A few years ago, my principal assigned 2 new classes on the specials schedule: primary and intermediate adapted library class for students in our autistic support classroom and those who have multiple disabilities (previously, this class might be called life skills).
The students who attended this class were often destructive to books, sometimes without meaning to be, and I needed a solution that would allow them to use the library and borrow books, without needing to replace their borrowed books constantly.
Board books were the simplest solution.
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I purchased a core collection that first year and added a few new board books each year since then. Even if we already had a popular title in hardcover, I might purchase it another copy as a board book specifically for my adapted library classes.
Since then, I’ve become a board book believer! If your budget allows, board books are a perfect complement to your elementary school library collection in several ways.
3 Reasons to Have Board Books in your Elementary Library:
1. Board books are very durable.
They can handle extensive use (and misuse) much better than most hardcover books. For students who are just learning to take care of books, or who may be destructive by accident, purchasing board books saves you both money and time.
2. They are affordable.
When compared to their hardcover or library-bound counterparts, board books tend to be half the cost, or even less!
Additionally, many “lap-sized” board books are about the same size as hardcover books, so you don’t even have to worry about “losing” them behind other books on the shelf. If you order from Amazon, or your favorite library vendor, check the item specifications to see what size the board book is. For your sanity’s sake, it may be worth paying a couple extra bucks for the larger size board books.
3. And most importantly…board books make your library more accessible to ALL students.
Back in my adapted library classes, students listen to a highly-engaging, interactive book that I read aloud, then they can choose 2 books from the Board Book section or the Everybody section if they have show they can take care of them.
Students can self-select their own books, sometimes with the help or encouragement of the aide, assistant, or paraprofessional that comes with them. Most students take their books home to read with their parents, and if they attend the “regular” library class as well, they might exchange books during both classes. They end up checking out and reading more books, which is a huge win for them and their families with minimal extra work for the librarian.
Some students who attend adapted library class, however, keep their books in the autistic support classroom or multiple disabilities classroom. In those instances, it’s still important for students to check out books, and practice borrowing something. The special education teachers and staff can read with students throughout the school day, and these board books add some variety to what is available in a student’s classroom library.
Making it Work for Your Library:
The key to making this program work is communication with the special education teachers. Before checking out books to students in adapted classes, I talk to the teachers, and assure them that any book damage will NOT be their responsibility. Sometimes I think teachers are hesitant to let students with special needs check out books because they feel that they are personally responsible for all of their students’ behaviors, no matter how uncontrolled.
Communicating your understanding that “accidents happen” and strategizing how to minimize accidental damage can go a long way towards building a positive program for everyone.
Where to Shelve Your Board Books
You can shelve board books with your Everybody or Easy section of picture books, or try what I’ve done, which is keep them on their own shelves. I kept the call numbers the same and added a “Board Books” sublocation in our Destiny® circulation software so I know where to find them.
In the past, when I was just starting our board books collection, I put them in plastic Gratnell bins with the covers facing out. The bins could stay on a mobile cart to bring out for adapted library classes, or they can be stored away and set out on tables when needed.
Need some ideas to start?
Check out my Board Books for Elementary Schools Idea List on Amazon.
Do you have board books in your library? Share with us how you use them in the comments!
I am unable to click on your link for the Amazon List. 🙂
Sorry about that! It should be fixed now. 🙂
Thank you!!! You are awesome!