Have you ever searched and searched for a book that you KNOW you have purchased but you can't find it? This can cause stress to our already very, very busy week. Follow these simple steps to organize your mentor texts so you can find them immediately. To make things easier I've provided free organizer tags and a mentor text booklet that can easily be put together. Let the organizing begin!
Download Mentor Text Booklet here then print out the specific pages you want to use. I provided two cover choices plus colored and black/white options. Start organizing your mentor texts and add the book titles to the correct category.
I suggest starting small then continue on to the other skills and/or subjects at a later time. If you attempt to do ALL the subjects and skills at once, it will seem extremely overwhelming.
Once you have your books sorted you can print out your free labels. I always print my labels AFTER sorting my books, this way I know exactly which labels to print. Print the labels on white cardstock and laminate for durability. Attach to the front of a Book Organizer using E6000 Adhesive Mini Glue. I prefer to use this glue because it creates an extremely solid bond. If you are worried about needing to change out your labels, attach using Washi Tape.
Now you can label each individual book. Using the Avery Easy Peel Address Label, create a label for each category. Attach a label to the back of each book. This will make sure you always know which container the book belongs in.
I also am a firm believer that books should never just "stay" in a cabinet! I allow my students to read my mentor texts frequently. By adding a label to each individual book, students can easily return the book when needed. This doesn't mean I constantly allow students to get into my cabinets, but I pull out certain containers each month based on what we're learning.
Now that your books are organized and have a special home, it is time to put together your Mentor Text Booklet using Happy Planner Mini Discs and a Happy Planner Punch. For step-by-step directions, head on over to the Sub Binder project. I created the Sub Binder using the same materials. This booklet will make it a piece of cake to find any book quickly. I also included a place to record when a team member borrows a book!
In our profession, we share materials all the time and sometimes it can be difficult to remember who borrowed your item last. When a coworker asks to borrow a mentor text, I send the book off in a Classroom Hanging Storage Bag. These bags are also perfect to store a book and an activity together!
Having your mentor texts organized by skills will help you quickly plan for lessons each year. You will no longer have to search and search for the books you used in previous years to teach the skill! As you continue to grow your mentor text library, quickly add each book to your mentor text list.
