B-5 GoodReads Challenge 2013 discussion
Describe your ideal "book nook." (see details & suggestions in my first comment)
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My ideal book nook would have a smart board in it that showed the book on the big screen and the kids would have to wear head phones so they could listen to the books and the screen would have the story highlighted as the story was read so that the kids could read along with the book. The story would also have stopping points in the story that would ask the kids questions that the teacher can write down. There would be all types of books on every subject so that the kids would want to spend time there. Bean bags are my favorite to sit and read so I would have that in the book nook. I also like the life sized characters from the books to decorate the place. I got that idea from the Westminster elementary library when I went there to observe the kindergarten class. Book posters are also fun to hang on the walls so that the children can have a preview of what the book is like.
My plans for a classroom book nook reflect calm, quiet, and relaxation. I know that the things that bother me when I am reading a good book are, the many distractions from outside sources, not enough lighting or too much lighting, and the non-relaxed feel I might have while reading. Therefore, my ideal book nook would have a sheer pastel colored canopy to block out some of the light from the classroom, a few selections from books that are focus on a particular targeted lesson plan, there will be a soft rug and bean bag chairs for the children to cuddle up with a good book on. The book nook furniture would be focused away from the main classroom so that the children won't have so many opportunities to be distracted from their readings. On the walls I would have pictures of books flying in what seems to be a gust of wind, with words spinning around in the wind. My book nook would be on the backside of the writing center and on the other side of the general work area, situated on the inside of the book nook on the side where the general classroom sits will be a listening center with the same kind of attributes. I would do these things to decrease the noise levels around the area. Upon entry to the book nook there will be a small book shelf with books, magazines, news papers, and paper and pencils. On the back of the book shelf, facing the inside of the book nook there will be a list of things to remember about using the book nook, listening center and any reading materials, presented as a picture chart. This is my dream book nook, I hope you can picture it and you like it!
I would like my book nook to be a loft area that sits up a little higher than the classroom....something like a twin sized bunkbed but with no bottom bunk. It will be enough room for only two students at a time. The bottom area will be where the computer, books, and other media (headphones, CDs, books on tape) will be stored. I would put blue flame retardant sheets over the lights for a dimmed effect.
Kayla wrote: "My ideal book nook would have a smart board in it that showed the book on the big screen and the kids would have to wear head phones so they could listen to the books and the screen would have the ..."Kayla,
I like your idea of the smartboard reading stories to the children. Is this something you would do as a whole group or small group activity.
Well if I think it would be small group because it will be in a book nook area. The whole class could not fit.
Kayla wrote: "Well if I think it would be small group because it will be in a book nook area. The whole class could not fit."Oh yeah, duh!*lol*
I should not try writing so late I don't make sense
Kayla wrote: "I should not try writing so late I don't make sense"That's ok, this is my only quiet time!
my ideal book nook would its own little room in the classroom kind of like a small clubhouse or playhouse it would have a warm, comfortable feeling. I would have small chairs, bean bags, couches and blankets and pillows and a lamps. Give the children a sense of being at home. There will be a large variety of books on all subjects for the children to explore and keep them interested in the book nook. I would also include a few common stuffed animals from popular books for the children to read the stories with. I would also have books on CD for the children to read along with. My book nook will also have a chalkboard and a whiteboard for the children to write new words they see or want to learn or draw and create their own stories. The book nook can also be used as a quiet corner for students who feel they need a minute to regroup themselves to get their day started or help them to calm down in certain situations if they need it.
Kayla wrote: "My ideal book nook would have a smart board in it that showed the book on the big screen and the kids would have to wear head phones so they could listen to the books and the screen would have the ..."Yeah that would be a great tool to have in the book nook, it also incorporates technology into the classroom so they are enhancing their literacy skills and technology skills at the same time
My ideal book nook would be in a secluded corner of the classroom, as far away from the tables as I can get. I agree with Kai on using a lofted bed idea. I saw it done in a charter school I observed last semester and fell in love with the idea. I would need to tablets with headphone so 2 students at a time could be in the lofted area listening to audiobooks. Underneath I would have books wrapping around the bottom of the area with a plush rug and cushion. I would have those battery powered tap light attached to the bottom of the loft so that the students in my reader's cave could see.
My ideal book nook would be a relaxed, well-defined space. There would be one if those large camping tents equipped with reading lights and sleeping bags for students that didn't want any visual distractions as well as tons of large fluffy pillows and soft chairs. I'd have a variety of books, some familiar to the children and some new. I'd also change out half of the books every two weeks based on what we're learning about at the time. There would be journals for the children to record about the stories they're reading if they choose to.
Kayla wrote: "My ideal book nook would have a smart board in it that showed the book on the big screen and the kids would have to wear head phones so they could listen to the books and the screen would have the ..."Using a smart board is a great idea, Kayla! PBS.org and/or Starfall.com have read-along books that highlight the words, but I like your idea so much better! Most children like technology, so this would make them want to spend a lot of time in the book nook.
If money was not an issue, I would have a book nook that is fairly big, but sectioned off into smaller nooks. There would be books on eye-level shelves all around the room. It would be large enough so the books would need to be divided into genres. The children could easily find the type of books that interested them. It would be easy for me to see what other books I needed to choose to read to the class to expand their 'likes.' I would include soft child-size chairs and a large thick, brightly colored cushion on the floor with large pillows to maximize comfort. The room would have large windows for lots of natural light. I would have an area in the book nook for writing and art (centers within a center) stocked with different kinds of paper, stickers, markers, crayons, pencils, etc. so the students could draw things from books or make up their own creations. There would be ample wall space in the book nook to display their projects. There would be materials galore that the children could use to create their own books that would be shelved for others to 'read.' There would also be a loft for reading that had books on CDs where children could use headphones to listen. There would be enough for each child. There would also be a stage for acting out books and a puppet center that had a variety of puppets. When the children thought of others, there would be a variety of materials for them to make their own puppets. There would also be a large flannel board with flannel pieces for most books. Again, there would be ample materials for the children to make additional pieces. This book nook would be so inviting, the children might want to spend the whole day in there!
Robyn wrote: "my ideal book nook would its own little room in the classroom kind of like a small clubhouse or playhouse it would have a warm, comfortable feeling. I would have small chairs, bean bags, couches an..."That's a great idea to use the nook as a place where a child can calm down. The only problem would be if they were crying or upset to the point where they disrupted others. You know how we all stop and look at someone that is being loud in the GSU library! Even using a cellphone can be disruptive. I know what you mean, though. They can go in there to sit and relax and to just get away from all stimulation for a while. You have excellent ideas for your book nook!
My ideal “book nook” will be located in a quiet and visible place in the classroom. I will perfectly fit five children at a time. I will have a personal touch, since I love the ocean and I like to travel and learn about different cultures, I will add some ocean pictures and some shells, that I will be changing during the year for the objects I find my students like most about the ocean. I will add some objects from the places I had visited and I will be adding things from my students’ culture too. I will add color to the “book nook” by having an accent wall, and I will play with texture by adding a rug that also will define the space, plus I will have a comfortable sofa and some pillows on the floor, each made of different fabric.
I will choose high-quality books that allow every child have meaningful learning experiences. I will add books every week that go along with the thematic unit and always will have books about feelings, tender topics, science, art, and diversity available for the class on top of those related with the theme for the week. I will organize the books on wooden shelves at their level.
Additional to books, I will have magazines, newspaper, menus, and dictionaries displayed on baskets; I would have at least two sets of CD-players /tape-players, and headphones for them to listen to audio books or to record themselves while reading,. I will provide different types of paper, crayons, markers and pencils for them to have a great writing experience after or while reading and taking notes (or drawing). On the accent wall I will have a flannel board with felt characters for telling or retelling stories and next to it I will add a basket with puppets.
I can’t wait to build this wonderful place one day!
Kayla wrote: "My ideal book nook would have a smart board in it that showed the book on the big screen and the kids would have to wear head phones so they could listen to the books and the screen would have the ..."Kayla, that is an awesome idea! Children are into technology these days so why not bring them into the classroom!
My ideal "book nook" would be the biggest part of the classroom. It would be an area that is secluded from the rest of the classroom, a quiet area that is inviting. I would probably set it up as a large text with lighting that is high enough to read but dim enough to make it a calm setting. There would be an ipod display where they can read along with the book on the ipod if they are reading the book as a group. There will also be some calm music on there so that they can listening to some music as they read. There will be pointing sticks to read along with. A wide variety of books sorted on to the many shelves that are all around the book nook. Maybe a step stool for those who can't reach the higher books. I would place bean bags, cushions, and pillows. I would leave some writing books with pens for those who are inspired to write a book of their own. They will each have a journal on the journal shelf where they will write down the title, author, and illustrator of the book that they have read. I want the book nook to be inviting, a place that the children will enjoy.
