Rich Library: Complexity
Overview
Books of varying complexity and reading levels are necessary for all students to experience reading success. Having books at varied reading levels, including complexity of words and sentence structures, gives readers of all levels books they can read independently. Classroom libraries can also provide mentor texts, supporting Foundational Writing Skills.
Example: Use This Strategy in the Classroom
Watch this Reading Rockets video for an in-depth look, with classroom examples, of how teachers and students can set up a classroom library.
Design It into Your Product
Videos are chosen as examples of strategies in action. These choices are not endorsements of the products or evidence of use of research to develop the feature.
ReadWorks, a free online platform, offers readings at several levels sorted by grade, content, and lexile. The readings are also aligned to the Common Core State Standards. Teachers can find and assign specific articles to students and support their Vocabulary development, Narrative Skills, and Syntax.
Additional Resources
Additional examples, research, and professional development. These resources are possible representations of this strategy, not endorsements.
Factors Supported by this Strategy
More Physical Space Strategies
Dim or natural lighting provides a calming environment.
Having space where students can go supports Self-regulation and individual deliberate practice.
Multiple tables and chairs on wheels allow for setting up the classroom to support the desired learning outcomes of each classroom activity.
Multiple display spaces promote collaboration by allowing groups to share information easily as they work.
Using multiple writing surfaces promotes collaboration by allowing groups to share information easily as they work.
Decreasing extra audio input provides a focused learning environment.
Books for vision differences support reading development for learners with visual needs.
With rhyming and creative word use, poetry is a genre that supports the development of early literacy skills in particular.
Students who have had little exposure to the school's language can benefit from having books in their Primary Language in their classroom.
Books with SEL topics, such as developing friendships and identifying emotions, help teach these skills.
Providing ways for students to adjust sound level supports individual auditory needs.
Providing ways for students to meet their individual temperature needs supports focus and Self-Regulation.
Spaces that are structured, organized, and clean provide increased room for collaboration and active learning.
