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Reading PK-3 > Strategies > Rich Library: Complexity

Rich Library: Complexity

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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.

Use It 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.

  • Providing students with a class and/or school library of books that vary in Vocabulary and Syntax complexity supports literacy. Allowing students to choose books they want to read motivates them to read more, in turn supporting their growth in Alphabet Knowledge, Decoding, Print Awareness, and Sight Recognition.

    • 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.

  • A digital library of books or pre-existing OER resources can supplement an in-class library and even be used for a home lending system, supported by school-owned devices, so children can read with their parents.
    • View References

    Resources

    Below are additional examples, research, and professional development. These resources are possible representations of this strategy, not endorsements.
    Examples

    Audiobooks

    TeachersFirst provides free audio books, some with text to follow along

    Examples

    How to Catalog a Library

    An example of how a teacher categorizes her class library, which could be categorized along levels as well

    Examples

    How to Set Up a Class Library

    Practical tips on how to set up and set expectations for a classroom library

    Research

    Reading & Cognition

    Subtopic that explores cognitive models of reading on Digital Promise's Research Map

    Research

    Self-Efficacy

    Subtopic that includes research on the factors that lead people to develop self-efficacy on Digital Promise's Research Map

    Research

    Student Motivation

    Topic that includes research on the factors that motivate students to learn and reach their goals on Digital Promise's Research Map

    Factors Supported by this Strategy

    Language and Literacy
    Alphabet Knowledge
    Background Knowledge
    Decoding
    Narrative Skills
    Print Awareness
    Sight Recognition
    Syntax
    Verbal Reasoning
    Vocabulary
    Cognition
    Social and Emotional Learning
    Motivation
    Student Background
    Adverse Experiences
    Home Literacy Environment
    Primary Language
    Safety
    Socioeconomic Status

    More Physical Space Strategies

    Dim or Natural Lighting

    Dim or natural lighting provides a calming environment.

    Individual Spaces

    Having space where students can go supports Self-regulation and individual deliberate practice.

    Mobility & Flexibility

    Multiple tables and chairs on wheels allow for setting up the classroom to support the desired learning outcomes of each classroom activity.

    Multiple Display Boards/Screens

    Multiple display spaces promote collaboration by allowing groups to share information easily as they work.

    Multiple Writing Surfaces

    Multiple writing surfaces promote collaboration by allowing groups to share information easily as they work.

    Quiet Classroom/Pockets of Quiet

    Decreasing extra audio input provides a focused learning environment.

    Rich Library: Audio & Braille

    Books for vision differences support reading development for learners with visual needs.

    Rich Library: Diversity

    Multicultural and diverse books are critical for supporting all students.

    Rich Library: Poetry

    With rhyming and creative word use, poetry is a genre that supports the development of early literacy skills in particular.

    Rich Library: Primary Language

    Students who have had little exposure to the school's language can benefit from having books in their Primary Language in their classroom.

    Rich Library: SEL Topics

    Books with SEL topics, such as developing friendships and identifying emotions, help teach these skills.

    Sound Level

    Providing ways for students to adjust sound level supports individual auditory needs.

    Temperature

    Providing ways for students to meet their individual temperature needs supports focus and Self-Regulation.

    Uncluttered Environment

    Spaces that are structured, organized, and clean provide increased room for collaboration and active learning.

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