FREE CLASSROOM BOOKS??

Okay so not all of these ideas are free. I don't know about your classrooms, but I feel like I can never get enough great books in mine!  I know what you're going to say, books get expensive! I have few ideas to get some books at a cheaper price or even free.  Check out these ideas!


 1. FREECYCLE
Freecycle is an online site where you can find people in nearby areas giving things away for free!  The groups are monitored by volunteers and you can search for whatever types of books you're looking for.


2. Garage Sales
It's summer time and I feel like every neighborhood has garage sales constantly going on.  If you can check to see if they have a lot of children's items.  These houses will be more likely to have children's books.


3. Library Sales
I used to work at my neighborhood library and I know that twice a year we would go through and pull books that we either had multiple copies of or just weren't getting checked out.  Quite often these were all GREAT books.  Check in with your local library and ask when they're having their next sale!


4. eBay
Everyone knows eBay has tons of stuff so why not check this out for books?  Just watch out for the shipping prices of course!!


5. Thrift stores and Goodwill
I've had some great luck with finding gently used books at local Goodwill stores.  A lot of the time they'll have color sales(certain colored stickers) or items sale. Just ask an employee when/if books will be on sale.  If they look at you with a weird face just tell them you're a teacher.


These are just a few of the ideas I've been able to come up with and use myself.  If you have more please share!!

You want me to read over the summer??

Have these words been spoken by a child you know this summer?  I know some of us are only a few weeks into our summer break but we can't forget how important it is to read every day.  Barnes & Noble is doing a great program this summer.  All a child has to do is read 8 books and fill in the B&N Summer Journal.  If they complete the journal and bring it into a B&N store they'll get to pick a free book.  This great program is for children going into grades 1-6. 

As an adult I can't help but love B&N for my own reading.  This summer program is a great incentive!  I know I gave my students forms for it before school was even out.

B&N Program INFO


Since we're on the topic of reading, what is everyone reading this summer? Adult or YA? Titles??

Starting Out

Hi,

I figure the best way for me to get this blog starting is to tell you why is was started.  Next year will be my 8th year as a teacher, scary right?  You'd think by now I'd have it down to a science, but surprisingly I don't. (Teacher sarcasm)  Next year is a whole different ballgame for me so I want to share my hits, misses and everything in between.

Starting in August I'll be teaching 5th & 6th grade Reading/Language Arts and be working as my schools first ever Reading Specialist!  Splitting my time between the two will be a first for me as I've always done one or the other.

I'm going to use this space to share great ideas, tips and books.  Probably while also working out my struggles from time to time as well.

So let's hope for the best and get ready for an exciting year!

Jen K

“I can't go back to yesterday because I was a different person then.” 
― Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland