St Kilda Park Classroom Libraries

It is with great excitement that I share a peak into the exciting ‘Classroom Libraries’ that are coming to all learning spaces at SKiPPS. 

Research shows that students in classrooms with high-quality classroom libraries, read 50 percent more than students who do not have access to a library in the classroom (Booksource, 2003; Hunter, 1999). Well stocked, high-quality classroom libraries can generate interest and motivation for reading, support differentiated instruction through better matching of students with texts, and provide the means to the practice necessary to develop expert reading skills. (S.Catapano · 2009 JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE AND LITERACY EDUCATION)

Each classroom at SKiPPS will have a library established, with purchasing well under way. This has been set up as a 4 year project where staff will continue to build on their resources each year with the focus of ‘QUALITY LITERATURE over QUANTITY LITERATURE’.

Each classroom and specialist teacher has been given a budget to start building their quality literature Classroom Library. This will continue over the coming years until all learning spaces are equipped with a designated space, clearly labelled and sorted quality texts. The library will be accessed for purposes such as; reading conferences, mentor texts to model quality writing, shared reading and sustained reading. We want all reading to be quality reading. The students will be heavily involved in sorting the texts and creating labels to build the sense of ownership and student voice. They will be able to share and request titles and authors that generate reading engagement for them.

Thank you to all the fundraising events that you have supported this year, as the funds raised are assisting us in purchasing quality, hard cover (where possible) books, shelving and soft furnishings to make these spaces in the classrooms special and inviting.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?   

• If you have old books that are good quality and in good condition, please consider sharing them with us when you no longer need them at home.
• We will have LOADS of books that require contacting.

If you are able to assist in any of the above ways, please let Jac Morphy (Foundation teacher) or your child’s classroom teacher know and we will arrange a way to share necessary resources. Jac can be emailed on Jacqueline.Morphy@education.vic.gov.au 

I hope you are as excited as we are! 

Jac Morphy

Literacy Leader