So, you just found out that you are moving to a new grade level next year. What do you do with all your classroom books?? You could do what I did and store them all in a box in your basement. But…I don’t recommend that! When I moved from second grade to fifth grade, I thought I had to get rid of all my books and start over. Not true! I’ve got some ideas for what to do with books when you find out that you are moving grade levels.
I’ve got all these ideas on video too! If you would rather watch or listen, check out Moving to a New Grade Level on my YouTube channel.
Moving Grade Levels?
1. Keep Them!
Depending on what grade level you are moving to, you can definitely keep most of your books! There is no such thing as specific grade level books, kids like books of all shapes, sizes and levels! Big kids still love picture books and can get so much out of them. And younger kids can start to read early chapter books as well.
I do caution that you check the maturity level of the books before offering them to your students. Even if a child can read the words, the content might not always be appropriate for them.
2. Share with Fellow Teachers
If you are making a big jump in grade levels, offer some of your books to your former grade-level teammates. They would love to add new books to their collections! Especially if you have newer teachers who haven’t had a chance to build their own libraries yet.
Check with your school librarian! Could they use more books in the library for kids to check out? It is definitely worth seeing if they could use some of the books you no longer need anymore.
You could also set up a book swap area in the teacher’s room. Teachers could drop off books they no longer need. Then, other teachers could look through the books to add to their own class libraries. A win-win for everyone!
3. Give to Students
There is nothing better than putting books in kids’ hands! Before your students leave for the summer, allow them to “shop” through the books you don’t need. You could even have a book raffle and give students the opportunity to win a book from your classroom library! They will be so excited to have a book from your classroom. It will always bring back memories of your time together. Additionally, it provides students with reading material at home, especially during a time when they don’t have as much access to books.
4. Donate the Books
Another option would be to donate the books that you won’t use in your new classroom. The books could be placed in a Little Free Library if you have one near your house.
Many local libraries also host used book sales throughout the year. They are always looking for book donations! Local library sales are also where I get new books for my classroom! It is a great place to get books on a budget.
5. Sell the Books
The last way to switch up your classroom library would be to sell your books. This often takes more time and energy, though. Stores, such as Half Price Books, will offer you money for your used books. You could also sell collections of books through Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. You might not get a lot of money for them, but it could be better than nothing!
Once you get set up in a new classroom, make sure to label your library bins so that books are easy to find!
Are you moving grade levels next year?
I hope that you are excited to work with a new age group of students! Having books in your classroom is a wonderful way to engage your readers. So, I urge you to get your books into the hands of kids one way or another!
Want to save these ideas for later? Pin the image below!
