Prioritizing Classroom Libraries

The Education Sector Strategic Plan and our own Prairie South Strategic Reading Goal outlines reading and comprehension as priority areas. One of the goals set in our local outcome is in regards to improving libraries within our classrooms. The goal outlines conducting a classroom library inventory along with the development of a plan to improve classroom libraries. The inventory is to be completed by June 30, 2015 with a plan for improvement beginning in the fall of 2015. For more details on the outcome and hoshin you can check out the Prairie South Level 2 A3 plans on connect.

“Classroom libraries are one important aspect in providing a literacy-rich environment. They offer opportunities to engage with texts that reflect their interests by including a range of topics and genres; and to read more by having easy and equitable access to texts located not only on a bookshelf but displayed throughout the classroom.” SK Reads p. 15. Please refer to the Saskatchewan Reads document for further information and ideas regarding classroom libraries https://saskatchewanreads.wordpress.com/ Attached you will find a spreadsheet that outlines each of the grades 1-8 with their curricular themes and some suggested books as well as some helpful websites. The purpose of this is for teachers and administrators to take inventory of their classroom libraries and where needed, create a plan to enrich those classroom spaces. This list is not meant to be exhaustive nor to replace what you currently may have but to provide some suggestions and to get collaborative planning going regarding classroom libraries. Once the ‘inventory’ is completed, the administrator may need to set out a plan for purchasing books and classroom library furniture that takes more than one budget year and may want to consult with their superintendent of operations when making this plan. Setting aside dollars each year to support classroom libraries is strongly encouraged. One other place we really encourage you to get classroom library recommendations is from your students! They are very much in the know about what their age group is into for reading and can offer good ideas. Other pieces to consider:

• The purpose of a classroom library is to provide students the opportunity to select books independently.

• Bookstores are masterful at displaying books in order to market them to customers. Next time you are in a bookstore observe the way that you browse so that when you set up your own classroom library you have this context in mind.

• Books should be accessible and inviting.

• If all books are organized by level students may get the impression that level is what matters most.

• Place books face out so that students can see the cover and preview them easily

• Books in baskets/ plastic tubs with the cover facing out can also assist in tidiness and the ability to move book sets around easily, it also allows for groupings of book series or similar themes or topics (ex: quick read books, nonfiction books, animal characters that have human experiences, mystery adventure).

• Some experts suggest that there should be 5-8 titles available per student, others suggest 125 titles for 25 students and still others suggest each classroom library should have 300 titles for an average class size (between 20 and 30)

• Magazines should be considered as well as other types of text. Consider National Geographic Kids, Zoobooks, Footsteps, Boys’ Life.

• Genres to consider – animal fantasy, non fiction, magazines, fairy tales, folk tales, fiction, autobiography, realistic fiction, poetry, science fiction, classics, racially diverse books.

General Websites and Resources to support classroom libraries

Curtis, D., & Carter, M. (2003). Designs for living and learning: Transforming early childhood environments. Saskatchewan Reads (2105) https://saskatchewanreads.wordpress.com/ www.kidsbooks.ca good Canadian material, some books have the Fountas and Pinnell level referenced, graphic novels listed, can search by age https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/46301.Middle_Grade_Novels_of_2015 - this website has lists and lists of good books with a short blurb about each book

References

Saskatchewan Reads (2015). A companion document to the Saskatchewan English Language Arts Curriculum grades 1, 2, 3. Sasktchewanreads.wordpress.com Szymusiak, K., Sibberson, F., & Koch, L., (2008). Beyond leveled books: Supporting early and transitional readers in grades K-5. Portland, Maine: Stenhouse Publishers. Wooten, D. A., & Cullinan, B. E., (2015). Children’s literature in the reading program: Engaging young readers in the 21st century (4th ed). Newark, DE: International Literacy Association.

Grade 1

TITLE AUTHOR GENREChildren Just Like Me Anabel Kindersley and Barnabas Kindersley Non-fictionSeveral Books Anthony BrownWhat do Wheels do all day? April Jones Prince Non-fictionI want to be an Astronaut Byron Barton Non-fictionSeveral Books Cynthia Rylant Several Books Dave PilkeySeveral Books David ShannonSeveral Books David WiesnerSeveral Books Eric CarleOne Green Apple Eve BuntingSeveral Books Ezra Jack Keats Two Homes Kady MacDonald Denton The Colors of Us Karen KatzSeveral Books Kevin HenkesLittle Blue and Little Yellow Leo Lionni Several Books Margaret Wise BrownOne, Some, Many Marthe Jocelyn Non-fiction

Caring for Plants and Animals Cultural Diversity Family Structures Five External Senses Healthy Behaviours/Relationships Numbers Patterns

