
Organized by Genre
With the new school year, I organized my books by genres. I even made genre labels to stick on my Dollar Tree baskets. But I kept finding books that were NOT in the right spot. Please tell me I’m not the only one this happens to! Am I shocked? Not at all! They’re kids, it happens. Plus, sometimes, I don’t know if the book should go in the realistic fiction basket or the funny stories one. If I struggle as an adult finding the best place, I’m sure my kids do too.
Organized by lexile
With lexiles being everywhere with Common Core, I decided to level my library by lexile levels. Plus, my school is BIG on lexiles. Sure, it may limit some of my kiddos, but I know they will be reading books at their level. And as you know, groups and levels are flexible so my little guys won’t stay put for long.
*I also have tubs of books at each table group with unlabeled books so my students have more choice to read by interest. Yes, I think kids should read what they want, BUT, they need to able to read independently as well.
- I’ll monitor their progress in guided reading groups
- I’ll check their AR quizzes each week to make sure that they are successful at their independent reading level
- I’ll use Enterprise Reading (same company as AR) to monitor
Steps to Lexile Organization
It’s time to get organized so here’s what you need to do to level your library as well! Snag this lexile level list and add some stickers to it so you can color code your books. I printed mine on fun scrapbook paper.
1. Supplies
If I were to do it again, I’d make sure I had enough of those round stickers! Don’t make the mistake of getting the clear colored labels like I did because they didn’t show up well on the books. Choose a color for each level. I thought about using cute washi tape but I don’t want to risk the pattern not being around in a couple of years so I stuck to stickers. You’ll also need a device or computer.
2. Enlist help
If you have parent help, take advantage because this is a big task that took a few weeks.
3. Use book leveling apps
I took each basket from my library and scanned the bar code on the back of the books using Scholastic Book Wizard {free} mobile as well as the Level It {$3.99} mobile app. I’d start with the Scholastic app and go through your books. If there isn’t a level, place them in a pile and save them for the Level It app, to save time.After it gave me the level, I’d add a sticker that matched the level and placed it on front of the book. Be warned, the apps won’t have the levels for some of the books so place the books in a pile and save them for later.
4. Books without a level
5. Setting up your library
6. Get your kids excited


Oh goodness, I have tried so many different things and ways! I have been using the Fountas & Pinnell leveling site. I just wish it was easier to find levels for books and they were consistent!
Thanks! kellybrown28021@gmail.com
Adorable and handy! http://www.pinterest.com/pin/316096467570807713/
cheriemae@gmail.com
Fluttering through the Seasons
https://twitter.com/CeciliaPortugal/status/540735528417492993
I tweeted about your giveaway. Cecilia
I've been wanting to tackle my books for years, but have never really thought about where I wanted to start. Thanks so much for sharing how you tackle this task.
I shared on Pinterest, http://www.pinterest.com/pin/270919733809901624/
Thanks!
~Lynda
mshamm1stgrade@gmail.com
My mentor teacher and I were talking about doing this today!! This would help me out SO much!!!
Thanks for all you do! Love it all!!
https://www.facebook.com/brooke.dunaway.3/posts/10152942018967953
I have been putting off leveling my library. This would help me stop procrastinating and get my library in order. Thanks for the opportunity and for sharing your ideas!
https://twitter.com/JoelStrange/status/540790425724796928
mhouston@ufl.edu
The majority of my school organizes my genre. I'm one of the few that uses Lexile as an organization method but I love it! I've given every student a card with their Lexile level and they know how to find the book on their level
This is amazing! I would love to organize my library just like this! I shared through Facebook and pinterest
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/287667494924446490/
Thanks for such an amazing tool! sstewart625@gmail.com
I am so happy to see this. I didn't know about the leveling app! we use AR to sort out boos and they switched to Lexile levels without warning so now I need to dele do my library. Your system work be a great help!
Thanks!
Stacr272@gmail.com
Makingoverthirdgrade.blogspot.com
I am so excited to use this!! I am waiting until break so I've got time. Did anyone win? ?