Classroom Vlog: Library and...Stuff

[@shawnaclark560]

Keep the stand by the library. The book store look is so cute!

[@bethsbookishreviews9374]

I like the "Series Rack" over by the library. The room looks great!!!

[@lj4466]

Your seating is very interesting, I've never seen a classroom set up that way. Thanks for your videos, they're so helpful and get me so excited for finally having my own classroom!

[@janae70541]

You can use those cork boards as a homework board for students that may be absent. Post past assignments for the week (M-F) on the boards with a bin nearby filled with copies of the assignments. Helps to get them in a habit of being responsible for themselves by checking the boards and asking their peers before coming to you as their teacher for missed work. Works really well when student happen to miss a test - you can accentuate it with bright colors.

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Yes, I like this too!

[@standincub]

We had those painter sticks at my library when I was in elementary school. When you took a book off the shelf you stuck your paint stick there so you knew where to put it back. Genius.

[@conniepalmer2956]

You could use a card table for your square table. I know you want your classroom to have a rustic appearance. You could paint the top or place distressed fabric on top of the card table. To have a smooth surface for writing, cover it with plexiglass.

[@cbagriep]

I thought the same thing about the bells in my school last summer too! I wasn't used to a elementary school having bells and I thought it was a door bell or something. I finally had to ask someone what they were!!!

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Oh my it's so funny!

[@shanya6674]

Why don't you use the 4 cork boards for house points? You mentioned sorting the children into houses so the house points could be a behaviour management tool?

[@kassandraverdugo3728]

love the way your classroom is coming together !

[@nyreemartinez8173]

definately next to the library! Over in the corner it kind've just doesnt seem like it goes there!

[@nataliewarkentin9423]

I love the idea of the writing process for the cork boards.. Your class is super cute

[@teacherlife1344]

I like the stand over by the library area

[@samanthawilliams3436]

Try the Dollar Tree for the Chinese take out boxes for the pop corn. They usually sell them in sets of two, and are usually by the party decorations.

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Ugh. I didn't see this in time. I ended up going another route but I think it's a cute one!

[@CreateOneDay]

I think choice A by the books and student library is the best option. Thanks!

[@micgolf]

With those 4 frames made of cork you could do road signs

[@pm-r6136]

Option A near the bookshelf is best! My gosh!!! You have tons of books and tons of patience!!! You are sooo dedicated!!!

[@BridgingLiteracy]

:) Thank you Patty!

[@VisionsInFlight]

Love how easy on the eyes your room is. It has enough special touches to be engaging and interesting to look and learn in, but not overwhelming. I was wondering about your library---are those all your books? How do you keep track of them with the kids borrowing them?

[@createteachthrive5106]

I love the carousel near the library... it looks better near the other shelf of books. Oh! I asked you a question on your TPT I hope you got it. thanks so much!

[@CuriosityRocks]

If I was a kid in your class I would totally want to hog that beautiful desk you have at the front, it feels so safe and homely

[@aeelayyan]

I'm voting for A. All your books in the same area! Those reading chairs are adorable!! Such a nice pop of color!

[@lauraevelynashley]

I love that you have so many fiction books in your library! I know you have done favorite book videos before... Do you have a suggestions on non-fiction books? or authors?

[@elizabethskaggs2004]

Also....how does your "star student" desk work? Do they get to use all the supplies on that desk? Do they ever use up all of your post it notes,etc?

[@zainaallan7983]

You can go to a goodwill or a Savers for the chapter books, I got over 75 books for under 30 Books. Thanks if you read this, and your classroom is beautiful.

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Of course I read them! Thank you so much for the tip and the kind words!

[@chantalrefuse6011]

If you can get a matching kitchenette set for the back it would look really good. Tfs your classroom. You did an excellent job.

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Thank you so much!

[@SimplySteph99]

I like option a the best! Keep the books close together! What if you put it between the two yellow chairs? But def. keep the books close together!

[@SimplySteph99]

I like the idea of the process of writing or you could do something like the girl of the week or month and boy of the week or month?