Personal Well Being Phases of the Moon Physical Needs PlanetsRights and Responsibilities Saskatchewan/Canada Seasons Shapes

Stars Traditions/Celebrations

GRADE 1 THEMES:

GRADE 1 BOOKS:

Grade 1

Several Books Maurice SendakBeneath the Sun Melissa Stewart Non-fictionSeveral Books Mem FoxSpiders Nic Bishop Non-fictionSeveral Books Pat HutchinsSeveral Books Patricia PolaccoLook Inside Space Rob Lloyd Jones Non-fictionSeveral Books Robert McCloskeyLooking After Myself Sarah Levete Non-fictionStar Stuff: Carl Sagan and the Mysteries of the Cosmos Stephanie Ross Sisson Non-fictionLots and Lots of Zebra Stripes: Patterns Available in Nature Stephen Swinburne Non-fictionActual Size Steve Jenkins Non-fictionIs it Larger? Is it Smaller? Tana Hoban Non-fictionA Chair for my Mother Vera WilliamsSeveral Books William Steig

FNMEALEALEAL

http://www.nativereflections.com/products.php?page=Children's_Books www.youarespecial.com www.languagelizard.comwww.milet.com

WEBSITES:

Grade 2

TITLE AUTHOR GENREChildren Just Like Me Anabel Kindersley and Barnabas Kindersley Non-fictionSeveral Books Anthony BrownWhat do Wheels do all day? April Jones Prince Non-fictionI want to be an Astronaut Byron Barton Non-fictionSeveral Books Cynthia Rylant Several Books Dave PilkeySeveral Books David ShannonSeveral Books David WiesnerSeveral Books Eric CarleOne Green Apple Eve BuntingSeveral Books Ezra Jack Keats Two Homes Kady MacDonald Denton The Colors of Us Karen KatzSeveral Books Kevin HenkesLittle Blue and Little Yellow Leo Lionni

Conflict Resolution Decision Making Environmental Issues and Their Impact on Living Things Familiar Animals Healthy Habits Human RightsLocal Communities Local History Maps/Globes Numbers Patterns

and Relations Resources Shape and Space Solids/Liquids/GasesStatistics and Probability Treaty Relationships Well Being

GRADE 2 THEMES:

GRADE 2 BOOKS:

Grade 2

Several Books Margaret Wise BrownOne, Some, Many Marthe Jocelyn Non-fictionSeveral Books Maurice SendakBeneath the Sun Melissa Stewart Non-fictionSeveral Books Mem FoxSpiders Nic Bishop Non-fictionSeveral Books Pat HutchinsSeveral Books Patricia PolaccoLook Inside Space Rob Lloyd Jones Non-fictionSeveral Books Robert McCloskeyLooking After Myself Sarah Levete Non-fictionStar Stuff: Carl Sagan and the Mysteries of the Cosmos Stephanie Ross Sisson Non-fictionLots and Lots of Zebra Stripes: Patterns Available in Nature Stephen Swinburne Non-fictionActual Size Steve Jenkins Non-fictionIs it Larger? Is it Smaller? Tana Hoban Non-fictionA Chair for my Mother Vera WilliamsSeveral Books William Steig

FNMEALEALEAL

http://www.nativereflections.com/products.php?page=Children's_Books www.youarespecial.com www.languagelizard.comwww.milet.com

WEBSITES:

Grade 3

TITLE AUTHOR GENREEl Deafo Cece BellMwakwa Dale Auger EALThe Elders are Watching David Bouchard FNMA Bad Case of Stripes David ShannonStuart Little E.B. WhiteSomebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch Eileen SpinelliDiary of a Wimpy Kid Jeff KinneySuper Amoeba (Squish #1) Jennifer L. HolmStone Fox John Reynolds GardinerBink and Gollie Kate DiCamilloThe Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane Kate DiCamilloThe One and Only Ivan Katherine ApplegateThe Rag Coat Lauren MillsBad Beginnings Lemony SnicketBig Nate Lincoln PeirceMagic Tree House Mary Osborne PopeMigrant Maxine Trottier

Community Cultural Traditions Diversity Harmful SubstancesHealthy Foods and Physical Activity Identity Interdependence LocalGovernment Magnetism and Static Electricity Plants Rights/Conflict

Resolution Safety at Home Social Responsibility Soils Violence

GRADE 3 THEMES:

GRADE 3 BOOKS:

Grade 3

Sara Plain and Tall Patricia MacLachlanThank you, Mr. Falker Patricia PolaccoName Jar Yangsook Choi

