How big is the book collection in your classroom? I think we have about 200-300 books on display in our literacy classroom and many more in storage. We have about one-third to one-half readers - small books mostly, many written by learners. The rest of the books range from picture books on animals to biographies to health pamphlets. We have been building our collection for about 15 years.

We are now in our own space and have the books arranged on the walls in flat bookcases that show the covers. Many of our walls are covered in books! When a new student comes in, one of the first things we do is try to find a book of interest at the right level. We let books go home and lose a lot that way, but it is worth it.

I’m constantly surprised at what the learners enjoy. Lately there is more demand for romances and NO interest in factual material. Last term no one seemed worried that certain books were written for children; this term I’ve already got two rejections of a book because it’s too childish! Every once in a while, a book hits dead air no matter what I do, and the next semester it might be popular.

When you are building a collection, you, the teacher, are another consideration. I’ve never been particularly successful with reading books that include exercises, but many teachers use them all the time and their learners love them. I picture them working well, but it just doesn’t happen for me. Other teachers are dismayed at what I suggest they try.

I’m convinced that the book collection is one of the strong successes of our program. We often have learners who just “sit around and read.” One new student said she “hoped I didn’t mind if she read a lot.” As a literacy teacher, my heart went pitty-pat!

You can see why I love to work on the Literacy Materials Bulletin. Expand all of the above to math, science, videos, computer software and games, and I’m in my element. As a member of the committee, you get a shipment of resources twice a year to field-test and keep! Also, in my institution, we have money for resources for the learners, and I would wish this for all learners.

Evelyn Battell