[@tiffany5218]

Choice A, keep like items together. Plus, the bookstore vibe is cool! Love and look forward to your videos!

[@catleo3621]

Oh yes, and MUCH prefer the paired desks next to each other - it looks more symmetrical that way!

[@PaigesPages]

I definitely think it should be choice A! Makes it more like a library feel. Keep em all together!!

[@angelabennett3545]

Choice A for your book rack! :) Love how your room is looking!

[@victoriavelez7629]

How about between your two yellow chairs? Too cluttered?

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Yea, we tried that....didn't look as good as I had hoped.

[@katyscott5750]

I like the book rack by your library!

[@katyscott5750]

I have those hexagon cork boards in my room! We use them as like a "refrigerator" if my students have something they are proud of or a picture they draw we pin it up there. I also take tons of pictures with my phone and my Polaroid and we pin them there also!

[@kcm7134]

Here's an end of the year tip that will make setting up the library easier each year: I bought large Plastic tubs with lids. The last week of school, I have a few reliable kids pack the books, keeping genres together as much as possible since that's the way my library is organized. Unpacking is much faster when the books are packed the way they are organized!

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Love it! I'm going to shrink wrap my books like I did for the move this year! It helped so much!

[@thejennymclean]

Option A! Your classroom library has so many books! Any tips on how to build up a classroom library or where you get your books? I'm going to be a first year teacher and I feel like I will take forever to get to that point!

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Thank you so much! Don't worry about having a huge Library right away. It has taken me about 8 years to collect these books. I started in college and I just buy a few used books every so often. If you have a local used book store, that would be my first stop. Also try garage sales. A few comment below have mentioned websites for used books, but I haven't tried those yet. Oh! And Scholastic will give you credits when your students buy books....I have picked up quite a few through that program. Good luck!

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Where to put the Library stand?!?!? Option A or Option B?

[@juliahorton3584]

A since it is with the other books

[@katyclare7969]

Option A

[@chantalrefuse6011]

Option A, by the library!

[@bobtinklesnews]

A

[@kristenn1740]

I like option A ;)

[@MadisonLovely]

You're my inspiration ☺️ I've wanted to be a teacher since I was a little girl and you make me feel like it's actually possible for me to do it

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Aww. Thank you so much! With passion and drive you can do anything!

[@lauracampion6781]

My vote is for choice A...I like the idea of books with books and it might make it a bit easier when it comes to book shopping.

[@jordenlover1658]

Hey I have a few questions. And I have a bunch of chapter books that I used from a few years back

[@donnadallwein-mackey4470]

choice b by the closet it kinda balances the room its out of the way no bumbing knocking over

[@fionaleek7760]

I would put it near the library. Classroom is looking amazing

[@raquelrocksful]

I think the series of unfortunate events book series might be a great choice to add to your collection if you haven't already 😊

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Yes!!! Going out searching this weekend!

[@TBLove2012]

What camera do you use?

[@elizabethskaggs2004]

How does the student desk work....the special desk that is adjacent to your whiteboard? Does this "special student" ever go through all your post-it notes, etc? Do they ever mess with the special pens and "destroy" them? @theletteredclassroom Help!!

[@BridgingLiteracy]

I'm headed over to the school now. If I have a moment I will do a quick vlog about it!

[@Lucky_kit6052]

Can you do a video on how/ what inspired you to become a teacher?

[@elizabethskaggs2004]

My vote is put the standing circular bookshelf in the back by the craft closet.

[@StarbuckEducation]

nice labels for the popcorn!

[@Kay.Marie.]

The dictionary idea is a great one!

[@fabulousfirsties4895]

What kind of watch are you wearing! So cute!

[@BridgingLiteracy]

It is a Burberry watch.

[@Lucky_kit6052]

Are the books yours? How did you get your library books?

[@gracehammomd1865]

I think choice A would work best for the flow of the classroom! love your videos!!

[@lookather100]

Where did you get your black bookcase from and where did you get your curtains from as well?

