Jeff Young-Routman Chapter 5

Routman Chapter 5-Jeff Young

Routman’s focus in Chapter 5 is on how to organize a classroom library.  The first step in creating a classroom library is to find out what books students are interested in reading.  Motivation to read will likely increase when students find books that are “captivating” to them.  (Routman highly emphasizes reader engagement in her chapter).  Routman discusses the problem of classroom libraries that are almost entirely leveled.  She holds the belief that students will associate themselves by level rather than by interest in the book itself.  Another suggestion Routman makes is for teachers to make sure there is a wide selection of non-fiction books as well.  Book talks, Routman explains, are ways for students to share and learn about books they themselves or others have been reading.  A great idea the book suggests is to involve students in the set up and structure of the classroom library.  Bookbaskets, bins, and even rain gutters are listed as possible storage options for books.  I also like the idea of starting a summer reading program for students.  I did not realize that students will lose about 3 months of growth during the summer if they are not reading.  Routman has great insights and ideas of how to create a great classroom library.