Grade 4

TITLE AUTHOR GENREFrindle Andrew ClementsMouse and the Motorcycle Beverly ClearyInvention of Hugo Cabret Brian SelznickEscape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library Chris GrabensteinEnemy Pie Derek MunsonBunnicula James HoweBrown Girl Dreaming Jaqueline WoodsonThe Fourteenth Goldfish Jennifer L. HolmTales of a Fourth Grade Nothing Judy BlumeBecause of Winn Dixie Kate DiCamilloLittle House in the Big Woods Laura Ingalls WilderNumber the Stars Lois LowrySideways Stories from Wayside School Louis SacharWrinkle in Time Madeleine L’EngleMy Light Molly Bang

Agriculture and Resources Community Cultural Diversity HabitatsHealthy Foods and Physical Activity Identity Light Personal Safety Relationships Rocks and Minerals Settlers/FNIM/Treaties Social

Responsibility Sound Stress Management Systems of Government in Saskatchewan Traditional Healing

GRADE 4 THEMES:

GRADE 4 BOOKS:

Grade 4

Shiloh Phyllis Reynolds NaylorWonder R.J. PalacioLightning Thief Rick RiordanThe BFG Roald DahlOrca Chief Roy Henry Vickers FNMDancing in My Bones Wilfred Burton FNM

Grade 5

TITLE AUTHOR GENRESeven Daughters and Seven Sons Barbara CohenJourney to Jo’burg: A South African Story Beverley NaidooFox on the Ice Brian Deines FNMSeabird Clancy HollingThe Horse and His Boy (Chronicles of Narnia #5) CS LewisIt Can’t Be True! DK Publishing Non-fictionYoung Fu of the Upper Yangtze Elizabeth Foreman LewisHenry’s Freedom Box Ellen LevineCree Erinn Banting Non-fiction, FNMTales of a Korean Grandmother: 32 Traditional Tales from Korea Frances CarpenterThis Land Is My Land George Littlechild FNMThe Wolves of Willhoughby Chase Joan AikenThe Hobbit JRR TolkienThe Master Puppeteer Katherine PatersonGoodbye Buffalo Boy Larry Loyie FNMDaughter of the Mountains Louise RankinBluffton: My Summers With Buster Keaton Matt PhelanThe House of Sixty Fathers Meindert DeJongMummy Lairs Michael Burgan

Canadian Government Community Forces and Simple MachinesHeritage Holistic Well-being Human Body Systems Identity

Infectious Disease Multiculturalism Pop Culture Properties and Changes of Materials Social Responsibility Weather

GRADE 5 THEMES:

GRADE 5 BOOKS:

Grade 5

National Geographic Kids Everything Pets National Geographic Children’s Books Non-fictionNational Geographic Kids Myths Busted! National Geographic Children’s Books Non-fictionThe Land I Lost – Adventures of a Boy in Vietnam Quang Nhuong HuynhMuskrat Will Be Swimming Robert Hynes FNMBlack Elks Vision: A Lakota Story S.D.Nelson FNMShadow Spinner Susan FletcherAll the Small Poems Valerie Worth

Grade 6

GENRE

TITLE AUTHOR GENREMind Benders: Brain Boggling Tricks, Puzzles and Illusions DK Publishing Non-fictionThe Second Mrs. Gioconda EL KonigsburgI, Juan de Pareja Elizabeth Borton de TreviThe Westing Game Ellen RaskinMaster Cornhill Eloise Jarvis McGrawThe Golden Goblet Eloise Jarvis McGrawFlight Eyewitness Books Non-fictionForensic Science Eyewitness Books Non-fictionThe Shakespeare Stealer (Shakespeare Stealer #1) Gary BlackwoodThe Face Off Phony Gordan Korman CDNThe Lost Boy Greg Ruth Graphic NovelA Deadly Distance Heather Down CDN, FNMFavorite Poems Old and New Helen FerrisOtto of the Silver Hand Howard PyleGod King: A Story in the Days of King Hezekiah Joanne Williamson

GRADE 6 THEMES:Advertising Influences Atlantic Ocean Neighbors Body Image Diversity

of Living Things Efficacy Electricity Environmental SustainabilityFlight Health Promotion Healthy Relationships Infectious Diseases

Personal Identity Personal Standards Positive Self Image Social Responsibility Solar System Stress and Decisions Making

GRADE 6 BOOKS:

Grade 6

A Single Shard Linda Sue ParkFlame Over Tara Madeleine PollandGuardians of the Lost Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman CDNThis Side of the Sky Marie-Francine Herbert CDNBeyond the Desert Gate (Roman Empire Sequence #4) Mary RayNational Geographic Kids Almanac 2014 National Geographic Kids Books Non-fictionNational Geographic Kids Everything Money National Geographic Kids Books Non-fictionThe Trojan War Olivia E CoolidgePrince Puggly of Spud and the Kingdom of Spiff Robert Paul WestonThe Eagle of the Ninth Rosemary SutcliffHalf Human Monsters and Other Friends Ruth Owen Non-fiction