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Bookcases were from Ikea. The curtains are from Target 😍

[@blisskissedme]

I like it over by the closets

[@kathryns31biz]

option A and where did you get the Layard? I would love to order one too.

[@BridgingLiteracy]

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NUJPL8E/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 My husband ordered it off of Amazon, it was Prime at the time... :) ....but I have seen the same one on Ebay and other sites. It's even better in person!

[@danamarie7069]

I like your idea for the writing process. I give my students jobs bc of the population I teach. They really respond positively, as I think it gives them an even bigger sense of individual importance and belonging, vs the whole class level.

[@juliamarie3929]

will you do a classroom tour

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Yes of course!...but my room isn't done!?!? I might film it next weekend. We will see.

[@jessicamariepj]

Choice A!! That way all of the books are together!

[@gustavogomez8931]

Loved the randomness of it...I'm feeling the meet-the-teacher-nerves astirrin'...lol...watching your vlogs calms those down.I was glad to hear about the "piles"...I thought I was the only one that did that. Last year those piles almost got me, but I got them first ha ha.

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Piles are everywhere! Hopefully my Meet the Teacher gave you some new ideas! Thank you for watching!

[@mandag6890]

Option A-- the books should stay with the other books. PS I absolutely love your videos!! I have been teaching for 13 years, yet I still learn so much from you! Thank you, thank you, thank you!! Good luck at your new school!

[@katyclare7969]

I love watching your videos, you inspire me as I'm training to become a teacher xx

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Yay!! Good luck!

[@katyclare7969]

+The Lettered Classroom thank you xx

[@MaraChan1996]

You should get the Babysitter's Club books!

[@MarcellaCole08]

With the pin boards .... If you use them for the writing process have the kids choose and name their animal (owl,cat, or a rat- like in Harry Potter) and use their animal to keep track of where they are in the writing process. If that makes sense.

[@ms.kristin6909]

I like the idea of having all books in one area...like--the book store! BUT!!! Fourth graders are...BIG. It'd be nice--ER to have them have enough room to shop the books you have. Clearly, fourth grade kiddos would spend a minute at that shelf with chapter books, before they selected. I would put the new black spinning shelf across the room.

[@mwcmwc8768]

I'd choose option A. I'd also group all my books by authors together and all my other books together. Example: Put all books by Gail Gibbons, Patricia Polacco, etc. together then put all categories (poems, fairy tales, etc.). I wouldn't mix them together--that's just me. I taught 4th for years. We used dictionaries almost every day. I can't imagine using Dr. Seuss easy readers, Mercer Meyer, and some others very much though.

[@kaitlyntylman7027]

The book rack looks better by the book shelves !

[@cpelletier9635]

Choice A because all the girls putting their bags away are going to knock it all them time. All. The. Time. Plus, the picture books may not be read much as much of my students called them baby books. The books my students liked best in 4th grade were the "I survived..", Thea Stilton, Geronimo Stilton, Guinness Book of World Records (any year), Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Humphrey the Hamster (I think that was his name), Magic Treehouse, Descendants, etc. Dictionaries were a must in our classroom. The kids would always ask you a question that they could easily look up in the dictionary. We would say Look it up, before answering.

[@lindasofialopezestrada14]

Im organizing the library in the school Im working. You inspire me to he better. Can you share some ideas for the first week of school and how to make a bomd with the students? This is my first time in 3rd grade and Im used to bigger students 5th and 6th. I wish I was you coworker 🤗🤗🤗

[@mrssantiago301]

Where did you get the book carousel at? I I would to put that in my classroom library!

[@BridgingLiteracy]

It was in the hallway to go to storage! I'm not sure where it was purchased.

[@luciab.pajuelo2382]

By the books definetly! it is part of the library.

[@JenuineLife]

Just curious... Does your school know you vlog? Did you feel obligated to keep them informed? Thanks :)

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Yes. I made it part of my interview packet. I wouldn't say I feel obligated, but I see no reason to hide it. I love teaching and sharing!

