Others were still longing for a label. I excitedly shared, “Maybe you’ll be the ones to design the labels that are needed!” Then it was time to talk about how our knowledge of classroom libraries could help us think about our reading identities:
“Today I am going to ask you to fuse together your reading identity and creativity. As readers, you have an idea of the kinds of books you like to read and the characters that you feel connected to. In fact, just the other day, you all filled in a sentence frame for me: ‘I love characters who __________.’ In just a few moments, you’ll be designing a book bin label of your own.”
First, I shared what excites me as a reader: realistic fiction, picture book biographies, and strong female characters. I then modeled a brief think-aloud: “I love _______, so my bin could be called _______.” I scrawled the ideas on the easel:
- Beautiful Biographies
- World Changers
- Girl Power
- Your Voice Matters
The Design Process
My list of personal preferences hung on the easel. Readers made lists of what they love—genres, topics, series, authors. Next, they created collections of bin names. They peeked at my ideas for inspiration. Soon afterward, readers were ready to draft their book bin label designs. They moved their pencils carefully, considering the images, symbols, and patterns they might use to make their labels pop. They revised as they went, erasing and redrawing. When readers felt ready, they added pops of color. Before we knew it, we had beautifully crafted book bin labels ready to be shared. However, as I walked to the laminator, I was unsure exactly where we might put the works of art that represented our new community of readers. At first I thought, I could keep them with my conferring materials, but I quickly pushed that thought away. These labels were meant to be seen—truly published. The next idea that came to mind felt like the right one: If we tape them onto each reader’s book bin, they will serve as visual reminders for me (and possibly classmates) all year long.
Recommendations Galore
Although these labels were adorable and fun to look at, I wanted them to become useful tools. So, I set out to make some recommendations. Below you will find recommendations that have been made and will be made in the future as these readers grow.
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Book Bin Label |
Recommendations |
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Troublemaking Characters
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Animal Lovers
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The Problem Solvers
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Rallying Our Reading Community
Six weeks into the school year, more than 100 independent reading books had been enjoyed. It was time to rally our reading community: “Now, I know I have plenty of book recommendations for you . . . a lot of them. All the time. But, I want you to recognize that you can lean on each other for recommendations, too! You do this for each other during book buzzes, but you can lean on each other for recommendations at any time.”
Each reader placed their book bin on top of their desk with a blank piece of paper. They added the heading “Book Recs for [Reader’s Name].” “Okay, readers! We are going to take a silent stroll around the classroom. Study your classmates’ labels. If you think you know of a book they’ll love, jot down the title. Get those pencils ready.”
Off they went! Ten minutes of quiet time led to multiple recommendations for every reader in the room. They were excited to read what their friends think are great books. I even had a reader approach me to share that her interests have changed since she made her book bin label. I see a midyear redesign opportunity in our future. I also wonder if any readers will be willing to transfer their label to a library bin and fill it with books that go together. There is a menu of opportunities before us.
Today is a great day to reflect on your efforts in getting to know each of the readers before you. Whom do you know well? Whom do you still have curiosities about? How will you rally your students to enhance each other’s reading lives this year?