Grade 7

GENRE

TITLE AUTHOR GENREWatership Down Adams, RLittle Women Alcott, L.The Martian Way and Other Stories Asimov, I.Something Wicked This Way Comes Bradbury, R.The Elf Queen of Shannara Brooks, T.Murder on the Orient Express Christie, A.The Dark is Rising Cooper, S.Jurassic Park Crichton, M.7 Generations: A Plains Cree Saga David A. Robertson FNMPawn of Prophecy Eddings, D.Anne Frank, Diary of a Young Girl Frank, A. Non-fictionCheaper By the Dozen Gilbreth, F.The Fault in Our Stars Green, J.Summer Of My German Soldier Greene, B.House of Dies Drear Hamilton, V.

GRADE 7 THEMES:Blood-borne Pathogens Dynamic Relationships Earth's Crust

Ecosystems Globalization Harmony in Relationships Heat and Temperature Indigenous Artistry Interactions and Interdependence of

Nations Managing Peer Pressure Mixtures and Solutions MoralsNutritional Knowledge and Healthy Lifestyles Personal Qualities and Abilities Positive and Negative Self-Images Power AND Authority

GRADE 7 BOOKS:

Grade 7

Endless Steppe Hautzig, E. Non-fictionAll Creatures Great and Small Herriot, J. Non-fictionStargirl Jerry SpinelliWhite Fang London, J.A Night to Remember Lord, W. Non-fictionThe Way Things Work Macaulay, D. Non-fictionDragonsong McCaffrey, A.Short Stories Poe, EAThe Golden Compass Pullman, P.The Subtle Knife Pullman, P.The Amber Spyglass Pullman, P.Light in the Forest Richter, C.The Lightening Thief Rick RiordanThe Outsiders S E HintonThe Road Back Serof, J.Frankenstein Shelley, M.A Tree Grows in Brooklyn Smith, B.Shabanu, Daughter of the Wind Staples, STreasure Island Stevenson, R

http://www.fourdirectionsteachings.com/http://www.ammsa.com/content/banner-gallery-2015http://www.allyoucanread.com/canada-newspapers/https://newsela.com/

WEBSITES:

GRADE 1

Grade 8

TITLE AUTHOR GENREChick: Lister Alex Van TolSolitaire Alice OsemanEverybody Knows Your Name Andrea Seigel and Brent BradshawI Am Princess X Cherie PriestLost in Paris Cindy CallaghanThe Last Time We Say Goodbye Cynthia HandLonging for Normal Darcy PattisonSilence Deborah LyttonDown from the Mountain Elizabeth FixmerTaming the Beast: The Untold Story of Team Tyson Eric Wilson and Rory HollowayCuckoo Soung Frances HardingeCrush Gary PaulsenWoods Runner Gary PaulsenThe Legend of Bass Reeves Gary PaulsenTime Hackers Gary PaulsenHow Angel Peterson Got His Name: And Other Outrageous Gary PaulsenThe Beet Fields: Memories of a Sixteenth Summer Gary PaulsenFamily Ties Gary Paulsen

GRADE 8 THEMES:Adventure and Adventurers An Eye on Our National and Technological Environment Becoming Myself Burning Questions Is It Fair? - In Search of Justice Timeless Narratives of the First Nations and

Greek Peoples

GRADE 8 BOOKS:

GRADE 1

Grade 8

A Little Bit of Spectacular Gin PhillipsBoarding School Girls Helen EveThe Art of Secrets James KliseTemple Boys Jamie BuxtonDiary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul Jeff KinneyDiary of a Wimpy Kid: Hard Luck Jeff KinneyThe Lost City Jon Voelkel and Pamela VoelkelThe Boundless Kenneth OppelThe Boundless Kenneth OppelStarclimber Kenneth OppelHalf Brother Kenneth OppelAirborn Kenneth OppelEvery Last Promise Kristin HallbrookThis One Summer Mariko TamakiFirefly July: A Year of Very Short Poems Paul B. JaneczkoEyes Wide Open: Going behind the Environmental Headlines Paul Fleischman Non-fictionSisters Raina Telgemeier

This Side of Home Renee Watson

The Last Leaves Falling Sarah BenwellApple and Rain Sarah CrossanWe Are All Made of Molecules Susin Nielsen Non-fictionPositively Beautiful Wendy MillsRobotics Wil Mara Non-fiction