[@JenuineLife]

+The Lettered Classroom cool. No I agree it's great. I love to share too. I just haven't shared my classroom stuff on KZbin yet as I didn't know if it was a safety/privacy thing or not (obviously when you film students it is different again) I will approach my principal I think. Your room looks fab by the way :) Jen

[@BridgingLiteracy]

+organisedlifestyle - Yes. Definitely give parents the option to opt in or out. You will get some of both, and that's ok.

[@julianar523]

I think the rack should go with all of the other books to keep it more organized and not just like confusing and books everywhere

[@katedupras1835]

Choice A! It looks great over in the library area. Also, you might want to put fairytales before Gail Gibbons. 😊

[@SwedishNonsense]

I love all these vlogs!

[@jenniferhugar5352]

As a fourth grade teacher, I have my kids use dictionaries quite a bit.

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Good to know! I've been trying to thinking up a few ways to specifically incorporate them into my lessons.

[@shugirl1776]

Option A by the library!!

[@CuriosityRocks]

I love seeing the books :D

[@natalie3104]

Does your new school use basal readers?

[@BridgingLiteracy]

I don't expect to use them in 4th grade, but we will see. I used them often in K.

[@catleo3621]

"I will, I promise.... maybe...." hehehehe my fave bit!

[@connerfrielinghausen9081]

who is your favorite singer

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Taylor Swift!!

[@connerfrielinghausen9081]

+The Lettered Classroom do u like carrie underwood

[@divinefox4789]

choice A! as it will be with all the books and it looks so much neater there, it looks too out of place in choice B xx

[@mkain006]

I like choice a for the book spinner

[@kaylayoungblood9577]

you need to get more bins

[@micgolf]

Choice A by the other books

[@simisidhu8034]

I think Choice A next to all the other books Hope you reply

[@k.m.240]

yay! tomorrow is your first day of school!! or if you read this Thursday it's the day!! good luck!!

[@lovebalidt927]

I thought she started next Wednesday

[@k.m.240]

+Agcath - oh yeah I'm thinking of someone else! I'm so sorry!

[@katiebammel2591]

Option B. Is your small group table a U/kidney table?

[@nancycox270]

choice A. Looks great.

[@jmark1039]

What grade do you teach?

[@CuriosityRocks]

I love your lanyard :D

[@emmasummerour5892]

Okay so I'm 16 right now and I LOVE KIDS. I'm trying to decide whether I want to be a teacher or a pediatrician/ pediatric nurse. I love these videos and they are really helping me what being a teacher is like. Thank you! Also does anyone have any tips on how I should decide what I want to do? Or, if you're a teacher, what's your favorite part about being a teacher?

[@mattfortune8116]

You could use the cork boards for house points or for the names of whos in each house. Don't know if your doing it this way or not but would be cool to split them into houses and give out points but have the houses span both ur am and pm classes so that your am griffindors can effect the points of ur pm griffindors. not sure if that makes sense. haha. loving your vlogs btw. :D

[@Madismom11]

I don't do classroom jobs - we are all sharetakers and caretakers in our classroom and school community

[@tammystruthers8116]

I would put it in spot A.

[@jadab.3910]

I teach 4th. We use dictionaries all the time.

[@FueledByKendall]

Leave the rotating book display beside the library.

[@jalenjohnston3583]

Option A looks great

[@OneFABTeacher]

This was me and part of my library last week. Love your videos!! ((Hugs))

[@nicolecbays]

Am I the only one whose never seen carpet in the hallway like that? Haha so strange!

[@lillyblair9375]

What grade are you teaching

[@erica166]

she is going to teach 4th grade

[@BridgingLiteracy]

+ERICA BEAN - Thanks, Erica!

[@marisagatt4694]

I would put the stand next to the library area (option A). On the doors I would suggest to put pictures similar to the ones used in the film to open the doors. Ex: singing lady as I think the class needs a bit more Harry Potter theme in it. The main door maybe the platform theme and maybe do some labeling of cute bottles like potions.... I m also a teacher and thus really like your channel. KEEP IT UP xxx

[@jessicabollman4431]

choice a. .I like all the books in one area...

[@joeyfrancis146]

Definitely choice A!