If money was not an option my ideal book nook would be amazing! There would be a reading area that looks like a castle, with an upper and lower floor divided into sections so that children can read by themselves or with others. It would have several front facing bookshelves, one with the children's favorite books that we always keep in the classroom, one with class-made books, and one with books that always relate to whatever theme/unit we are learning about that week. I would have trees painted on the walls around the reading castle to make the area look like an enchanted forest so that it is very cozy and inviting. I also think having it near a window to let in natural light would be great for reading. I would have a special section with audio books and a CD player and headphones where children can sit and listen and another special section where the DLLs can go to sit quietly with audio books and other reading materials in their own language (it would be a big reading castle). The area would have lots of big pillows for children to sit on and each child would have their own notebook to write in so that if they think of ideas for stories that they would like to tell they can write them down.
Kai wrote: "I would like my book nook to be a loft area that sits up a little higher than the classroom....something like a twin sized bunkbed but with no bottom bunk. It will be enough room for only two stude..."Kai, I love your idea for an elevated book nook!
I would create an area that was very comfortable, including seating like a small (child size) sofa, bean bags, and then a table. Some children like to read at the table, with accessories that help children follow the words like a book mark or pointer. There would be shelves on the wall where all the books could be displayed and a small bookshelf so the books could be in themes, or genres. Near the table would be an area where children could listen to books on tape, enough for at least two. I would also like a computer for children to look up books they’d like to see or hear. I would use lamps for a home like setting.
Jennifer, I really like your ideas to make all the books placed on eye-level shelves all around the room and big enough; therefore, all of the books can be divided into genres. As a volunteer, I have been in a Korean daycare this summer (DLLs), the director has made the seeting of the place is exactly alike that picture. All of the walls are placed on eye-level shelves with the books into different genres lables becuase she believes reading books are the most important strategy to begin for young children's literacy. Jennifer wrote: "Kayla wrote: "My ideal book nook would have a smart board in it that showed the book on the big screen and the kids would have to wear head phones so they could listen to the books and the screen w..."
My Ideal "book nook" would be informational and fun filled with large book shelves with all sorts of picture books on every topic possible. Also I would include books like dictionaries, encyclopedias, and atlases. My book nook would be comfortable there would be a few comfy chairs, a bunk bead, bean bag chairs, and other types of furniture children find fun. My book nook would have the latest technology there would be a listening center where the children could listen to books. The book would be displayed on a large screen and the words would be highlighted as the voice read the books aloud. Also I would like interactive books that children could use to manipulate books as they please. There would also be iPads in the center. My book nook would also be inviting. It would have lots of natural light near the window, there would be encouraging words of wisdom posted, and also the children's good work would be on the walls too.
My ideal "book nook" would look like a fantasy land for boys and girls that incorporate books in the mix. I imagine a forest like theme where there are stuffed animals and trees where the trunk of the tree is lined with books. There should be a canopy like section where the children would have the option to read on different levels in a group or individually. I would have books that touch on every subject and organized in sections accordingly. I would have real world items to read that they would encounter such as menus, magazines, etc. I would place small, medium and big comfy chairs, bean bags, and maybe even a stable, low to the ground hammock for the children to sit on and read. I would have walkie talkies that children could use to tell each other different parts of a story they are reading if they are not in the same section of the "book nook." I would include an actual "readers theater," which would comprise of a follow-along and read-along type of equipment. I imagine a theater screen of smaller size that would display a read-aloud on screen so the children could see the words of the story and visually follow along while they hear it and read it out loud themselves. They would also have the option of wearing headphones inside the "readers theater." I would have an electronic section in the "book nook" that offered computers to play reading games, ipads for individual use which can be used to record the kids while reading to boost self-confidence, etc. A cool device in the electronic book nook section would be an interactive floor that is computerized. This can be used for spelling words or becoming a part of the story.
Robyn wrote: "my ideal book nook would its own little room in the classroom kind of like a small clubhouse or playhouse it would have a warm, comfortable feeling. I would have small chairs, bean bags, couches an..."That is a great idea to have it inside a play house. The pre-k at GSU has a playhouse with books in it. I like going inside to read to the kids.
