This year in my classroom, I decided to set up the PURR-fect Classroom Library. I am a cat lover and wanted to incorporate this cute theme into an area of the room. Students seem to love animals. Whether it’s talking about them, learning interesting facts, or reading about them they just can’t get enough! No matter what subjects students are interested in, it’s important to have an area in the room set up for them to spend time reading or working on independent activities.
Over the past few years, I've acquired quite a few books but had never really taken the time to organize them. I sorted them by theme and/or topic and used Neon Tall Storage Baskets with Handles, Classroom Organizer Book Storage Bins, and Neon Classroom Storage Tubs to store them in. I also labeled each one with my chalkboard kitty book bin labels and placed the bins either on top of my white cubby system or else inside one of the cubbies. Click “download template” button under the materials list to get the free printable. I highly suggest printing these out on white cardstock.
I papered the wall with Brite Blue Fadeless Art Paper and incorporated touches of blackboard with a black and white border. I also added some fun party-like touches with purple, green, pink, and blue bright tissue hanging fans. I also added a kitty head to the center of each fan. 
Since I wanted the classroom library area to be an extra special place to visit, I added some Inflatable Hot Pink Flocked Chairs and a variety of medium and large reading pillows too. These itmes allow for different options to sit and lay while reading.
To go along with the cat theme, I set up a special feature called "Read to a Kitten" using this colorful Plush Cat Assortment. This year, I'm really trying to train students to be independent readers, which can sometimes be difficult in the primary grades. One of the most challenging parts is teaching them to be independent in a quiet way. 
Students usually have the option to visit the classroom library during workshop rotations and it's important they stay on task quietly. Allowing them to choose a plush to read with has been helpful. They also know if they're not quite, they won't be allowed to do so and will be asked to return to their seat to read alone. It's really cute to watch them reading to a cat, too. 
Setting up my classroom library took a bit of work to prepare and organize but was totally worth it! I love the way it turned out. Now my students think I'm "the cat's meow!"
