Displaying Books for Preschoolers

"So please, oh PLEASE, we beg, we pray, Go throw your TV set away, And in its place you can install, A lovely bookshelf on the wall."

                                                                                           — Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

You may not throw the TV away, but there's no reason you shouldn't have a book display. One of the easiest ways to get your preschooler interested in books and reading is to create a display for books. This is an essential in any preschool classroom but takes a little effort  in your home or home day care.

1. Find a some-what secluded area. 
2. Gather as many different kinds of books as you can.
3. Store them on a small shelf, shoe rack, or crate facing forward. 
   If you have to use a crate leave enough space so the fronts of the books are visible. 
4. Provide books related to the season, theme or event in the child(ren)s life. 
5. Change out books accordingly, leave the favorite books to be read again and again.

      
After I wrote this post one of my Anonymous readers suggested I check out book slings.
If you're feeling pretty crafty you should check out "book slings" too. They seem fairly easy, fun and you can customize them too.

Head over to Penny Carnival to get instructions on making a book sling.

I also found some great display ideas at

  Chic & Cheap Nursery. 

Establishing Centers in "My Sad Class"

After posting "My Sad Class" on my blog the other day, my friend from Teach Preschool added it to her blog and WOW what responses! The Early Childhood Educators on her page had plenty to say about my sad class! To my enjoyment I was delighted so many educators shared my great passion! Yesterday, while everyone was home sending ideas, comments, and responses, I was a busy bee pulling everything off the walls (with the help of two teachers) and moving all the furniture so I could actually see what I had to work with. My space is beautiful and I love it. However, my furniture and materials are limited. You'll notice in the pictures, I brought some of my favorite pictures and posters to add to the wall. By any means am I done, but I wanted to share with you how it was coming together so far. Be sure to post your ideas, comments and responses below.

Surprisingly, where the Center is located we were told we are unable to get any Internet access. Our only options right now are to get dial-up (yuck) or hope the owners fork over money to have a tower built (I doubt that's going to happen). If you have any ideas on any other options we might have I'd really appreciate it. It'd be nice to read your comments on my break or at lunch then I can have all of you with me while I work:)