Have you been wanting to set up a library in your Spanish class but don’t know where to start? This post is for you!
One of the best ways to provide comprehensible input for our students is reading. We know this. We’ve done this (ourselves in elementary school) but many times we skip this step because our students are older and we have other things on the to-do list. It’s so important to include this in your class and starting is not as hard as you think!
1-Finding level-appropriate books for your library in your Spanish class
If you’re teaching multiple levels it will be hard to get books for all of your classes right away. Start with one prep and choose 5-10 books from the appropriate proficiency level. For example: if I’m teaching a level 3 class that should be at the intermediate level, I can get 8 books from intermediate low, 8 from intermediate mid, and 8 for intermediate high. This should cover all of your students in your class and will give them some variety to choose from.
Señora Chase has an amazing list of books, by level and it’s a great place to start looking for level-appropriate books.
Once you get the books, I highly recommend labeling them by level. You don’t want your advanced students reading novice-level books bc they will not get much out of it. It’s a little time-consuming at first, but the list from Señora Chase has really made my life easier!
2-Getting books for your library
This is the hardest part for most people. Starting a library can be expensive but there are options to help you get started.
A- Check with your district first; Are there any funds for student books?
So many things have gone digital that many old textbook funds are going unused. It’s best to start here. Explore options within your school district and look for any extra departmental or building funds. It never hurts to ask!
This is a great way to get help from your community or other big companies looking to help out. You can create a campaign with a description of your project. You can even include pictures of what you want your library to look like! You can request specific books and other people can send you funds to help you out. Once you make one, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family. Every $5 donation goes a long way!
C-Start Small- if you are self-funding and can only get one or two books at a time- you can still make it work. You can use the book as a self-paced station during class or have one student read aloud to a small group. Don’t feel discouraged because you can’t buy 30 books right away. We all start somewhere!
Many teachers feel discouraged because they can only get one or two books at a time. That’s totally fine! It’s one more book than you had the year before. You can always ask for one or two more books as small gifts from friends for your birthday or stocking stuffers around the holidays. I know it sounds silly, but if it’s something useful why not?!
**If you’re looking for a great bookshelf for your books, I HIGHLY recommend the one pictured above. It is portable, it easily folds, and is super lightweight. You can find it right here on Amazon (aff. link)
Once you have your library started…
3-Decide how you will incorporate the books into your class
What works best for your style?
Do you want to start class with 5 minutes of silent reading twice a week?
Do you want to have silent reading after a certain activity?
Can you break up your long block period with 5 minutes of reading?
We all have different schedules so there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Do what works for you! This will be by trial and error. You may need to try a few things before you find what works but once you do, stick with it. Consistency is key to making this work and getting your students into this routine.
Your students may be resistant at first. This is totally new for most of them. They will resist change just because it is different! Once you make this part of your routine and your class expectations, they will adapt.
Some things to consider when planning your library in your Spanish class:
*This is not a graded activity. We want to encourage students to explore Spanish at their own pace and in their own time. Many students do not like to read so this will be a tough ask from the beginning. Give them space to explore different books and topics and find one that they are genuinely interested in.
*Allow students to preview books and choose one that they like. There is nothing worse than being forced to finish a book that you hate. Allow your students to exchange books if they are unhappy with the one they chose (within reason-they should eventually settle on one!)
*Keep them accountable but give them space. We don’t want to make this more work for students. This does not have to end in a formal book report. Your students should be able to review their book once they are done or at a certain pre-determined date. Students can write an online review with stars, they can illustrate their favorite 5 scenes, they can make a TikTok about the book, or they can use Flipgrid to make a 1 minute recap/sales pitch. The options are endless- just try to keep it light for students so they will continue to enjoy this process.
What I have learned from starting my own library in my Spanish classes:
-This takes trial and error- you will make mistakes along the way to figure out what works for your classes and your style. It’s ok. Don’t give up!
-Slow and steady wins the race- don’t feel bad by starting with a few good books!
-Model reading for your students- during silent reading time you should also be reading a book. You can read one of the readers or bring your own book in Spanish to read. You don’t want to be taking attendance or walking around the room. You want to give them space to read and model what this looks like for them.
-Have fun- reading is a great way to expose your students to authentic stories, culture, different voices, and different languages. This is a great opportunity that you are giving to your students and they will take a lot away from this process.
Reading is an amazing way to provide comprehensible input. It takes some off the pressure off of us to constantly give our students input. If you are looking for more ways to support your students to produce more, check out this post on increasing output in your classes.
I hope both you and your students enjoy some reading this school year!
I love your Blog & ideas! Last year I started my library with Donors Ch. Because of my lack of experience, I told students to take a book to read (few did it). This Year I would like to implement reading in my class. So I will follow you in your blog and ideas.