Rhaynes5 wrote: "My Ideal "book nook" would be informational and fun filled with large book shelves with all sorts of picture books on every topic possible. Also I would include books like dictionaries, encyclopedi..."Having the book nook by the window for the natural light is very good. I also love interactive books and books that come with CDs. It sounds like you have thought about this a lot.
Kayla wrote: "My ideal book nook would have a smart board in it that showed the book on the big screen and the kids would have to wear head phones so they could listen to the books and the screen would have the ..."I really agree that you say about the distractions from others. I believe many teachers/parents experience in the similar situations. It is very important to have a place without distration with a bright lighting as well like you say.
My ideal book nook is cozy, comfortable and promotes reading. It is located in a corner of the room and close to a writing station. It is also near a window to add natural light. The nook has soft pillows; for laying on the floor with a book, beanbag chairs; for lounging, and small sofas. The nook also has portable CD players with headsets that can be used for books on CD or tape. The area is spacious enough for a maximum of 6 students. However, the suggested number is four students in the nook at a time. The nook has bookshelves to partially enclose the space or surround the children with literature. Each shelf is labeled and has a variety of text for the children to explore. There are picture books, atlases, bilingual books, textured books, magazines, cook books, science books, art books, and book on CD. Every book is cataloged and organized on the shelves. Families and students can even take part in our lending library that is available in the book nook area. My goal is to provide students with a variety of text that is accessible and developmentally appropriate.
Love that you would include dictionaries and encyclopedias. Great idea!Rhaynes5 wrote: "My Ideal "book nook" would be informational and fun filled with large book shelves with all sorts of picture books on every topic possible. Also I would include books like dictionaries, encyclopedi..."
The castle won me over. I can only imagine how awesome that would be! Would love to be in your class.Katlin wrote: "If money was not an option my ideal book nook would be amazing! There would be a reading area that looks like a castle, with an upper and lower floor divided into sections so that children can read..."
I love the loft area and how it sit up higher and functions as a storage underneath. Children could easily pass time hanging out with a book and a pillow. Love that it is individualized and offers children an opportunity to just get away. Kai wrote: "I would like my book nook to be a loft area that sits up a little higher than the classroom....something like a twin sized bunkbed but with no bottom bunk. It will be enough room for only two stude..."
My ideal book nook would include all types of books! Big ones, small ones, books with words, books with no words, and etc. I would also have some regular dictionaries and picture dictionaries. Magazines and newspapers will also be included. It would also include kindles for the student to read on. There would also be mini sofas, love seats, and foot rest so they can be really comfortable. I would have a little desk stocked with writing utensils for the students to use if they get inspired while they are reading. There would be posters on the walls related to reading but not overwhelming amounts. Of course there will be bookshelves but it will be organized in subject area and abc order.
My ideal Book Nook would undoubtedly be in a quiet part of the classroom. I'd love for it to be a loft that is appealing to children initially and becomes an exciting place for them to be, thus encouraging them to read more and discover new books everyday! There will be a variety of high-quality books available in the loft and new ones added each week. I would want the Book Nook to be a safe place where children feel like they can take refuge! Therefore I would limit the number of children at a time, in order to keep the desired appeal. There would be large pillows and bean bags for children to sit comfortably. I would also include plush toys, puppets, and a flannel board with felt characters for retelling stories. There would be clipboards and paper&pencils, perhaps individual journals for children to write about whatever they would like! They can write about what they've read or make up their own stories that could evolve into a Reader's Theatre. I love baskets, so in addition to a traditional bookshelf there would be color coordinated baskets for children to keep books organized by theme. Ideally my (very appealing) Book Nook would be a sought after space for children to spend time in, luring them away from traditionally more exciting areas such as block play and dress-up.
Rehema wrote: "My ideal "book nook" would look like a fantasy land for boys and girls that incorporate books in the mix. I imagine a forest like theme where there are stuffed animals and trees where the trunk of ..."I LOVE the electronic addition with an interactive floor, children will be so creative with it and use it to its full potential!
Mod
1) Imagine that you can spend any amount of money you want ... describe your ideal "book nook": types of reading materials you'd include, accessories that would support emerging readers, decorative items/pieces, organization of materials, etc. Be thoughtful & creative!
2) If a peer has already suggested an idea you also had, comment on her post, extend on the original idea, etc. Be thoughtful & creative!